Options in Decking Material

Decks add value to a home with extension of living area during summer months.

Nothing adds value to a home like a well built and well designed deck. A deck can provide a place to relax, entertain friends and enjoy the home’s landscape. It also increases the value of the home. Whether the design is simple or intricate, material selection will play a part in homeowner satisfaction with the new deck. From traditional and conventionally treated woods to composite materials designed to last a lifetime, choosing materials for a deck can be overwhelming This article will clearly identify all available choices, provide pricing information and weigh out some of the pros and cons of the different deck material options available today.

Selections

Here are five of the most popular deck material options, listed in no particular order:

• Pressure-treated
• Redwood and Cedar
• Tropical Hardwoods
• Composite
• Aluminum

Pressure-treated. Pressure-treated lumber remains the number one choice of materials for all deck construction. O ver 75% of new decks built use pressure-treated lumber. Cost most certainly plays a role in this statistic, as pressure-treated lumber sells for around $.90 per linear foot for 2x6’s and 5/4 inch planks at $1.00 per linear foot for finishing planks. Routine maintenance is required with pressure-treated decks depending on location. This can include periodic power washing and application of preservative coating (sealing or staining). Life expectancy of pressure-treated pine decking is 25-30 years under normal conditions.

Redwood and Cedar. Redwood and cedar decking material are known for their durability and beauty in all weather conditions. According to award-winning builder Scott Padgett, Idyllwild, Calif, “composite or other decking has no soul.” The California Redwood Association recommends using common redwood for a decking solution that brings a natural beauty enduring all weather conditions. Priced competitively, redwood and cedar are typically more expensive than pressure-treated materials with costs ranging from $2.35-$4.00 per linear foot, depending on location. These two naturally durable and insect-resistant deck material options require much less maintenance than pressure-treated wood, although both can stand for regular washing to keep the surface looking clean and new.

Tropical Hardwoods. Tropical hardwoods are the most expensive of all natural wood decking material with costs starting at $3.50 per linear foot for a 1x6. Available in Massaranduba, camar, red tauari, tigerwood, ipe, as well as Philippine mahogany, tropical hardwoods used in deck construction often require special ordering which may inflate the cost per linear foot even higher . The rich grain texture of tropical hardwoods are extremely hard and resistant to rot and insects.
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Composite decking material is available in an assortment of colors.

 Composite. Composite decking, often referred to a “plastic lumber,” is the fastest growing decking material sold to date. P riced at around $2.50-$3.50 per linear foot ( depending on manufacturer ) composite decking material offers unique advantages including “low maintenance required” and resistance to color fading and decay. They are also resistant to insects and rot. Composite decking materials come in an extensive list of color and wood grain options, allowing homeowners to match the material to almost any configuration.

Aluminum. Aluminum decking material is often used in more contemporary or modern homes, as the metallic visual appearance of aluminum best matches that modern look of the home. Aluminum is a about a third the weight of wood or composite and up to 4-5 times stronger. It is also 100% recyclable. It can also be expensive, w ith costs starting at $9.00 per linear foot.

Construction Costs

Pressure treated pine decking with applied water repellant.

The biggest determining factor in the construction cost of a new deck is whether or not it is a DIY project or a job-for-hire. A ssociated costs for construction may include a thorough inspection and approval of such plans by local and state building officials with issuance of building permits governing all construction policies and practices. Associated fees for deck plan review may range from a $35 and up depending on the complexity of the deck to be constructed.

For the do-it-yourself builder, the construction of a 10x12 one level deck using pressure-treated materials will range from $500-$1,000, depending on location and availability of material. Professionally constructed decks using pressure-treated materials will increase the price accordingly by as much as $1,000. Pressure-treated wood such as yellow pine averages $10-16$ per square foot installed or $4,000-$6,000 for a 20x20 one level complete deck.

Decks professionally constructed with redwood or cedar range from $18-$22 per square foot for a total cost of $7,200-$8,800 for a 20x20 one level deck. The use of tropical hardwood deck materials is considerably more expensive, with total costs for a 20x20 one level deck at around $22-$24 per square foot, or $8,800-$9,600 . Multi-level decks with appropriate stairs and railings average $16,000-$25,000 depending on selection and type of material used. Using materials that have higher per square or linear footage costs will often inflate the overall cost of the competed deck significantly.

Remodeling Online publishes annual reports on associated costs for deck construction throughout the country using a variety of materials. Based on recent reports, the national average of a 16x20 one level deck using composite materials (plastic wood) ranged from $13,462-$16,297 complete with railings and stairs, professionally constructed. Make no mistake: D ecks are an expensive addition to a home.

Decision Time

Elaborate or simple, the construction of a deck should not be based on what the neighbors have or what you have seen driving through the neighborhood. Take your time to select a material that works for your budget, your home and your available time (or lack thereof) to perform routine maintenance. If you’re considering building yourself be sure you select a material that you feel comfortable handling and installing.