There are several types of decking material you can choose from to make the perfect deck for your home. Here at Taylor Made Construction we offer redwood decking and Timbertech and Trex composite decking in the Shingle Springs area. In this guide, we will talk about some of the pros and cons of each type of decking so that you can choose the correct one for your home.
Choosing the Right Materials
There are benefits to using wood and composite materials for your decking. Using wood isn’t necessarily the more environmentally friendly option. Modern technology has made it easier to make composite decking safer and more affordable. Most composite decks are made out of recycled materials and can still look like real wood.
If wood is not treated properly, it can crack, splinter and rot, and it can warp, split and fade. If you choose a natural wood option for your decking, make sure that it’s either pressure-treated or naturally resistant to weather and insects, and put a stain or paint on it to help protect it from the sun and other weather. You do not need to stain or paint composite decks because they come with built-in UV protection as well as a plastic coating to protect them from the elements. This makes composite decks somewhat more sustainable and environmentally friendly since they do not require so much maintenance or use of other chemicals such as paint or stain.
On average, composite decks can cost between 15% and 20% more to install than wood decks; however, they usually last longer and require less maintenance. Wood decks usually need less material and look more natural, but recent technological upgrades have made it so that some composite decks look more like wood. Composite decks also come in a variety of colors to choose from, more so than wood.
Things to look out for and compare when you are deciding which materials to use for your deck are:
- Durability
- Aesthetics
- Costs, both upfront and over time
- Maintenance
- Sustainability and environmental impact
Redwood Decking
Redwood trees are some of the biggest trees on the planet and, on average, span 8 feet wide and can grow over 300 feet tall. That is a lot of lumber in one tree! We are now managing redwoods through sustainable forestry practices, which will help preserve these giants for many years to come. Redwood is locally sourced as well, so you don’t need to worry about paying extra for transportation costs.
The wood naturally resists rot and insects, and you can stain or paint it to match any color scheme, or you can preserve its beautiful natural colors by using a clear stain. Redwood is also resistant to warping and shrinking, and when properly maintained, a redwood deck can last between 10 to 30 years. Redwood is also one of the most fire-resistant woods available. Since it contains no resin, it absorbs stain well, which is necessary to add another layer of protection.
Redwood is also resistant to decay and comes in light to dark red colors, making your deck look warm and inviting. Since it is wood, you will need to treat it every year to maintain it, so it does require a bit more work than composite decks. Redwood is still an affordable option if you wish to use all-natural materials and don’t mind annual sanding, sealing, staining or painting.
Timbertech Composite Decking
Timbertech manufactures composite decks using 85% recycled material. It is composed of wood dust, PVC pipes, plastic bags, milk jugs and other waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This makes it an environmentally friendly option for decking.
Timbertech uses proprietary color-cascading technology to make composite boards look more like natural wood. There are several aesthetic options to choose from, including various colors and textures to give your deck a more wood-like feel. You can choose from deck boards that mimic woods such as pine, ash, birch, maple, teak, oak, elm, chestnut and cedar. Composite decks do not require as much maintenance as wood decks since they come with capped polymer material, which protects the boards from mold, mildew and moisture.
Composite decks also resist fading from the sun and are a lot harder to scratch and stain, making it a good choice if you have young children or pets. Some of Timbertech’s options also help lower the surface temperature of your deck, keeping your feet from burning as fast on those hot summer days.
There are a variety of ways to install Timbertech composite boards as well. You can choose from hidden stainless steel clips to color-matched fasteners to make your deck secure for years to come. The composite deck boards from Timbertech go through rigorous testing to make sure they are durable and long-lasting. They come with at least a 25-year fade and stain warranty that can extend up to 50 years, depending on the type of deck boards you choose. Timbertech produces all of its products in the USA.
Trex Composite Decking
Trex composite deck boards range from simple designs to more realistic wood-like designs. Trex makes all of its composite boards from 95% recycled plastic film and sawdust, which makes them an environmentally friendly option. They come in six different varieties that offer deck boards at a price to fit every budget. They come in several different colors and shades of gray, red, and brown as well as wood-grain patterns that mimic the look of real wood.
Trex composite boards are sun and water-resistant, making them resistant to fading, stains and mold. They are also easy to maintain and usually only require soap and water to clean. They also come with a 25- to 50-year fade and stain warranty, depending on which type of decking you choose.
You can install them with either deck screws or hidden fasteners, and they come in either a square edge or grooved edge. The cheaper option from Trex also comes in a scalloped square edge, making it lighter and more affordable. One of Trex’s options also includes heat-mitigating technology. Trex manufactures all of its products in the USA.
Professional Decking Services in Shingle Springs
Taylor Made Construction is a family-owned construction business that strives to meet our customers’ needs and provide quality service. We offer decking and siding, windows and doors, dry rot repair, and indoor remodeling services to Shingle Springs and the surrounding area.
We understand the importance of collaboration and communication and will actively work with you throughout your project to ensure your satisfaction. We take pride in our work and tailor our services to each individual need. We can install, repair and replace your deck regardless of what material you choose to use. Let us help you make your outdoor space safe and enjoyable for you and your loved ones for many years to come!
Contact Taylor Made Construction today for more information on our decking and other services in Shingle Springs! We’ll be happy to help you!
