Six Resilient and Popular Home Decking Options in Canada

Adding a deck to outdoor landscapes is the number one way to give your family an immediate outdoor respite that can be customized and transformed in countless ways. However, before planning on accessorizing a deck, homeowners must first determine which type of decking will meet their needs, offer a solid return on investment, and will best live up to their lifestyle. These six home decking options range from traditional to trendy, whether you want to install them in a Spruce Avenue home or elsewhere.

1. Pressure Treated Decking

For six decades, pressure treated decking has been the top choice of Canada's homeowners. Resilient, readily available, and affordable pressure treated lumber undergoes a process that applies preservation solutions upon boards to provide greater resistance to rotting and pesky insects. However, it's essential to properly clean or pressure wash decking, sanding and re-staining every few years to avoid premature swelling, warping, and splitting of PT lumber.

2. Composite Decking

Composite decking is a rising star amid the outdoor deck industry today for a number of reasons. It's composed of recycled plastic and wood fibres encased in a protective shell, which affords it the look of natural wood decking. Composite decking is versatile and available in an array of hues, and these decks can be customized with matching staircases and railings with ease. The true beauty of these decks is that are low maintenance and they don't split, warp, rot, or splinter.

3. PVC Decking

With similar benefits and design options to composite decking, PVC is an affordable and low-maintenance option that is available in several grain and colour options. PVC decking is resilient, scratch-resistant, and stays cooler than many other decking options. It's often constructed of recycled materials and is wholly manmade, but the biggest drawback is that homeowners often say that PVC looks less realistic than composite.

4. Cedar Decking

Typically crafted of a western softwood, cedar decking is the secondary choice for wood-lovers after PT options. Cedar is naturally insect- and rot-resistant, and the cost varies depending on which grade owners choose. Higher grades typically feature interesting knot and grain patterns but can cost more. Like PT decking, cedar requires periodic cleaning and staining.

5. Exotic Hardwood Decking

Homeowners who prefer the feel and look of natural wood but desire something a bit more durable and attractive than pressure-treated or cedar decking may opt for exotic hardwoods. These gorgeous planks live up to their name and are by far the most resilient woods for decking available today that will brink owners decades of joy—often with minimal maintenance. Because they hail from moist environments, exotic hardwoods are insect and rot-resistant, however they can cost a pretty penny. Popular hardwood decking options include exotics from Brazil such as Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood and Garapa.

6. Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking is a durable, long lasting, low maintenance option that homeowners often overlook. These non-skid, water resistant decks provide a modern and innovative look to the home's outdoor spaces and will never splinter, mildew, become warped or brittle, rot or be accessible to insect attacks. Furthermore, aluminum planks are available in a selection of wood grain hues for a more natural look. While aluminum is rather expensive, it is likely to last 50 years or more.

Need Assistance Choosing the Right Decking?

Don't hesitate to reach out to a local decking contractor or home improvement professional to learn more about selecting the perfect deck materials and design options to make your outdoor spaces a comfortable place for entertainment and respite.