You probably already know that a new or remodeled deck can add tons of value to your home. But did you also know that your return on investment will be heavily determined by the type of deck materials used? We stumbled upon this article that outlines the pros and cons of some of the most common deck building materials.
Pressure-treated (PT) wood
- Most common and least expensive material
- Requires annual sealing to prevent drying, twisting, cupping, splitting, slivering and warping
- Usually insect- and fungus-resistant for about 10 years
- Expensive fasteners are required for building since PT can eat through regular screws and nails
Cedar
- Boards used to last about 20 year, but now they’re only good for about 5-7 years
- Lack of natural oils makes it more prone to dry rot, mold and insects
Exotic hardwood
- One of the most expensive deck materials
- Very durable and long-lasting
- Can be harvested under less than ethical conditions from forests in South America
- Often labeled as sustainable when it may not be
To find out about the decking materials we use at Outdoor Environments, contact us today!
Image from How Stuff Works via cc
