Building a deck is a great way to expand your living space. But a deck doesn’t only increase the square footage of your home, it also adds an aesthetic appeal to the exterior of your home. One of the most important factors to consider when building a deck in your home is the materials. The decking material will determine the durability of your deck, as well as other important factors such as maintenance, appearance, and so on.

Decking Options

Over recent years, decking options have increased exponentially. Thanks to the explosion of hardwood imports, plastic decking, vinyl, and composite lumber, there is a wide range of decking options to consider. Here are the most common decking options.

Redwood Decking

Typically, redwood is an extraordinary deck material in many ways. Redwood is highly stable and its heartwood is resistant to wood-boring insects and weathering even without chemical preservatives. One of the premier options for your outdoor deck, redwood offers natural durability. 

Wood decks can burn, warp, dry out, and shrink, but not a lot. They can also fade/discolor, rot, splinter, and crack. However, you can use redwood and a mixture of heartwood and sapwood called con-common to perfect your deck.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a wood alternative made from a combination of recycled wood and recycled plastic. The two components are mixed in equal measure, treated with preservatives, heated into a board-like shape, and cooled. TimberTech Decking is highly recommended for its low maintenance, long-lasting scratch, and fade and stain resistance.

Composite decking can be wrapped or non-wrapped, meaning it can come with or without a PVC exterior. Wrapped composite decking doesn’t rot, warp, or sag and is designed to withstand the harsh weather conditions in California. Non-wrapped composite won’t rot but can fray or get moldy. Non-wrapped decking doesn’t warp but can sag if not structurally supported.

PVC Decking

PVC is a popular decking material due to its numerous advantages. PVC is highly fire-resistant and rarely will melt when exposed to fire. It needs high temperatures for it to burn – your home’s structure will burn before your deck! PVC can fade over time, but there are many things that can help prevent it from fading. Since there are no organic materials to rot, PVC is rot-free. PVC can expand and shrink but won’t warp, though it can sag if not structurally supported.

Founded in 1999 by a 3rd generation contractor, Straight Line Construction boasts of over 20 years of experience in providing high-quality construction services to Sacramento, CA residents. Looking to build a deck in your Sacramento home? Contact us for the latest designs in railing and deck products designed to add beauty and value to your home.