Choosing Decking Material

If your home has an outdoor space, why not make it part of your living area? Building an outdoor deck is a great way to do this. It adds space to your living room and makes moving between indoors and outdoors easy. In fact, 36% of Australians are planning to build a deck to expand their living areas.

But, building a deck is a big decision. You have many material options to pick from, not just wood. Now, you can choose from a variety of decking materials.

Key Takeaways

• Outdoor decks are a popular choice for extending living spaces in Australian homes.
• Traditional wood decks are no longer the only option, with a range of decking materials now available.
• Composite decking and PVC decking are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to wood decking.
• Factors to consider when choosing a decking material include durability, maintenance, and environmental impact.
• The cost of decking materials can vary significantly, with composite and PVC options often being more expensive upfront but lower in long-term maintenance.

Types of Decking Materials

Australian homeowners have many decking materials to choose from. Each has its own benefits and things to consider. Wood decking and composite decking are two popular choices, each with its own advantages.

Wood Decking

Wood decking is a classic choice, loved for its natural look. Pressure-treated wood is a top pick for its toughness and fight against rot, bugs, and mold. Hardwoods like jarrah, merbau, spotted gum, and blackbutt are also popular for their strength and long life.

Hardwoods can cost between $75 and $105 per square metre. Treated pine is a budget-friendly option, priced from $150 to $300 per square metre.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a new option that's becoming popular in Australia. It's made from wood fibres and recycled plastic or resin. This makes it easy to look after and long-lasting.

Homeowners can pick between capped and uncapped composite decking. Capped decking is coated for extra protection against stains and wear. Uncapped decking is cooler underfoot but can stain easier. Prices for composite decking range from $100 to $350 per square metre, depending on the brand and features.

Whether you like the look of wood or the ease of composite, there are many decking options. Think about how long it lasts, how much upkeep it needs, and the cost. This way, Australian homeowners can find the best decking for their outdoor areas.

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Choosing decking material

Choosing the right decking material is key when building a new outdoor deck. There are many options, each with pros and cons. Think about your lifestyle, how much upkeep you can handle, and the value over time.

Traditional wood decking, like hardwoods and softwoods, looks natural and has good value. But, they change color and weather quickly, needing regular care to look good. Pressure-treated wood is cheaper but still needs a lot of maintenance to last.

Composite decking combines recycled plastic and wood fibres for a low-care option that looks like wood. It's very durable and needs little upkeep, lasting 25 to 50 years. PVC decking is also very durable and needs almost no care, but it's more expensive upfront.

When picking decking, think about how well it performs, how much care it needs, and its cost over time. Traditional wood has a classic look, but synthetic materials like composite and PVC offer easy care and long life.

• Lifestyle needs: Think about how you'll use the deck and what upkeep you're okay with.
• Long-term value: Look at how long the decking lasts and its durability to make sure it's a good buy.
• Upfront costs: Compare prices per square foot to find the best deal for your budget.

By looking at your options and what you need, you can pick decking that looks great, works well, and is a good value for your outdoor area.

Installation and Maintenance

Choosing the right decking material changes how you install and maintain it. Wood decking needs regular care to fight off weather, moisture, bugs, and UV damage. You'll need to stain, seal, sand, and refinish it every year or so to keep it looking good and strong.

Composite decking and PVC decking are easier to look after. Composite decks, made from recycled plastics and wood, just need a quick clean to get rid of mold and mildew. PVC decking is almost no work, needing only an occasional wash to stay looking sharp.

Installing decks can differ by material. Wood decking can be set up in many ways and styles. But composite and PVC decking need special installation to look and last well.

Knowing what upkeep is needed is key when picking decking for your home. Think about the cost, upkeep, and look you want. This helps you choose the best decking for your needs and budget.

Cost Considerations

Building a new deck involves more than just the initial cost of materials. Long-term value and maintenance costs are key to understanding the total budget. Wood decking might seem cheaper at first, but the costs for staining, sealing, and replacing it add up over time.

An Ipe hardwood deck costs about $13,824 to start, and you'll spend around $405 a year on upkeep. Pressure-treated wood decks start at $8,759 but need $348 a year for maintenance. Composite decking costs around $9,769 and requires just $120 a year to keep up. PVC decking is pricier upfront, near $12,000, but maintenance is only about $110 a year.

When planning a deck, think about both the upfront and long-term costs. Consider decking material costs, upfront costs, long-term costs, wood decking costs, composite decking costs, PVC decking costs, maintenance costs, and the value of the deck. This will help you make a smart choice.

Conclusion

Choosing the right decking material for your outdoor space in Australia is more than just looking at the price. Traditional wood decking gives a natural look but needs regular upkeep to last. Composite decking looks like wood but is easier to maintain. PVC decking is very durable and needs little to no upkeep.

Each decking type has its own benefits and drawbacks. These include how well they perform, how green they are, and their value over time. The best decking for you depends on your budget, how you live, and what you want your outdoor living space to look like.

Looking at the different deck material options, you can pick what works best for you. Whether it's wood decking, composite decking, or PVC decking, think about the balance between cost, maintenance, and the look you want for your outdoor area.

In Australia, there are many strong and good-looking decking choices for your outdoor living space. Let us help you in building your deck so you can have one that looks great and lasts a long time.

FAQ

What are the main types of decking materials available?

The main decking materials are wood, composite, and plastic (PVC).

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wood decking?

Wood decking looks natural and feels authentic. But, it needs regular upkeep like staining and sealing. It also needs replacing over time to fight weather damage.

How does composite decking compare to traditional wood?

Composite decking looks like wood but is easy to maintain. It's made from recycled plastic and wood fibres. It's durable and comes in many colours.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a decking material?

Think about how well it performs, its upkeep needs, long-term costs, and how it suits your outdoor space and lifestyle.

How do the installation and maintenance requirements differ between decking materials?

Wood decking is easy to install. Composite and PVC decking needs special installation. Wood decking needs regular care like staining and sealing. Composite and PVC decking are easier to maintain.

How do the long-term costs of different decking materials compare?

Wood decking might be cheaper at first. But, the upkeep and replacing it later can add up. Composite and PVC decking are cheaper over time because they need less maintenance.

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