Seeking Advice on Deck Building

Hello everyone,

I'm currently in the process of planning a deck build for my backyard and I have a question regarding the materials. I'm torn between using composite decking or traditional wood decking.

I've heard arguments for both options, with some praising the low maintenance and longevity of composite decking, while others swear by the classic look and feel of wood.

I'd love to hear from those who have experience with either type of decking. What are the pros and cons you've encountered? Any tips or recommendations for a successful deck build would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for your insights!

 

Is this another ai bot or scammer starting and answering their own post?

 

I built a greenheart timber deck outside my living room 20 years ago - and the greenheart is now rotting away happily.

I am in the process of replacing the timber with composite boards.
Maybe I am a bit prejudiced now, but I would suggest you use composite boards, unless you have some amazing wood available that does not rot.

 

As you pointed out already, there are pros and cons to both options. You also have the option of combining both. If you want the maintenance-free feature of a composite deck, but the traditional look of a wood deck, you can lay a replaceable wood veneer on top of a composite deck. Although, to keep it good looking, it isn't really maintenence-free.

I have a wooden deck I built nearly 30 years ago on my house, no maintenence, and only a couple of spots, where the rain pours off the roof in the valleys, am I getting rot. Climate and circumstance can have a big effect.

What are your priorities? Do you want a traditional look? Do you want ease of maintenence? Do you want low cost, easily accessible materials?

What do you feel most comfortable working with? Are you good working in wood or experienced working in composites? Do you have equipment and facilities for either?

What are your circumstances? Do you enjoy and have the discipline for regular maintenence and upkeep of wood? Are you planning to move from port to port, where composite resources may not always be available for repairs? Will you be looking to sell after a few years?

All of these questions have a bearing on your choices. Personally, I work with wood and have easier access to the space, equipment and materials to work with wood. But, I appreciate the longevity and livability of glass. Neither are that difficult to work with, they just require different considerations to build with. I would most likely build a larger vessel out of wood and cover it in glass.

 

thank you so much for your suggesiton

 

I built my deck out of red cedar, locally grown.
No coating, just raw cedar.
That was 8 years ago and it should last another 20 years.
Looks great. Turns grey.
I wouldn't use anything else but you may have a hard time finding red cedar in Argentina... $$$