Deck Building Materials

Deck Building Materials

Composite Decking Materials

Composite Decking Materials


When it comes to choosing materials for building a deck, composite decking has gained popularity in recent years. Composite decking materials are made from a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastics, making them a durable and environmentally friendly option for outdoor spaces.


One of the main advantages of composite decking materials is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional wood decking, composite materials do not need to be stained, sealed, or painted regularly. This makes them a convenient choice for homeowners who want a beautiful deck without the hassle of constant upkeep.


Composite decking materials are also resistant to rot, mold, and insects, making them a long-lasting option for outdoor use. They are designed to withstand the elements, so they wont warp, crack, or splinter like traditional wood decking can over time.


Another benefit of composite decking materials is their wide range of styles and colors. Homeowners can choose from a variety of finishes that mimic the look of real wood, giving them the flexibility to create a custom deck that suits their aesthetic preferences.


While composite decking materials may have a higher upfront cost than traditional wood decking, their durability and low maintenance requirements can save homeowners money in the long run. With proper care, a composite deck can last for decades, providing a beautiful and functional outdoor space for years to come.

Wood Decking Options


When it comes to building a deck, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is what type of wood decking to use. There are several options available, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.


One popular choice for wood decking is cedar. Cedar is known for its natural beauty and durability, making it a great option for outdoor decks. It is also resistant to rot and insects, making it a low-maintenance choice for homeowners. However, cedar can be more expensive than other types of wood decking, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.


Another common choice for wood decking is redwood. Redwood is a beautiful and durable wood that is naturally resistant to decay and insects. It is also easy to work with and has a long lifespan, making it a popular choice for deck builders. However, like cedar, redwood can be more expensive than other types of wood decking.


Pressure-treated wood is another popular option for wood decking. Pressure-treated wood is treated with chemicals to make it resistant to rot and insects, making it a durable and cost-effective choice for decks. However, pressure-treated wood can be prone to splintering and warping over time, so it may require more maintenance than other types of wood decking.


Ultimately, the best wood decking option for your deck will depend on your budget, preferences, and maintenance requirements. Whether you choose cedar, redwood, pressure-treated wood, or another type of wood decking, investing in high-quality materials will ensure that your deck will be beautiful and long-lasting for years to come.

Metal Decking Materials


When it comes to building a deck, choosing the right materials is crucial for both durability and aesthetics. One popular option for decking materials is metal decking. Metal decking materials offer several advantages over traditional wood decking.


Metal decking is known for its strength and durability. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and even fire. This makes it a great option for outdoor decks that need to last for years to come. Additionally, metal decking is low maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep compared to wood decking. This can save you time and money in the long run.


Another benefit of metal decking materials is their versatility in design. Metal can be easily customized to fit any style or size of deck. Whether you prefer a sleek modern look or a more traditional aesthetic, metal decking can be tailored to suit your needs. Additionally, metal decking is available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to create a unique and personalized outdoor space.


In conclusion, metal decking materials are a durable, low-maintenance, and versatile option for building a deck. Whether you are looking for strength and longevity or a customized design, metal decking can provide the solution you need. Consider metal decking materials for your next deck building project to create a beautiful and long-lasting outdoor space.

Alternative Decking Materials


When it comes to building a deck, there are a variety of materials to choose from. While traditional options like wood and composite decking are popular choices, there are also alternative decking materials that can provide a unique and eco-friendly option for your outdoor space.


One alternative decking material that has been gaining popularity in recent years is bamboo decking. Bamboo is a sustainable and renewable resource that grows quickly, making it an environmentally friendly choice for decking material. It is also incredibly strong and durable, making it a great option for outdoor use. Additionally, bamboo decking is resistant to rot, mold, and insects, making it a low-maintenance option for your deck.


Another alternative decking material to consider is aluminum decking. Aluminum decking is lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance, making it a great option for those looking for a long-lasting and weather-resistant decking material. It is also fire-resistant and non-toxic, making it a safe choice for your outdoor space. Aluminum decking is available in a variety of colors and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your deck to fit your style.


If you are looking for a unique and sustainable option for your deck, consider using cork decking. Cork is a natural and renewable material that is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. It is soft, comfortable to walk on, and naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and insects. Cork decking is also a great insulator, helping to keep your deck cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It is a great choice for those looking for a natural and eco-friendly decking material.


Overall, there are many alternative decking materials to consider when building your deck. Whether you choose bamboo, aluminum, cork, or another alternative material, you can create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space that will last for years to come. Consider your needs, budget, and style preferences when choosing the right decking material for your project.

Citations and other links

Deck may refer to:

A level or platform

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Buildings and structures

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Transportation

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  • Bus deck, referring to the number of passenger levels on a bus
  • Cockpit, also called a "flight deck"

Maritime

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Audiovisual equipment

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People

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Other uses

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See also

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A deck in the backyard of a suburban house
A high level corridor deck in the backyard of a suburban house in Australia
A high level deck in the backyard of a suburban house in Australia. The decking is selangan batu, a Malaysian timber.

In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization from the deck of a ship. A level architectural deck may be intended for use by people, e.g., what in the UK is usually called a decked patio. "Roof deck" refers to the flat layer of construction materials to which the weather impervious layers are attached to form a roof, and they may be either level (for a "flat" rooftop) or sloped.

Functions and materials

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Wood or timber decking can be used in a number of ways: as part of garden landscaping, to extend the living area of a house, and as an alternative to stone-based features such as patios. Decks are made from treated lumber, composite lumber, composite material, and aluminum. Lumber may be western red cedar, teak, mahogany, ipê, reclaimed and recycled ulin and other hardwoods. Recycled planks may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and PET plastic as well as mixed plastics and wood fiber (often called "composite" lumber). Artificial decking products are often called "wood-plastic composites" (WPC). WPCs have different brands like NewTechWood, Azek, Ecornboard etc.[1]

Historically, the softwoods used for decking were logged from old growth forests. These include Atlantic white cedar, redwood, and western red cedar (redcedar). Atlantic City built the first coastal boardwalk in the United States, originally constructed of the Atlantic white cedar. Soon, the commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, western red cedar from the US was declining due to over-logging. More expensive western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure-treated pine had become available.

But even with chemical treatments (such as chromated copper arsenate or CCA), pine decking is not as durable as cedars in an outdoor environment. Thus, many municipalities and homeowners are turning to hardwoods. Decks are often built from pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is long lasting and holds up to wet and icy conditions. Pressure-treating chemicals are known to be toxic.[2] Both softwood and hardwood decks need to be finished after installation using either an oil or varnish to prevent weathering, wear, mould, algae and wood-boring insects.[3]

Due to environmental and durability concerns, composite decking (a mixture of two materials, typically wood pulp and recycled material such as plastic bottles or plastic bags) have appeared on the market. Proponents of composite decking tout it as a much-needed development, as it helps to curb logging of trees for new decks. However, composite decking contains harmful chemicals, cannot be refurbished, and despite claims from decking companies, some composite decking still attracts mold. However, newer more modern composites feature a cap or shell that prevents mold and staining.[4] In multi-story commercial construction, the dominant form of deck (including roof deck) construction is composite steel deck.

Generally, hardwoods used for decking come from tropical forests. Much of the logging of these woods, especially teak, mahogany and ipê, is illegal, as outlined in numerous reports by environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rainforest Relief.[5][6][7] US tropical wood imports are rising, partly due to the demand for decking.

Construction

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The deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via a stairway. Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to control sunlight. Deck designs can be found in numerous books, do-it-yourself magazines, and websites, and from the USDA.[8]

Typical construction is either of a post and beam architecture, or a cantilever construction. The post-and-beam construction relies on posts anchored to piers in the ground. Typically, these types of structural decks are engineered and require an experienced construction company that specializes in structural decks. Cantilever decks rely on floor joists that protrude out further than the wall of the house. While this type of construction is common, it raises significant safety issues if the decks are not properly waterproofed and flashed. There have been a growing number of deck failures resulting in death and critical injuries. Another key component of decks are code compliant railings. Railings on decks above 760 mm (30 in) are considered guard rails.[according to whom?] Guard rails have a specific building code requirement for both height and structural strength. Most U.S. commercial building codes require a 1,100 mm (42 in) guardrail on decks, and 910 or 1,070 mm (36 or 42 in) for a residential code depending on the state. Typical railing assemblies must meet structural strength requirements of 9.6 kPa (200 lbf/ft2). In short, decks are complex load-bearing structures that most often require structural engineering, plans, and permits.

Residential decks may contain spaces for cooking and seating. Cooking areas ideally should be situated near the patio door while out of the way from general foot traffic. Dining spaces will include patio tables. For a typical six-person outdoor patio table building, an area of 3.7 m × 4.9 m (12 ft × 16 ft) is ideal. If deck space is available, homeowners may choose to include for the seating, outdoor couches and benches.

Larger buildings may also have decks on the upper floors of the building which can be open to the public as observation decks or greeneries. A deck is also the surface used to construct a boardwalk over sand on barrier islands.

Laying deck or throwing deck refers to the act of placing and bolting down cold-formed steel beneath roofing and concrete floors. This is usually done by an ironworker, sometimes in conjunction with a cement mason or carpenter. It regarded as one of the most physically demanding jobs in the iron working industry.[citation needed]

In the United Kingdom the various bans on smoking in public buildings were expected to lead to an increase in the use of timber decking for outdoor spaces where smokers can gather.[9]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "How to Choose the Right Lumber for Your Deck?". 5 Nov 2023.
  2. ^ "Lumber Pressure Treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate". New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2013.
  3. ^ "Choosing The Best Decking Oil". Blueprint Joinery. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  4. ^ Paster, Pablo (2009). "Deck: Wood or Plastic?". Treehugger.
  5. ^ Keating, Tim (1997), Teak is Torture: Forced Labor Logging in Burma (PDF), Rainforest Relief, New York
  6. ^ Keating, Tim (1998), Deep Impact: An Estimate of Tropical Rainforest Acres Impacted for a Board Foot of Imported Ipê (PDF), Rainforest Relief, New York
  7. ^ Monbiot, George (1992), Mahogany is Murder: Mahogany Extraction from Indian Reserves in Brazil, Friends of the Earth, London, ISBN 978-1-85750-160-5
  8. ^ L.O. Anderson, T.B. Heebink, and A.E. Oviatt. (1972)."Construction guides for exposed wood decks. Agriculture handbook no. 432". Washington: USDA, Forest Service.
  9. ^ "Smoking Ban Good News For Decking", Timber Construction, 2007
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  • Media related to Decks (architecture) at Wikimedia Commons