The 5 Best Deck Board Materials For Your Outdoor Space

Transforming your outdoor space is no small undertaking. That is why, when it comes to improving it, choosing the right material for your deck is a crucial decision. The material you choose will not only affect the aesthetic of the space, but also influence the durability and maintenance requirements of your deck. 

In this blog post, we'll explore the top five deck board materials in order to help you make an informed decision and create a space that seamlessly combines functionality and beauty.

Also Read: From Deck Roofs To Rooftop Decks: Maximizing Outdoor Space In Style

Best Deck Board Materials For Your Home

When you're exploring the best outdoor deck materials, knowing about different types of deck boards is beneficial. Keep reading to get an in-depth explanation of the top five popular decking materials.

#1. Composite Decking

The first on our list is a composite deck, which stands out as a special kind of deck made by blending recycled hardwood fibers and recycled plastics, providing a sturdy and eco-friendly option compared to traditional wooden decks. This material resists rot, warping, and splinters, making it a low-maintenance and durable choice for outdoor areas. 

It's made from a mix of wood and plastic, with about 60% of it coming from recycled hardwood fibers and the other 40% from recycled plastics. The best part is its low-maintenance quality with non-slip, anti-splinter deck boards, making it a safe option. It suits both residential and commercial use, making it a cost-effective and practical choice for different outdoor spaces like patios, terraces, balconies, and gardens.

Here are some great things about composite deck boards:

1. Water Resistant: 

Composite deck boards exhibit superior water resistance compared to regular wood. This characteristic ensures they withstand wet conditions, such as rain, without the risk of damage.

2. UV Protected: 

These boards come equipped with UV protection, shielding them from the sun's rays. This feature prevents fading, allowing the composite deck boards to maintain their aesthetic appeal over the years.

3. Hidden Fasteners Compatibility: 

To achieve a clean and polished appearance, composite deck boards can be installed with hidden fasteners. This design choice eliminates the visibility of screws or nails on the surface, contributing to a sleek and seamless look.

#2. Tropical Hardwood Decking

The next is tropical hardwood decking, which often comes in red or dark brown shades and is known for being durable, making it great for areas with lots of foot traffic. People like using tropical hardwood decking for outdoor projects because it not only looks good, but also only needs minimal upkeep. You can also find it in different textures and colors, making it a versatile choice for various design preferences. 

Specific types of tropical hardwood, such as Ipe, Lapacho, or Brazilian Walnut, are known for their toughness and appearance. Tropical hardwood is also known to be naturally resistant to mold growth and pests, limiting the need for repairs. 

Here are some cool things about tropical hardwood decking:

1. Extremely Strong: 

This wood is dense and tough enough to withstand wear and tear from skateboards, high heels, hail, and various weather conditions.

2. Naturally Tough: 

Doesn't require various coating applications to resist decay, which means it lasts a long time.

3. Exotic Look: 

This decking material offers a look like no other with deep red and dark brown shades. 

#3. Southern Yellow Pine Deck Boards

Southern Yellow Pine deck boards also stand out as a great decking material since it's crafted from Southern Yellow Pine, a type of pine tree found in the coastal timber belt of Georgia and South Carolina. This decking material is praised for its appealing look, durability, and distinctive aesthetics. 

You can find Southern Yellow Pine deck boards in various finishes, including radius edges, making them suitable for gardens, jetties, and other outdoor spaces. They come in different materials like timber/wood, mild steel, and composite. Overall, Southern Yellow Pine Deck Boards can work as a sturdy option for outdoor areas.

Key Features of Southern Yellow Pine Deck Boards:

1. Varied Graining Patterns: 

Southern Yellow Pine, whether longleaf, shortleaf, or loblolly, shows some really attractive graining patterns, ensuring a high-quality foundation for the decking.

2. Pleasant Light-Yellow Color: 

Common to this type of tree, the deck boards offer a pleasing light-yellow color that enhances the overall aesthetic.

3. High Durability: 

By undergoing a special treatment of Micronized Copper Azole (MCA), this wood can better resist rot, decay, and termite attacks, it ensures a longer lifespan for the decking.

#4. PVC Decking

This deck board material is crafted from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a plastic that excludes organic components like wood fibers. Engineered to sidestep issues linked to organic decking, such as moisture intrusion, mildew, and rot, PVC decking is recognized for its durability, minimal upkeep, and resistance to fading. 

It comes in various designs, some closely mimicking the appearance and texture of real wood. It is notably lighter in weight when compared to certain wood and competitive composite products, and PVC decking is easier to install. 

Here's what makes these deck boards great:

1. Ready-to-Go Colors: 

Capable of mimicking the colors of premium wood deck board options like mahogany, ipe, and redwood, it provides a stylish and custom appearance.

2. Low Maintenance: 

PVC is naturally resistant to water and won't rot, so you don't need to do anything special to keep it in good shape.

#5. Pressure-Treated Wood Decking

The last option is for those who like the feel of real wood and want something affordable and easy to use for their deck. For that, pressure-treated wood is a great option. Pressure-treated wood undergoes a chemical treatment process to resist rot, decay, and damage from insects.

This decking option comes in different sizes and grades and is valued for its affordability and robustness when it comes to outdoor use. The wood usually appears green or brown, with the flexibility to be stained or painted to match a preferred look. In short, pressure-treated wood decking stands as a cost-effective and resilient choice for outdoor spaces.

Some of their great features:

1. Custom Options: 

Pressure-treated wood decking is made from softwood, a slow-growing redwood pine that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. This diversity offers flexibility and custom options to let homeowners select the dimensions that work best for their deck.

2. Availability: 

You can easily find pressure-treated wood decking in stores in a range of different lengths and thicknesses, so you can pick what works best for your project, whether it's a small backyard deck or a bigger outdoor area.

Conclusion

When it comes to picking the perfect material for your deck boards, it's all about finding the right mix of aesthetic appeal and durability. That is why we have mentioned different options above, as each one has different benefits to suit the needs of different homeowners.  By thoughtfully choosing the one that fits your outdoor space best, you can create a practical and visually appealing retreat that lasts for a long time.

Do some extra research and talk to the experts at McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC to ensure you’ve picked the best material for your home because your deck is not just a part of your home, it's an investment in making your property more valuable.

Looking For The Best Deck Board Installation in Pittsburgh, PA?

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC, we aim to be your go-to choice for top-notch deck board installation in Pittsburgh, PA. As a home improvement contractor with years in the industry, we have the expertise to help you find and install the best deck boards for your needs. 

Being a family-owned business, we treat your home with the utmost care, whether it's a small fix or a complete home improvement makeover. We’re proud of our reputation in Pittsburgh for providing the best services at a fair price, and we want to offer these services to you too! Experience the difference our team can make by giving us a call at (412) 353-5660!