Deck Materials
Deck Ideas > Deck Components • Deck Materials
It goes without saying that your deck should be attractive, smooth, safe,
and free of splinters or other defects. While decking has
traditionally been made out of wood, there are now a number of synthetic
materials out on the market that resemble wood. Whether you have a
large budget or a small one, there is a material out there that is perfect
for your deck.
Many different types of wood are ideal for decking, including redwood, cedar, cypress, pressure treated, and ipe. Regardless of what kind of wood you use, almost all wood turns a silver/gray color when exposed to the weather. For this reason, it's always a good idea to treat your deck with a clear sealer every year.
Redwood is a soft wood with a reddish hue and a small, uniform
grain. Naturally resistant to rot and decay, it is also a good grade
of wood for painting. Cedar is another popular wood for decks.
It is cream and brown in color, and has some knots. Cedar is light
in weight and is also naturally resistant to rot and decay. Cypress
is another rot-free and decay-free wood, typically available in the
South. It is a soft wood and features an varied grain pattern.
Pressure-treated wood is another good choice, as it is very strong and less expensive than other woods. Pressure-treated wood is chemically treated, which turns the wood brown or green, but the wood can easily be painted. Ipe is a tropical hardwood that is coming into style. While it is very expensive and difficult to work with, the attraction of ipe lies in the fact that it resists insects and the elements, and has the same fire rating as concrete or steel. Ipe is dark brown in color.
Several kinds of synthetic decking are also available. People are attracted to synthetic decking because it is maintenance-free. Synthetic decking can be plastic, vinyl, or made of composite or rubber lumber.
Wood Decking Manufacturers
- Redwood Decks
The California Redwood Association offers basic planning, design and building tips for the deck of your dreams.
www.CalRedwood.org - Western Red Cedar Decking
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association offers this overview of red cedar and highlights the use of cedar for decks and other outdoor structures.
www.Cedar-Deck.com - Southern Pine Council
The Southern Pine Council features an informative chart which compares Southern Pine versus composite or plastic decking.
www.SouthernPine.com - Iron Woods
This leading brand of durable Ipe hardwood decking is used for both residential and commercial applications. It is highly rated for strength, hardness, and durability.
www.Ironwoods.com
Composite Decking Manufacturers
- Trex Decks
Features innovative decking and railing products which are made from a unique combination of reclaimed wood and plastic. Because these products are durable and low-maintenance, you may actually have more time to enjoy your deck.
www.Trex.com - CorrectDeck
This Maine firm features "co-extrusion" composite decking which has a protective antimicrobial coating.
www.CorrectDeck.com - TimberTech
This Ohio firm offers a revolutionary decking material that uses cellulose materials, wood fiber, and virgin polyethylene. Their patented process provides a non-skid, splinter-free surface which does not require staining, sealing, or painting.
www.TimberTech.com - Rhino Deck
This Minnesota plastics firm offers composite decking made from a mixture of recycled plastic and recycled sawdust.
www.RhinoDeck.com - EverGrain Decking
Epoch offers EverGrain composite wood decking which is uniquely created through a compression-molding process, producing a deep, lasting grain. This process creates decking and railing systems that truly look like wood, while featuring all the great benefits of composite decks and rails.
www.EverGrain.com - Fiber Composites
This North Carolina firm features composite decking and railing systems which offer the beauty of wood with none of the work.
www.FiberComposites.com - WeatherBest Products
WeatherBest decking and railing products are made from a high quality composite that gives you the distinct look and feel of natural wood, yet is easy to maintain.
www.WeatherBest.com - Veranda
Veranda™ composite decking and railing offers the beauty of wood without the drawbacks of corroding, splintering, termite damage, or fungal decay.
www.VerandaDeck.com - GeoDeck
Offers a state-of-the-art decking and railing system that consists of matching boards, railings, posts, balusters, end caps, fascia board, post caps, post base trim, and hand rail collars.
www.GeoDeck.com - Universal Forest Products
Features the Latitudes™ Composite Decking and Railing line which is designed for long-lasting beauty, no-worries upkeep and years of carefree enjoyment.
www.UFPI.com - CertainTeed
This home products firm offers composite and vinyl decking materials which have a splinter-free surface that's safer and slip-resistant.
www.CertainTeed.com