Choosing the Right Decking for Your Landscaping Project in Canmore, Alberta
If you’ve been shopping around for a new deck, there’s a lot to consider: Which type of wood will you use? How often will you need to make repairs? What finish should be used? And what aesthetic do you prefer? If your experience with decks is limited, this article is for you. It’ll take the mystery out of what they are and how they compare. A landscaping contractor will be able to advise you on the different types of decking which might suit your needs, but it’s best to have an idea of what’s available so that you can have an informed discussion.
Overview of Decking Options
There are three main types of decking materials: Wood, composite and vinyl. Wood decks require regular upkeep and can be easily damaged by pests and weather conditions. Composite decks are built for durability and come in a wide range of colours. There are even aesthetic options that combine wood planks with composite boards to give you a unique look that is both beautiful and low-maintenance at the same time. They are the most expensive choice, but can work out cheaper in the long run due to their durability. Vinyl decks are the cheapest of the three, but their lifespan can vary, but is often much shorter than wooden decking. They don’t need much maintenance, but they can’t be refurbished and can be damaged by common cleaning products.
Wood Decking
Wood, of course, is the classic choice. There are three categories of wooden decking: hardwood, pressure-treated wood and cedar. Each of these decking types has its own benefits and limitations. Hardwoods such as Ipe and Teak are very popular choices, they are strong and dense, giving them lots of longevity and stability. Teak is the superior, but more expensive of the two, so Ipe is a popular alternative. Pressure-treated woods such as Pine are the most commonly used in decking because of their balance between durability and cost. They are cheaper than hardwoods, but require more maintenance – because of this, they’re losing popularity to composite and vinyl options. If you’re looking for a classic style, and are willing to spend a bit of time maintaining them, they make a fantastic choice. Cedar in particular is rich in colour, stable, durable and has natural oils which give it protection from the elements. A good deck builder will be able to use oils and polishes which will give cedar the finish, and the protection that they need.
Composite Decking
Composite decking has been gaining popularity in recent years because of its attractive appearance and low maintenance. Composites are made of more than one material, they are often made from wood fibre, peel or dust and plastics. Regardless of which material is used, composite decking will be both durable and attractive. A landscaping contractor can help you achieve almost any look that you can think of using the wide range of options that are available. Each type of composite has its own characteristics, which can be quite varied and can lead to some unique results. Composite decking is more expensive than wood and vinyl, but it’s also much more durable. It is a great choice for people who want to create an attractive outdoor space but don’t want to spend time maintaining and refurbishing.
Trex® composite decking is an innovative composite option made from more than 60% hardwood. This brand has been a decking staple in Canada for many years, and stands out thanks to the combination of hardwoods and environmentally friendly resins, which makes for a weather-resistant and durable product. Its sleek appearance is not only beautiful but also very low-maintenance – both aspects that homeowners love.
Vinyl Membrane Decking
Vinyl decking is made from durable PVC material which is durable and weather resistant. It is not going to look worn over time. Its resistance to the elements also means that it won’t need as much maintenance as wood. This makes it an ideal choice for people who want to create a beautiful space but don’t want to spend any time on maintenance. The only downside is that their lifespan is highly variable, from 10-30 years. Vinyl can get hot on sunny days, and it is prone to warp when it gets old, being less durable than composite, but it makes a good choice because of it’s versatility and low maintenance. There are many different colours and styles available, so it’s easy to find a style that works for you. A landscaping contractor will be able to help you select the right design for your space and budget.
Dec-Tec ® is a popular brand of vinyl decking, it offers an attractive price point and comes in an array of colours. Combined with its durability and resistance to the elements, this decking choice is easy to install, simple to maintain and will last for decades.
Duradeck is one of the most popular brands in Alberta Canada for composite decking; their cost-effective performance and excellent quality mean that it’s a quite popular choice. This brand is made from composite materials, including plastics and wood fibres, which gives the decking unique properties, while still being weather resistant. It’s lightweight, yet highly durable and resistant to water.
Vinyl decking is a great choice because it’s very durable and weather resistant, so it doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. It comes in a wide range of colours, which makes it easy to find the perfect colour match for your home.
Contact a professional landscaping contractor for help with your decking project. Find out the pros and cons of the different types of deck materials, and discover which would be best for you in relation to your budget and maintenance preferences. You’ll have a better idea what you’re looking for after reading this article, but it’s worth having an expert deck builder opinion as well. Pine & Pillar will be able to offer a free consultation in order to give you the best advice, and we’re experts at matching the right product with your needs.