Image credit: ME contracted the actual project image
In the 1980s, homeowners discovered that their patio could be used as an addition to their living area, and outdoor decks quickly popped up. In fact, the current pandemic has prompted homeowners to create extra warm and safe outdoor meeting spaces for the whole family to enjoy, making the style more beloved than ever. To that end, keeping up with outdoor living trends can help you create the perfect outdoor deck. This way, when compared to other properties in your community, your property will stand out and be more attractive to potential future buyers.
In addition, with much attention given to indoor/outdoor living, the outdoor spaces are also treated, planned, and decorated similarly to the indoor spaces. Of course, decking materials are where the best deck design begins. Choosing the right decking material may be the most important choice you will make while building your deck. Given this, varying circumstances call for different types of decking, each with unique aesthetic appeal, maintenance needs, and other important elements to consider when making your selection. Thus, the best decking materials for you will depend on both your personal and practical preferences
Given this, there are many popular decking materials to choose from, including hardwood, synthetics, and composites. Therefore, before selecting a material for your deck, it is important to do your homework, understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option, and the level of maintenance required to keep your deck looking great for years to come. With that in mind, we wrote this article in an effort to help you learn more about upper decking options for your home in 2022. Here are some of the most popular material choices to consider when building your own deck, as well as some factors to keep in mind, to get you started.
What material is right for you?
You should take into account the different types of materials that are accessible in 2022 while selecting the decorating materials for your home. Fortunately, ME Contracting, one of the largest landscaping companies in Toronto, is available to assist you with their years of decorating experience.
As a result, our decking guide will make it easier for you to select the best decking materials in our opinion, along with design directions and installation tips. You can learn more about how materials resist stains, scratches, fading, and other elements with their help, as well as how our design professionals evaluate the appearance of merchandise. Considering the variety of possibilities available today, including premium wood species and low-maintenance synthetics. Keep reading to learn about the different decking materials that are available.
Decking materials are solid wood
For homeowners who want to create a more natural outdoor living environment, hardwood planks offer the ultimate in warmth and originality when it comes to the best decking materials in 2022. For example, the combination of traditional wood and stone decking provides a decking environment that is both aesthetically pleasing. And traditional in appearance. However, choosing to use any solid wood decking material often comes with a trade-off because you have to take great care of it in order to preserve its natural beauty.
Given this, it is crucial to consider not only the aesthetic requirements and maintenance requirements of decking materials, but also the overall benefits and drawbacks, as well as the cost of using this type of decking material. Despite the inherent appeal of hardwood decking solutions, such as cedar planks, there are a number of drawbacks that can discourage people from considering it a viable option. With that, let’s get started.
priority: Depending on the species, there are different advantages. Redwoods and cedar have beautiful grain patterns, colors and textures that are naturally rot resistant. Tropical hardwoods such as IPE and mahogany are both aesthetically pleasing and durable. Pressure-treated lumber is an inexpensive, flexible, and easy-to-work option.
bad: All solid wood decking needs to be refinished approximately every year to prevent cracking and the risk of splitting. The lifespan of a solid wood deck is about 15 years, but generally speaking. On top of that, hardwood floors are fairly pricey, especially if you go with cedar, redwood, or one of the tropical hardwoods. The chemicals used to make them resistant to rot from moisture and insects are also unpopular with consumers.
the prices: Pressure-treated pine costs $2 to $5 per square foot, cedar costs $3 to $7 per square foot, redwood costs $5 to $30 per square foot, and IPE costs $10 to $30 per square foot.
synthetic decking materials
Synthetic roofs made of PVC or polyethylene are in second place on the list of the best decking materials. Although this type of decking is less common than combination decking, it is still something homeowners on a budget should consider. Given this, some of the vinyl decking solutions on the market may start as low as $5 per square foot.
Any deck owner who has ever had to power wash or, worse yet, scrape mold, mildew, dust, and filth off their once-clean deck will also begrudge vinyl deck decking’s remarkably low care requirements and affordability. Therefore, if you are looking to build a new deck or need to replace an old one, synthetic decking material may be the answer.
priority: Faux decking is weather resistant and requires no staining as well as being economical. Compared with other decking materials, it is also relatively lightweight and easy to cut. The versatility of color options and the ease of maintenance of a vinyl surface may be its two biggest advantages.
bad: When compared to wood decking, vinyl decking has one significant drawback: It’s not made of real wood. As a result, they differ in terms of their general look and feel. But vinyl roofs, which can be constructed from hollow or solid PVC components, can be created to resemble real wood (especially solid pieces).
cost: $5 to $13 per square foot
Image credit: ME contracted the actual project image
Composite decking materials
Composite decking is the last option on our list of the best decking materials for your home in 2022. Many types of composite decking are available. The term “compound” generally refers to the blending of several components to produce an entirely new final good. Most commonly, only a few reputable brands, such as Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon decking, will be used by professionals for decking projects in Toronto. Each of these brands has distinct features and maintenance requirements.
However, the realistic grain patterns and color-blocking panels of composite decking materials and their ability to mimic the look of real wood yield vibrant versatility. In addition, the textured surface is known for its exceptional scratch resistance, but this varies greatly between models and price points within each brand. With that in mind, let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of this Toronto decking material, as well as its price.
priority: Composite decking does not need to be stained or treated because it is made of wood fibers and plastic. Today’s best fixtures have some or all of their sides covered in plastic to prevent mildew growth. Composite decking’s resistance to external factors is just one of its many benefits. Additionally, the compound comes in a range of forms.
bad: While premium lines of composite may look the most opulent, according to our experts, they may actually be more expensive than hardwood decking materials. Installing composite decking is an additional challenge for Toronto decking companies, especially for the average homeowner, due to its weight.
cost: $15 to $36 per square foot
Image credit: ME contracted the actual project image
Prepare your home to be decorated in style with ME Contracting
We hope that after reading our post on the best decking materials for your home, you will have a better idea of the many benefits and drawbacks of different types of decking materials that may be installed on your property.
We can help you bring any material decorating idea for 2022 to life, no matter what strikes your fancy. You can rethink any outdoor living space with the help of our products, which include hardwood decking, faux decking, and composite decking. Having said that, creating a modern outdoor deck in Toronto doesn’t have to be a difficult procedure. Put me Contracting on your job ASAP. They’ll find inspiration, define your design aesthetic, and keep your mission moving forward.