If you are building a new deck, you have probably noticed that the decking material choices are almost endless. While wood is still the most popular material, composite decking materials are quickly gaining ground.
Use this guide to educate yourself on some of the best options out there, and what might be the best fit for your project.
Treated Deck Boards
Treated lumber has come a long way over the years. If treated lumber is all your budget can afford make sure you consider the following examples.
Here at McCabe Lumber we purchase the majority of our treated decking from Prowood. It has proven to be a great performer in the Cincinnati market.
Remember, treated lumber is the entry point product for decking. You should purchase the best you can afford.
Composite Deck Boards
Deckorators Composite Decking Material
Deckorators has seen tremendous growth in the Cincinnati decking market. This product is right at the top of my list of recommended products
- Voyage provides 34% or greater surface traction than other leading brands of composite decking*
- Virtually no thermal expansion or contraction and is warranted for installation in the ground or water.
- Ideal near water as it features textured embossing for enhanced traction.
- Won’t splinter, sag, chalk or crack
- Stain- and fade-resistant cap stock
- Varied-plank decking is available in 3.5″, 5.5″ and 7.25″ widths and in grooved and solid-edge profiles.
- Available in 8″ for fascia and stair risers (comes in all Voyage colors and in white)
Trex Composite Decking Material
Trex Company is the pioneers in composite decking. They have survived and thrived in the composite decking arena.
Trex has the homeowner covered from their entry level products to their higher end more durable Transcend line.
Overall, Trex is a dependable product to consider.
Timbertech Composite Decking Material
Timbertech Decking which now includes the entire Azek decking line is a good product choice with entry level products all the way to the high end product choices to meet your needs.
Fiberon Composite Decking Material
Fiberon decking, who was recently acquired by Fortune Brands has products that appeal to every taste and budget.
They have some of the best pricing when it comes to composite decking. Their Good Life Multi-Chromatic line is a great step up from treated lumber.
The Good Life product can take a homeowner from treated decking to a beautiful composite deck surface for a minimal upcharge.
Fiberon Color Visualizer
Now in its second year is the Fiberon color visualizer app. This is a really easy way to see how your new decking will look on your home.
Ipe Decking
Ipe wood (pronounced E-pay), which is also known as Brazilian Walnut, Ironwood or Pau lope, is extremely durable and sturdy, with a Janka hardness of 3680. That’s triple the strength of a typical plastic-composite decking, while providing all of the aesthetic benefits of a natural, beautiful wood deck.
Extremely durable and sturdyTriple the strength of typical plastic-composite deckingBeautiful aesthetic benefits of natural wood deckGrain is extremely dense and tightFine texture and inter-locking grain results in superior slip resistanceDoes not require usage of preservatives or treatmentsNaturally resistant to decay, rot, insect infestation and more.
Rick Wedding
Rick Wedding is the founder of Building Supply Guy and has been in the building materials industry since 1987. Since then, his mission is to make selecting products for your home easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with choosing the best products and services for their homes.
Get access to tips, project ideas, behind the scenes video, and live Q&A sessions. We make Home Improvement (Less Complicated)
Get Access Now