Homeowners: Here’s What You Need to Know About Decking Materials in 2022
Once homeowners learned that their yard could be used as an extension of their living space back in the 1980s, the outdoor deck became a major success. So much so, in fact, that today, the trend is more popular than ever, with the recent pandemic having encouraged homeowners to develop additional warm, safe, outdoor gathering spaces for the whole family to enjoy. To that end, keeping up with the latest trends in outdoor living can help you build the perfect outdoor deck. This way, your property will stand out and be more attractive to potential future buyers when compared to other properties within your neighborhood.
Moreover, with so much focus on indoor/outdoor living, outdoor areas are now being addressed, planned, and decorated in the same manner as indoor spaces are. And, of course, the ultimate deck design begins with the decking material. In fact, the most crucial decision you’ll make when building a deck is arguably deciding on the right decking material. Provided that, different situations necessitate different types of decking, and each has its own distinct aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements, and other key factors to consider when making your selection. Thus, choosing the best decking material for you is a combination of personal and practical preferences.
With that in mind, there are several popular decking materials to pick from, such as solid wood, synthetics, and composites. Thus, before deciding on a material for your deck, it’s vital to research your alternatives, understand the benefits and disadvantages of each, and the degree of upkeep necessary to keep your deck looking wonderful for years to come. That being said, we have put together this article in an effort to further assist you in discovering the best decking material for your home in 2022. So, to get you started, here are some of the most popular material selections to consider while creating your deck, as well as some variables to keep in mind.
2022 Decks: Which Material is Right for You?
In order to make an informed decision when purchasing decking material for your home, you should consider the many types of materials available in 2022. Thankfully, M.E. Contracting, one of Toronto’s premier landscaping companies, is here to assist you with their years of decking experience and knowledge.
That being said, our decking guide will make it easier for you to find the best decking materials according to our experts, as well as design trends and installation tips. With their help, you can gain a greater sense of how well materials withstand stains, scratches, fading, and other factors, and how our style experts rate the products’ aesthetic. Considering that there are several options available to choose from these days, including superior wood species and low-maintenance synthetics. Read on to learn more about the different types of decking materials available.
Wood Decking Materials
When it comes to the best decking materials in 2022, solid wood decking provides the most warmth and authenticity for homeowners who are looking to create a more natural outdoor living space. For instance, the traditional wood and stone deck mix provides a traditional and timeless-looking decking environment that is both durable and aesthetically beautiful. However, you need to put a lot of care into any solid wood decking to maintain its natural beauty, which is often the trade-off associated with choosing to go with any solid wood decking material.
With that in mind, when it comes to decking options for Toronto homeowners, it’s important to consider not only the appearance and upkeep of the decking material but also the overall advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cost of the use of this type of decking material. Despite the general appeal of solid wood decking options, such as cedar decking, there are a variety of drawbacks which might make it a less likely option to be taken under consideration. That being said, let’s get started.
- ADVANTAGE: The advantages vary depending on the species. Cedar and redwood are inherently rot-resistant species with beautiful grain patterns and coloration. Tropical hardwoods such as IPE and mahogany are both beautiful and long-lasting. The low-cost choice is pressure-treated wood, and its suppleness makes it quite easy to deal with.
- DISADVANTAGE: All solid wood decking materials require refinishing every year or so, otherwise the color of the material will crack, raising the risk of splinters. However, generally speaking, the lifespan of a solid wood deck is approximately 15 years. Not to mention, solid wood decking is extremely pricey, especially if you choose cedar, redwood, or one of the tropical hardwood decking materials. Consumers are also not fans of the chemicals used to make it resistant to rot from moisture and insects.
- COST: $2 to $5 per square foot for pressure-treated pine; $3 to $7 per square foot for cedar; $5 to $30 per square foot for redwood; and $10 to $30 per square foot for IPE.
Synthetic Decking Materials
Next up, in the best decking materials for 2022, is synthetic decking made from PVC or polyethylene. Although this form of decking material is not as common as decks built from composite decking materials, it is worth looking into for those homeowners living on a tighter budget. Provided that, some vinyl decking options that are available on the market may start under $5 per square foot.
Moreover, any deck owner who has ever power washed or, worse, scraped mold, mildew, dust, and grime off their once-pristine deck will envy vinyl decking’s extraordinary low maintenance and cost effectiveness. That being said, if you’re in the market for a new deck or in need of replacing an existing one, synthetic decking material might be the solution.
- ADVANTAGE: Aside from its inexpensive cost, synthetic decking is weather resistant and does not require staining. It is also lightweight and very easy to cut, making it easier to install than other decking materials. However, the most significant advantages of a vinyl deck are arguably its ease of maintenance and color customizability.
- DISADVANTAGE: Vinyl decking has one significant disadvantage when compared to wood decking: it is not composed of actual wood. Thus, it is different in terms of the overall appearance and feel. However, vinyl decks, which can be built from hollow or solid PVC pieces, can be designed to seem like genuine wood (especially the solid pieces).
- COST: $5 to $13 per square foot
Composite Decking Materials
Last up on the best decking materials to pick from for your home in 2022, is composite decking materials. Composite decking comes in a variety of types. In general, the term “composite” refers to the combination of many components to create a new completed product. Most frequently, there are only a few trusted brands that experts will use for Toronto decking projects, such as Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon decking, each with their own unique features and maintenance requirements.
That being said, composite decking materials’ ability to mimic the appearance of real wood, with realistic grain patterns and color-blended planks, offers a naturalistic variation. Additionally, composite decking has a reputation for being exceedingly scratch resistant, but this varies greatly between models and price ranges within each brand. With that in mind, let us take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the cost, of this increasingly popular Toronto decking material.
- ADVANTAGE: Composite decking, which is made of plastic and wood fibers, does not need to be dyed or treated. To avoid mildew growth, today’s leading formulas have part, or all sides, wrapped in plastic. Among the numerous advantages of composite decking is its resistance to environmental conditions. Composite is also available in a variety of colors.
- DISADVANTAGE: While composite may be quite attractive, our experts believe that while the premium lines may look the richest, they can be even more expensive than solid wood decking materials. Additionally, composite decking is also fairly hefty, making installation more difficult for professional Toronto decking companies, especially for the everyday homeowner.
- COST: $15 to $36 per square foot
Get Ready to Deck Out Your Home in Style with M.E. Contracting
After reading through our article on the best decking material for your home in 2022, it is our hope that you will have a greater understanding of the different advantages and disadvantages of the various types of decking material that are available for installation on your property.
Whatever 2022 decking material has caught your interest, we can assist you in making it a reality. Our products, which include solid wood decking, synthetic decking, and composite decking, may help you re-imagine any outdoor living area. That being said, building an outdoor deck in Toronto that is up to date does not have to be a difficult process.
Begin your project with M.E. Contracting right away. You’ll gain inspiration, discover your design style, and keep your project moving forward.
