When it comes to types of composite decking, you have many choices that include fiberglass, aluminum, metal, vinyl or eco-friendly options. Most decks built today are made of a mixture of several types of material. Choosing the right Decking type for your home can be overwhelming unless you take the time to learn about the different types of composite decking.

One of the first types of composite decking used to create residential decks was PVC-based decking. Over the past few decades, new environmentally friendly versions of this decking have hit the market. Many major brand name companies produce these types of composite decking. While most brands of PVC-based deck boards are warrantied for 25 years, most other brands are warrantied for life.

Wood decking is another popular choice for new construction or remodeling projects. While some prefer the texture and look of hardwood versus softwood, many people are turning to hardwood because of its high maintenance levels. Hardwood lasts longer than softwood and requires less repair and care. In addition, if you install the wood decking yourself, you will save money because you don’t have to hire a contractor.

Another advantage of using composite decking is that it’s more affordable than traditional wood decking. Some homeowners even choose it over more traditional materials because they prefer the durability and low maintenance levels of the composite material. However, most homeowners still prefer traditional wood maintenance and they still want to maintain a pristine finish for added appeal to their home. Wood maintains its appearance and quality over time, but homeowners should still follow good homeowner’s tips for maintaining the beauty and appeal of the wood surface.

One disadvantage of using composite decking is that it does not provide as much variety in patterns and designs compared to using traditional wood. For homeowners who already have a nice design or pattern in mind, this may not be a problem. But for those who are starting from scratch, this can limit the types of materials you can use for your deck-building project. If you are looking to incorporate a design that you haven’t seen in the past, you may need to find and purchase new wood materials. This is an important consideration when deciding on the overall cost of the project.

In summary, it can be a wise decision to research all of the pros and cons of softwood decking before making a final decision. There are many advantages and drawbacks of softwood decking including its high maintenance levels, aesthetic appeal and durability. The decision to use softwood timber decking will depend on the location of where you live. In areas with intense cold climates, such as Alaska and Canada, softwood decking is often used. However, if your home is in a warm climate with a mild to moderate winter climate, you may want to consider hardwood decking such as cedar or redwood.