A deck or a patio, as some people call it, is a great addition to your backyard. A deck adds to the space in your home and significantly boosts its curb value. Choosing a deck design and the material can be overwhelming, so you need to know the various deck materials and their advantages and disadvantages for a sensible choice.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is the most popular deck material by far today. People love the chemically-treated wood for its high resistance to insects, mold, and rot and its affordability. It is easy to work with and available almost everywhere. The main issue with this material is maintenance, as the wood tends to warp and crack over time. However, concerns about its treatment with chromate copper arsenate, an alleged carcinogen, have disappeared with less toxic chemicals now being used. According to lumber, pressure-treated wood is insect and rot-resistant.
Tropical Hardwood
The tropical hardwood decking material is also a popular choice by people looking for a luxury option. These hardwoods are hard and durable with a lovely grain and are naturally resistant to insects and rot. The main con is the high price, so you need to budget appropriately. Tropical hardwoods can be difficult to work with. Their dense and hard nature makes it difficult to drill holes, and it does not accept finishes or stains well. If you want to stain the rooftop decks Chicago, you must use a specially-formulated finish; however, if you choose not to stain the wood and preserve its natural looks, you can apply a clear wood preservative with UV-blocking properties every three to four years.
Concrete
Concrete is a good choice of decking material because it is tough, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. It is a versatile, modern, and fashionable material that adds to your house’s curb appeal. You can choose a seamless polished concrete slab or attractive tiles. Some people inherently dislike concrete because of its alleged lack of character and the fact that it can become unbearably hot in the blazing sun.
Exposed Aggregate
This material has all the advantages of concrete, like versatility and ease of maintenance but offers more texture and traction, reducing the hazard of a slip-and-fall accident. It also cracks and spalls less than plain concrete but requires more expertise to install. Whether you choose it over concrete mainly depends on its aesthetic appeal.
Composites
The composite decking material, made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, is finding acceptance fast because of its durability and ease of maintenance. Being an artificial material, it does not splinter or warp or get affected by rot or insects. Depending on the wood fiber content, it can attract mold and mildew and show signs of decay. It is also an expensive material, so you need to go with a reputed manufacturer.
Conclusion
In addition to the above materials, you can also choose woods like redwood and cedar, bluestone, and even aluminum as a high-tech decking material. If being environmentally conscious makes you tick, you can also choose grass, but you should know it is difficult to grow and maintain.