Best Types of Decks for Every Home

For homeowners, outdoor decks offer a warm and comfortable place.  However, determining the appropriate kind of deck for your house can be challenging. You should want to consider not just the deck's design but also the best deck material to use.

Function: Choosing a decking material and style to accomplish your aim will be easier if you are aware of the intended purpose.

Location of the deck: Will the deck receive regular rain or direct sunlight? What's the weather like there? The ideal material to use will depend on where your deck is located.

Structural design: Do you like a connected or detached deck? Is the deck intended to merely increase the value of your home or to expand your living space? Your choice of design will also affect your budget and deck material.

Material: There are several options for deck materials, including natural wood, composites, and aluminum. Consider the amount of care needed while selecting a material. Natural wood will need more care and regular cleaning, but composite lumber will cost more upfront and need less maintenance in the long run.

Building codes: Building rules may vary by city or county and may have an impact on the size or type of deck you can build. Before beginning any deck creation, check all the rules.

The different types of materials used in decks are usually used to categorize them. The most common deck materials are listed below:

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated decking is a low-cost favorite and is made of fir that has been saturated with anti-rot and pesticide chemicals. Stains can change the pressure-treated decking's natural tan or brown color. Pressure-treated lumber will last for decades, but it needs to be refinished every two years with a clear sealer or stain.

Composite

Composite decking is available in a variety of colors and is produced from a variety of materials, including plastic and wood fibers. Because it requires less upkeep than wood and is thought to endure for at least 25 years, composite decking is very popular. Although it is typically more expensive than ordinary wood, its extended lifespan makes up for the higher initial cost. If your deck receives direct sunlight, keep in mind that composite decking can become quite hot if cooling equipment isn't used to lessen heat absorption.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC is a material that can be used for wiring, decks, and pipes. All of it is synthetic. It is very inexpensive and does not decay or taint. PVC decking, on the other hand, doesn't decompose naturally because it is made of plastic, making it long-lasting and requiring minimal maintenance. PVC comes in a range of colors, just like composite material. PVC decking is extremely resistant to water, mold, mildew, and insect damage since it contains no organic material.

Redwood

Redwood was once the highest quality of decking, but it's now pricey and only found on the West Coast. It is manageable, sturdy, and lightweight. Only high-grade decking lumber with less sapwood's cream color should be chosen because it can decay quickly when exposed to the weather. Heartwood that is deeper in color naturally resists decay. Redwood has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Ipe

Ipe is a well-liked South American hardwood that is stunning, rot-resistant by nature, and strong. Installation requires a lot of effort because it is so difficult. Ipe needs to be sealed annually to keep up its rich beauty. It can last for up to 25 years.

Stone or Concrete

Although this decking material is the most expensive, it is also the most durable. Depending on the quality of the installation and the surrounding climate, decks made of concrete or stone can last for decades. The price of installation varies according to the size of the deck and the specific type of material employed. Decks made of stone and concrete are a great option for small ground-level spaces.

Aluminum

Wooden decks are frequently replaced by aluminum ones. This decking material requires little maintenance and is durable enough to last for many years. To suit your preferences, aluminum is offered in a variety of colors and designs. It is highly resistant to water damage and fire. As a result, it is perfect for locations subject to hail, strong winds, and heavy rain.

The structures used on decks come in a huge variety. A few deck styles are listed below:

Attached

An attached deck is one that is constructed directly outside of your house. Opening the front door of your house will allow you to walk right out onto your deck. Usually, they have a square, rectangular, L, or U shape.

Detached

You might construct a deck that is separate from your house if you have a sizable backyard. This level of a floating deck is reached by a walkway or path. These decks are ideal for converting poorly drained parts of your land into useful space.

The size of your separate platform is entirely up to you. Due to this, it is perfect for homes with limited resources or real estate.

Wrap-Around Decks

This big attached deck is connected to two or more sides of the house by a structure that is a little elevated. Wrap-around decks can be small or large, depending on your budget and available area. This style of the deck has steps, covers, and railings as needed. The benefit of this deck design is that it provides a lot of usable outdoor areas and is simple to reach from many locations inside your house. When doors to the living areas open to a sizable deck, it also expands the living space.

Multi-level deck

If the yard of your property slopes steeply, a multilevel deck is an excellent choice. Elevation adjustments might be considered while building a multilevel deck. Steps connect the several floors, making considerably more useable areas in a backyard that would otherwise go unused.

Rooftop deck

If you want outdoor space but your yard is too small, a rooftop deck can be the perfect solution. It might be possible to build a rooftop deck with a fantastic view of your neighborhood if your property has a flat roof that you can use to host events. These are common in urban areas.

Swimming Pool, Spa, or Hot Tub Deck

A deck next to your pool expands the area available for dining, sunning, and keeping an eye on children in the water. A hot tub, sauna, or steam room on a deck provides a spa-like environment.

For a more uniform look, you can construct a deck around an above-ground or in-ground pool. Make sure your pool follows all applicable municipal safety regulations, such as having a fence or gate surrounding it. It is preferable to use a slip-resistant material for these decks because they are close to water. For durability, go for Trex or composite decking, or add sealant to wood decks.

Final Word

Selecting the proper type of decking is the most important choice you'll make if you're building a new deck or remodeling an old one. It is difficult due to the large range of decking material options and pricing points. Hopefully, the above guide will help in planning your deck.