choosing Deck part 2/6

Summary
of what's Available Review

Wood

• Real wood- some
are very pricey, such as mahogany.

• Wood weathers and changes color-requires regular staining,
pressure washing, to maintain a color . Otherwise you will end
up with the naturally weathered color look.

• Maintenance costs time and/or money and can add to the 
initial cost of the Deck

 • Wood in time
needs to be  replaced  depending on climate and
exposure.

Composite

• Costs usually more than most woods except for a few.
• Generally lasts longer & lower maintenance cost and time than in wood.
• Available in an array of decking colors have a long color life.
• Variety of textures, such as embossed wood grain, grooved,
smooth
• Expansion: Composites will contract/expand with moisture
content of the wood component and will be affected by the
temperature of the plastic component
• Tends to stain- such as from spilled cooking grease etc. cleaning methods vary with the type of stain and the type of the
wood component.
• •Investigate what kind of preservatives are being used.

Etc.

Plastic

• Cost range
recently of most composites are equal in price with plastic
decking.  So carefully make your cast comparisons and the
best lines of composite decking.                                           
• Plastics boast long service life with strong warranties.

• Minimal maintenance effort and cost

• Maintains original look and color long term

• Variety of deck colors and wood textures

• Expansion &
contraction with temperature-can vary on the ends by ¼ or 3/8.                                     
• Looks artificial to some and real to others. After all it’s not
real wood but looks nice.

Metal

• Cost range
tends to be highest

• Minimal maintenance effort and cost

• Looks commercial but it’s original look and color are long
term