You might be confused as to which balcony decking material is more favorable when you are planning to build your own. You can pick pressure-treated lumber treated to resist insect damage, mold, and rot. On the other hand, you can select a composite material, which is a combination of wood and recycled plastic.
To clear your mind a bit, here are some factors that can help you decide which balcony decking material suits you best.
Things to Consider:
Wooden Planks
The original and traditional material used for decking is wood.
Pros
- Wood provides natural warmth and it is authentic, making it the real deal
- It also smells good
- Provides a natural look because some types of wood are often softwoods, which can be among the most inexpensive decking material
Cons
- Some hardwoods are expensive to consider for balcony decking
- Susceptible to cracking, changing color, and cracking
- Price and availability are determined according to region
Wood-Polymer Composite
Otherwise known as wood alternatives, composite, or synthetic decking, this type of decking material has become the fastest-growing needs for residential use over the years. Moreover, it is an environmentally-friendly lumber alternative to wood that combines wood fiber and plastic.
Pros
- Resistant to certain weather conditions
- Resistant to stain
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t rot or splinter
- Low maintenance
- Lots of color variety
Cons
- Looks fake or cheap at some point
- Other brands can be slippery
- Not resistant to mildew and mold, particularly in the shade
- Shows signs of aging and decay over time
- Can sag or bend more than wood does
Factors to Guide your Buying Decision
Durability
If you are going to buy composite boards, you are guaranteed of durability. Moreover, they are dense and water-resistant, which makes them impervious to warping, cracking, or splitting. This means that you will have a deck that will literally withstand the test of time.
Appearance
A lot of people consider the natural good looks of real wood because they are far superior to plastic balcony decking material. They say that composite decking looks too perfect to be true.
Composite boards tend to have only a few colors available in which the brown tone can come off to be fake-looking or flat. That is perhaps a real wooden deck adds more value to your home compared to a composite one.
Cost
The cheapest option by far is the pressure-treated lumber. This makes it a perennial choice at the lumberyard. On the other hand, the composite balcony decking material is the most expensive costing around $30-45 per square foot.
However, you can consider it as a one-time investment. At the same time, you don’t have to buy a sealer or stain every year or two.
Conclusion
Choosing your own decking materials can ultimately come down to your personal taste, budget, and how much time you are going to spend to maintain your deck. So, if you think maintenance-free living is important to you, then you can pick composite decking materials.
Otherwise, if you love the look of wood, without regard for some annual maintenance, then pick cedar wooden decking. Lastly, if the cost can affect your buying decision, then you may select the pressure-treated lumber to start with.
WICR Waterproofing & Decking is Southern California’s premier waterproofing and decking specialist covering Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. We are trained by all the major manufacturers of waterproofing systems so that we can install or repair any waterproofing project. Please visit us at www.WICRWaterproofing.com
