Take a look at these low-maintenance decking options to find out which is best for you.
Decks are the perfect feature for bringing more enjoyment to your outdoor landscape, as well as raising the property value of your home. Whether you use your deck solely for summer or if you use yours all through the year, a deck will always find a way to make your home more functional.
One problem with decks is that they take a lot of abuse from the outdoors, meaning you have to perform a great deal of maintenance to keep them in peak form. You want to know which decking options will demand the least maintenance on your end while also providing you with all of the beauty and functionality of any other deck. Take a look at these low-maintenance decking options to find out which is best for you.
Composite Decking
Composite decking became more popular around the 1990s when the industry was searching for newer low-maintenance decking options. It is made of plastic and natural wood fiber and comes with the benefit of not needing staining or sealing. It can even come in many colors.
This is a wonderful low-maintenance decking choice if you’re willing to pay the extra dollar. There are cheaper versions available, but there are complaints about its unattractive plastic appearance and the limit on what colors you can choose. They are also still susceptible to swelling and mold growth since they have natural fibers in them.
Vinyl Decking
Vinyl has become more trendy as a low-maintenance decking solution in recent years. It’s easy to see why because vinyl doesn’t chip, peel, rot, or fade. The trade-off is that it doesn’t fare well in extreme climates. Unlike vinyl siding, vinyl decking requires thicker planks to function. This, in turn, increases the cost.
People who invest in vinyl decking don’t have the concern of resealing and painting the deck. But some don’t like the plastic look it has, looking more like plastic than actual wood.
Lastly, this low-maintenance decking choice is susceptible to warping. If exposed to too much harsh sunlight, the planks can become softer, making warping a stronger possibility.
Fiber Cement Decking
Fiber cement decking is a modern low-maintenance decking choice that was designed to address shortcomings of composite decking. It requires a small amount of maintenance and comes in a wide range of colors and stains as well. It even has a woodgrain texture that allows it to replicate the appearance of actual wood.
This low-maintenance decking solution ranks highly for its durability and low amount of maintenance needed. But it does have a downside when having it installed. This decking style is resistant to moisture, but the material is tough to work with because it is incredibly dense and heavy. You need appropriate gear to handle properly because fiber cement decks are partly made with silica, and you don’t want silica dust going airborne. The dust can cause problems like lung cancer. The complications that come with the installation make this low-maintenance decking choice more expensive.
Contact Albaugh & Sons
Since 2003, Albaugh & Sons, LLC has been dedicated to meeting the fencing, decking, and home remodeling needs of homeowners throughout the greater Frederick area. All of our team members are experienced, well-trained, and committed to exceeding the expectations of every customer.
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