The 3 Most Recommended Decking Materials That You Should Use

Grand-Hyatt-Baha-Mar (photo)

Choosing a decking material is perhaps the most important decision you will make when building a new deck. There are many types of materials that can meet your needs. 

Each decking material option has its own unique aesthetic, maintenance requirements, and other significant aspects to consider when making a choice.

Just a few years ago, wood was the only option out there. Today there are dozens of different materials, such as composite wood, plastic decking, PVC decking, domestic and imported hardwood. 

So before you make any decisions, it is important to familiarize yourself with the different decking materials available, the different types of decking materials installation techniques, the price point of each, as well as the future maintenance and care required of each. 

Here is a list of the top three (3) decking materials, along with their benefits, aesthetic features, and maintenance requirements, according to our team of experts here at Brazilian Lumber.

1. Hardwoods
2. Composite Decking
3. PVC Decking

Decking Materials: Hardwoods

Although wood is not the only material used for decking, it is the most popular choice. Its quality and style set it apart from other decking materials.  Both domestic and tropical woods can be used for decking.

However, tropical hardwoods are ideal given that they are long-lasting thanks to their dense composition, resistant to insect damage and rot, and weather resistance.

Additionally, hardwood has the advantage of having a fire rating equal to steel and concrete. This means it is fire-resistant, adding an extra layer of protection to the exterior of your house. 

Also, hardwood decking materials offersnot only remarkable durability, but also aesthetic warmth for any type of environment.

The most commonly used hardwoods for exterior constructions are: Garapa, Cumaru, Jatoba, Tigerwood, and Ipe. The last mentioned is the most demanded premium wood nowadays. Its high-quality, natural oil, and extraordinary features make it one of a kind. 

Nevertheless, any of the other lumber types mentioned above are also nice types of wood. These deeply grained woods are extremely hard, very durable, naturally resistant to mold, weather, and insect damage.

In fact, these decking materials are so dense that it is virtually impossible to screw them into a panel without first drilling a hole. For this reason, it is recommended that decking boards be pre-drilled.

As explained above, Ipe deserves a special mention. This amazing lumber, sometimes called Brazilian Walnut, comes from South America and  is the hardest tropical wood.  That is how it earns its nickname iron wood. 

Decks, docks, pergolas, siding, cladding, boardwalks, as well as interior flooring are made of it. But what makes IPE truly remarkable and the perfect decking material is its durability, quality, and weather resistance.

Although Ipe stands out as the best wood, all of the above have exceptional properties, such as:

• Natural, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable building material
• Carbon positive element
• Adaptable, versatile, and durable material 
• Sound absorbing decking material 
• Scratch and splinter resistant
• Cool in the sun
• Mold, mildew, and termite resistant
• Fire repellant / retardant
• High friction coefficient (slip resistant)

Decking Materials:  Composite

Composite decking material is one of the fastest growing materials available today.

It is made primarily from recycled wood fiber and plastics. That’s why most people consider it a very environmentally friendly option.

This is a material that does not warp or splinter. In addition, it is not affected by rot or insects, making it a truly durable option, which does not require a lot of maintenance.  

Composite decking does not require sanding or finishing. For proper maintenance, a thorough cleaning with water and soap is enough. By following this advice, you will preserve the high quality of the material for about 25 years.  The actual guarantee period will depend on each manufacturer. 

Although there is a fear that composite decking may not be as nice and organic-looking as natural wood, thanks to modern technology, that is no longer an issue. Another nice option of using composite decking materials is that there is a far greater variety of colors to choose from. 

Also, most boards are similar to each other, something that with a natural product such as wood cannot be guaranteed.

This amazing material gives you superior durability, ultra-low maintenance, resistance to external factors, and it is a cost-efficient material.  

At Brazilian Lumber we are authorized distributors of brands that offer high  standards of quality, good service, and good design. The following is a list of some of the most popular composite decking material brands we offer: 

• Trex
• TimberTech
• Newtech Wood
• Norx
• Azek
• For Us Plastic Wood

All of these brands offer a variety of color and aesthetic options, warranties, different types of protective capping, and a  decking material that does not weather, splinter, or warp. 

Decking Materials: PVC Decking

An alternative to both hardwood and composite decking materials is PVC.

Both PVC and composite decking are equally fade-resistant based on the quality and brand. PVC decking is more synthetic in appearance, while composite decking better resembles natural wood. 

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) cover, also known as plastic decking material, is composed of 100% plastic; there are no wood fibers.

It is known as the cousin of composite, as they share many properties. For example, both are extremely weather resistant, easy to clean, and will not splinter, warp or rot.

They are available in different colors and have a wooden structure that really takes on the appearance of natural wood.

Not everything is the same, there are also differences. PVC decking is much lighter than composite decking, which makes it easier to move and lay. This material comes in many quality grades, but almost all of them are quite strong.

In fact, high-quality PVC decking has almost none of the weaknesses of wood. This means you don’t have to worry about sanding or staining plastics, making this decking material almost maintenance-free.

Aesthetically, PVC decking offers more options than ordinary wood. You can find brown, gray, white, tan, or even patterns that resemble wood grain.

At Brazilian Lumber we are also authorized distributors of brands that offer PVC alternatives, such as: 

• Endeck
• Zuri
• Azek

All of them share high quality components and the best technological procedures in their products. In addition, a wide variety of colors and designs that will enhance your spaces with these durable and low-maintenance decking material alternatives.

To conclude, building a deck can be a hard experience if you have no idea of which are the  best decking material options for it. To avoid that, better to have the best ally by your side. 

CALL US, and we will make your dream project a reality in an easy, simple, and satisfying way.