Done With The Rain: Now it is Time to Repair That Old Wooden Deck

Every time it hails I look at my sad old wooden deck and say to myself "There has got to be a better way?" Do you know the pros and cons of each type of decking material? Click through to learn how you can maximize your home’s outdoor areas and increase its value by choosing the right decking material.

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Once you decide to repair or replace an old deck, the first step is figuring out the type of decking material you want and where to use it. The first question in picking the right material should be what kind of maintainance are you willing to do? A wooden deck in Colorado is usually a costly maintenance issue and an unforseen expense especially when hail season rolls around and strips the paint or stain off the deck.

To decide if you what to do with your deck moving forward, you’ll need to look for a material that will enhance your home's outdoor living space while boosting your properties resale value. Here’s a list of five types of decking materials and where to use them to guarantee your deck a long life and reduce maintenance costs. 

1. Pressure-Treated Lumber 
Pros: This natural choice is easy to find and lets you embrace the traditional wood deck wherever you live and is easy to repair.
Cons: This is a less expensive choice, but not by as much as you might think! It also means that you’ll have to maintain your deck year-round, protect it from harsh weather conditions (including hail) and attend to warps, cracks and splits. These traditionally softer wood choices have gone up in price since the pandemic so other woods might be just as cost effective as pressure-treated lumber.

2. Redwood and Cedar  
Pros: This durable, chemical-free option gives you the attractive look and feel of a wood deck that will last longer, resist rot, decay and pests with natural resistance. 
Cons: This costly option requires that you spend up to three times more on your deck than if you chose PT.

3. Convert to Paver Patio
Pros: This look has come in to fashion in recent years as it is easier to maintain and less costly than redwood or composite. (By some estimates up to 40% less than high quality composites.)
Cons: Just like composites, it can be hot to touch in bright sun and depending if your garden is on a slope the thickness of the material can cause some sagging over time if the sand wasn't compacted properly during installation.

4. Composite Wood 
Pros: This option makes sure your deck won’t warp, split or crack, and it accommodates different colors and stains with its wood fibers and recycled plastic. There is many composites now on the market which comes in a variety of prices so check with multiple companies to suit your budget.
Cons: This man-made option can feel hoter than real wood and is susceptible to mold and mildew growth. For our dryer Colorado climate mold is less of an issue but if you are combining this with a hot tub, it may be not be your first choice.

Wood was once the most popular route in terms of decking materials, but it’s been replaced with an array of options. If you’re ready to learn more about these types of decking and where to use them, feel free to contact me today. I can put you in touch with a few decking companies to help jump start your next outdoor project!