Tips for Choosing the Best Materials for Your New Kansas City Deck

Are you ready to add a new deck to your outside area? If so, the first step in this process is to choose the right decking materials. There is an array of options to choose from, and the best choice depends on several factors, including your preferences, needs, and budget.

If you are looking for an all-purpose solution, the composite wood decking is a great choice. While the cost is higher upfront, composite wood requires less maintenance and is more durable. Also, it won’t splinter or weather like more common specialty or pressure-treated woods. This means it is a higher value option to consider.

While this is true, there are some situations when another type of material will make sense for your deck needs.

Natural or Pressure Treated Wood

Let’s be frank – Cedar is the gold standard for deck, and our crew loves building cedar decks in Kansas City.

If you are looking for a material that doesn’t cost as much upfront or are confident you can handle the ongoing maintenance required, then choosing pressure-treated wood decking is smart. Some of the maintenance tasks you will have to do, include painting or staining and power washing the surface annually. Even if you do this, as time passes, pressure-treated wood will begin warping, cracking, or splintering.

You may be one of the people who are concerned about the presence of chemicals in the pressure-treating process. One comforting thought is that any pressure treated wood you purchase today has been manufactured with much fewer toxic materials since stricter regulations were put in place in 2003.

Composite Decking

Do you plan to build your deck next to a hot tub, pool, near a pond or lake, or another source of water? If so, metal or composite decking may be a smart option. These materials help resist moisture, which is essential when installed in the areas mentioned above – after all, it is pretty much guaranteed it will get wet.

Another benefit of composite decking is less maintenance.  You won’t have to stain your composite deck every couple years. Even better, you never have to worry about wood-boring insects – at least on the surface decking.  Keep in mind that most support beams and post are almost always pressure treated wood or cedar.

One of the downsides to this material is that it is more expensive than most of the other options. This means it should be reserved for decks that need to stand up to a lot of water on a fairly consistent basis.

Specialty Wood

Do you want to add a more luxurious look and feel to your deck? If so, consider specialty woods. Some of the most popular options include cedar or redwood; however, there are other options, too. Thanks to the oils present in these woods, they are naturally resistant to signs of weathering.

What Deck Material Is Right for You?

Selecting the right material for your deck may seem like an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are on the fence regarding the decking material that is right for you, reach out to the professionals. They can help you consider your needs and budget to ensure you get the deck results desired.

Contact Heartland Decks today and get a free project consultation – we will help you get the best possible deck for your home, style and budget.