Because we’re Wilmington deck builders, we’re often asked which type of decking material makes the most sense for our region. There are three types of decks we build – wooden, vinyl, and composite. Here’s what you need to know about each kind of deck:
Wooden decking is the traditional, familiar favorite. The deck at your grandparent’s place was most likely built out of wood. There are several different types of wooden decking seen in our area – white pine being the budget family option, often chosen by young families and only intended to last a decade or so; redwood offers both a more upscale look and longer lifespan. The downside to wooden decks: the maintenance. Plan on staining or painting your deck regularly.
Vinyl decking is also known as PVC decking. Right off the bat, choosing vinyl decking eliminates many of the problems that plague wooden decks, such as insects, mildew and rot. Vinyl decks require very little in terms of maintenance, and it comes in a variety of long-lasting colors. Vinyl decking is a fully recycled material, which means it’s a planet friendly building material. The downside: vinyl can be the most expensive decking option, and it can get quite hot when exposed to prolonged sunlight – not a concern if you’re always wearing shoes, but potentially an issue for bare feet and puppy paws.
Composite decking offers all of the advantages of vinyl decking, plus a few more: it’s a more budget-friendly decking option. Composite decking truly mimics the appearance of wood, so if that’s important to you, you’ll prefer it over the vinyl. There are numerous color options available, and the product stays much cooler to the touch, even on sunny days. Composite decking has rapidly become the decking option of choice for luxury homes, as it’s stable, attractive, and long lasting.