Adding a deck to your backyard is one of the best ways to make it more charming and make the most out of your outdoor living. Decks boost the aesthetic appeal of your home. The right finish and stain option can complement your home’s exterior. Additionally, they motivate you to spend more time outside. Even if you aren’t outdoorsy, having a deck inspires you to enjoy the outdoors more. It offers a cozy place to hang out in nature, which is highly advantageous to your health since spending time outdoors helps boost your mood and lower stress and anxiety levels.
However, numerous decking materials are available, each with different features and quality. Therefore, you’d want a material that adds value to your home and is comfortable. In that regard, here are seven tips for choosing the suitable decking material:
Go For Eco-Friendly Materials
Environmental and sustainability factors are vital when picking decking materials in the contemporary eco-conscious community. You’d want to make your home as green as possible by choosing environmental-friendly products. For a material to be eco-friendly, it must promote sustainability. A sustainable product is long-lasting and won’t end in landfills after a few years, leading to less pollution and a healthy environment.
For instance, PVC decking is one of the most sustainable decking materials, made from recycled plastic with the most extended lifespan and can be recycled repeatedly. Also, this material can maintain its appearance for a long, meaning you wouldn’t need to treat it with environmentally unfriendly sealants and stains.
Factor In Your Climate
Considering the climatic conditions of your area is essential when selecting the appropriate decking material. Various climates affect decking materials differently. For instance, some materials can be affected by extreme heat, high humidity, and weathering effects of tropical storms, while others by cold climates. Also, temperature fluctuations affect the materials differently. For example, some may expand or contract when they come in contact with direct sunlight or moist environments.
Therefore, you’d want to select a material that can withstand extreme climatic conditions and deliver a durable, beautiful outdoor living space.
Go For Long-Lasting Materials
Decking materials have different lasting periods. Some are resistant to extreme weather conditions, insect infestation, rot, and moisture, which can prolong their lifespan. However, others can need more maintenance and may only last for a while. Since a deck is a long-term investment, you’d want to pick a long-lasting material that’ll stand the test of time.
Determine The Maintenance Requirements
Diverse decking materials require distinct levels of maintenance. Some materials can be maintenance-free in their entire lifecycle but require occasional cleaning or coating. Others can require maintenance after an extended period, while others may need frequent maintenance. Therefore, consider your lifestyle when picking one that best suits your needs. Suppose you need more time to stain and maintain your deck frequently; go for maintenance-free materials. Remember that properly maintaining your deck and regularly cleaning and staining it preserves its beauty and prolongs its life.
Consider Your Design
Decking materials come in different styles, textures, and colors. Thus, it’s critical to think about the overall appearance of your home. Determine how a particular texture and finish will complement your landscape and outdoor living spaces. Go for materials that don’t clash with your existing home’s style but match it. A deck that complements well with your property leads to delightful and influential design ideas.
Determine The Purpose Of The Deck
You may want to add a deck to your yard for various reasons, most of which influence the material you require. For instance, if you need a perfect outdoor entertaining space for holding parties frequently, choosing high-quality materials that require minimal or no maintenance is vital. On the other hand, if you need to transition your outdoor living to the exterior, choose a material that incorporates your existing design.
Consider The Cost
Another critical factor you’d want to consider is the cost of the decking material. The price varies significantly depending on the quality and types you select. Therefore, go for a material that’s within your budget. However, remember that very cheap materials can be costly at last. It’s because they may require regular repairs or maintenance and have a shorter lifespan, which can augment the overall cost. On the other hand, more costly materials require little to no experience and are long-lasting, which can eventually save you money. Therefore, balance the cost and quality when selecting your decking material.
Conclusion
Choosing a decking material is one of the most vital decisions when building a deck. The type of material you require varies depending on your preferences, circumstances, and functional must-haves. You’d want an eco-friendly, durable material that complements your interior. In whichever option you choose, research its benefits and drawbacks to know the material suitable for your home.
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