Decking Boards - The Ground Floor to Outdoor Living

Outdoor patio decks are great assets to any home during the warm days of spring, and the hot days of summer. However, they can be more of a chore than a benefit for some. Usually, the outdoor decks that are made of wood can deteriorate if not treated at least annually.

This is because wood has a tendency to rot, warp, crack and twist. Some newer solutions can cut down on the time required to maintain an outdoor deck. Decking boards are made of several different types of materials. Untreated wood, pressure treated wood and composite are among the most popular. For those who are planning on building a new deck, the choices can be confusing.

Traditional decking boards that were made of wood, usually had to be painted and then waterproofed. These were generally redwood boards that were sold untreated from lumber yards. They required a bit of carpentry skill to fashion correctly. Many forms of decking boards today are prefabricated and sized for a more user-friendly installation. These boards are typically made of pressure treated wood, composite or vinyl. There are even cedar wood boards that are pretreated and sized as well.

The outdoors decks and patios of today are much more sophisticated than they were in years past. However, some of the newer materials can become problematic over time. Composite materials were designed to be lower maintenance, but have turned out to require much more care than some wood based decks might.

This is because they have a tendency to fade and actually weaken over time. Pressure treated wood often takes on an artificial appearance that can be the source great disappointment for some homeowners who have used it. Vinyl is rapidly becoming a popular choice due to its ability to mimic the look of wood and for its high strength and durability.

Decking boards are taking on a more modern and environmentally friendly tone. Today's materials are much easier to install and some require very little maintenance. However, consumers would be wise to do their research in finding the most cost effective decking board materials that are high in quality, and aesthetically appealing.

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