Expert Deck Builder's Guide: Choosing the Right Materials

Deck builder, Deck Design, wood deck, composite deck, PVC deck

The journey to creating an attractive new deck for your home begins with the selection of the right decking material. With a variety of options available, your ultimate choice will be influenced by your budget, requirements, and personal preferences.

For our esteemed customers in Great Toronto Area (GTA), we highly recommend PVC or composite decking as an all-around solution. Although it may have a slightly higher initial cost, the low maintenance and increased durability of PVC or composite decking make it a more valuable choice in the long run. It doesn't weather or splinter like pressure-treated or other specialty woods.

However, there are instances when other materials might be more suitable for your needs:

Pressure-Treated Wood For those prioritizing low initial costs or willing to commit to regular upkeep, pressure-treated wood decking is a viable option. Regular maintenance includes re-staining or painting and annual power washings. Be prepared for occasional splintering, cracking, and warping over time. Some people express concerns about the chemicals used in pressure treating. However, rest assured that pressure-treated wood available today is manufactured using less harmful materials, following stringent regulations implemented in 2003.

Specialty Wood If you're aiming to add a touch of luxury to your deck, specialty woods like cedar as softwood, and exotic hardwood like IPE, cumaru and garapa. These woods contain oils that make them naturally resistant to weathering. However, these materials are not weatherproof! They weather much faster than composite or PVC decking and still call for regular maintenance. Regular weatherproofing is necessary to prevent splitting, and the wood will change color over time, requiring a new coat of stain to revive the natural color.

If you opt for composite or PVC, as it's not structural material, other material will be needed to support your deck. Standard supporting material is Pressure treated wood. Steel and aluminum framing are also available for much higher cost than wood.

The concrete or helical piers will be used to anchor the support posts into the ground. In temperate climate, the anchor holes need to be deep enough to avoid damage from freezing and thawing cycles. Many DIY enthusiasts fail to dig below the frost line, which will eventually cause the deck installation to fail. At A to Z decks and struXure, we use helical piers for all of our deck projects.

Decking Materials Overview : For the majority of homeowners, composite or PVC decking is the best choice. The quality and appearance of this material have only improved over the years, and IT offers the most long-term value. It is easy to maintain and does not weather, splinter, or crack. Unless you have specific preferences or reasons to choose another decking material, composite or PVC decking is the best choice for you! And remember, if you’re in the market for a new deck in GTA, A to Z offers the expertise and personal touch you need to ensure that you have a beautiful deck to enjoy for years to come!