A composite deck doesn’t have the warmth of natural wood, but it does require less maintenance.
If you’re planning on building a new deck, you may be wondering what the lifespan of that deck will be. A deck with a long life provides a high return on investment; so, the longer the deck lasts, the higher your return will be. The type of material you use and how much maintenance you put into your deck will both have a huge impact in how long your deck will last. Here are some of the most common decking materials and what to expect from them.
Wood
Natural wood is one of the most common types of decking materials, and it’s easy to see why. Wood decks are warm and welcoming, and they look good with any type of home. However, wood decks also have the highest maintenance requirements. Wood is naturally susceptible to rot, mold, mildew, and warping. Moisture is the enemy of wood decks, and wood decks that are low to the ground or in a shady area will be more susceptible to damage. Cedar is a popular choice for wood decks because it retains less moisture. However, expect to still have to do continual maintenance on a cedar deck. You will need to seal your deck every year and clean it often. A properly maintained cedar deck can be expected to last 25 to 40 years.
Engineered Lumber
A deck made of engineered lumber has all the appeal of natural wood with a higher resistance to moisture. Engineered lumber is pressure treated with chemical preservatives that make the wood stronger and more resilient. These chemicals help to protect against rot as well as insects. Although engineered lumber is more resilient than natural wood, it should still be sealed for maximum protection. A properly maintained deck made of engineered lumber can last 20 to 50 years.
Composite Deck
Composite decks are made of plastic and vinyl that is shaped to look like natural wood. If you are looking for a deck with minimal maintenance requirements, then a composite deck is the answer. Trex Deck is a very popular type of composite deck that has the added benefit of a patented “capped” coating, which is a super scratch-resistant coating. Composite decks are estimated to last around 25 years, although they have only been around for a few decades, and some people maintain that they will last a lifetime.
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Since 1894, Fisher Lumber and Hardware has been serving homeowners and professional contractors in the Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia areas with top quality lumber, building materials, tools, and accessories. Operating under the same ownership since 1947, our business has been built on our reputation with our customers. Get in touch with us today by calling 301-424-6500 or by visiting our website. Stay in touch via Facebook,Pinterest, Twitter, and Google+ too!