Best Decking Buying Guide

The Real Cost Of Buying Your First Home

If your decking has cracks, looks dirty, or suffers from mildew, it's time to decide whether to refinish or replace it entirely. We test, evaluate, and compare different types of decking to save you time and money.

Vinyl decking is a more affordable option if you are looking for low-maintenance, durable deck surface. Because this vinyl surface uses a water tight membrane, it can be used on surfaces other than just traditional decks.

Which Type Of Composite Comes In Tongue

One brand of aluminum decking we tested snaps together, much the way tongue-and-groove flooring does. A vinyl decking product we reviewed snapped in place over metal clips screwed onto the joists.

Even when exposed to year after year of harsh winters and summers, composite railings tend to look the same as the day they were installed. They aren’t prone to warping, cracking, splitting, splintering, or fading. This incredible durability is a major selling point for these kinds of railings. You won’t be dealing with maintenance costs or replacing sections every few years; you just install it, sit back, and enjoy. Snap-in-place fasteners are easy to install but unique to specific brands.

Maintenance

This type of system also gets rid of the need to pre-drill holes since there are no exposed screws. Using a hidden deck fastener system in a composite deck means that your deck will be free from screw heads showing. These hidden fastener systems create a beautiful, smooth surface and an easy transition from the inside of your home to your outdoor living space.

Cost

• Even with proper maintenance, wooden decking will eventually be vulnerable to mold, insects, and weathering which reduces your deck’s value.
• Decks have become an extension of the home as an outdoor playroom, kitchen, sanctuary, and entertainment hub.
• Power washing, sanding, and resealing costs quickly add up year after year.
• Most importantly, decks made of wood will need to be replaced much sooner than decks made of other materials.

They are as distinctly different from each other as deciduous trees are from conifers. One plastic is vinyl or PVC, which is derived from saltwater and natural gas. Both are plastic but with very different characteristics and compositions. It is important to understand that not all C-D boards are created equal. The base materials that go into making a deck board are key to how the product will perform in various geographic regions and territorial climates. Just the sun exposure and temperature range in a given day, let alone a season, will put a beautiful deck under constant stress even when it is not being used.

With so many materials available, it’s tough to know which will stand the test of time. Use this buying guide to consider smart options that fit your budget and help create a space that's both relaxing and easy to care for. With a vinyl deck, you won’t have to worry about cracking, splintering, delaminating, peeling or rotting.

Home Improvement Costs: Cellular Pvc Vs Wood And Composite Decking

CR members with digital access can see our Decking Ratings, which reflect our updated, two-year exposure score. Our tests showed that some synthetic decking didn't make the grade for rigidity, and some tonier wood products look worse for wear. But synthetic plank decking offers good looks with less upkeep.Composites, which blend ground-up wood and plastic, have chipped away at wood's popularity. Composite decks are beautiful and can transform your outdoor space into a luxury retreat. The material comes in a wide range of colours, textures, patterns and wood grains, allowing you to find something that will match your requirements for aesthetics.