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Blog Post

Ultimate Guide to Your Outdoor Decking Options

POSTED ON
March 23, 2024

A deck is more than an outdoor feature. It is the foundation for your outdoor living space, so material selection is important. You want a well-designed area that adds to the home's beauty, provides ample space for family and friends, and requires little maintenance. You have better things to do than keep up the deck.

The materials you use for this feature affect how well it achieves these goals. The same holds for the design. What should you consider when choosing these materials? Which design is best for your space?

This guide answers those questions and offers additional information about Canberra decking to help you find the perfect deck for your home.

Design Options

The process begins with choosing a deck design. You need a deck that will expand your living space while adding to its appeal. Consider the following deck construction options when making this decision.

Many people choose floor decking built directly on the ground. This option is great for homes with flat and level ground. A raised deck, on the other hand, is ideal for homes with an uneven or sloped yard.

The construction team builds this deck on piers, beams, or posts.

You might opt for a roof deck on your flat roof in an urban area. This deck provides you with a private outdoor space. At the same time, it helps insulate the building by reducing heat transfer.

Those who own a pool or patio might want a deck built around these features. A pool deck adds to the beauty of the area while providing a safe and stable surface for those using the pool.

A patio deck is built on a level surface to extend the living space. Several materials might be used for a patio deck so you can match the materials to the home’s style and decor.

Finally, consider a multilevel deck. This deck features two or more levels, and each level may be used for a different purpose. Homeowners love how the multilevel deck creates a dynamic outdoor space perfect for entertaining, relaxing, and more.

Material Selection

When choosing a material for your deck, consider the size of the deck and your budget. Talk with the installation team to see if they have recommendations based on your property features.

They have experience constructing various decks and can provide insights into what will and will not work. What materials might they recommend?

Wood

Wooden decks have a timeless look and complement many home styles. They are affordable, and homeowners can often construct these decks with minimal professional assistance. However, they also come with drawbacks.

A wood deck requires regular maintenance. It remains vulnerable to the elements, so you must constantly watch for cracks, decay, and warping.

Furthermore, many people worry about the sustainability of the materials used for wooden decks.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is very durable and requires little maintenance. This material comes in many styles and colours, making it easy to find the right combination for your home.

However, you will pay more for this option, and composite decking absorbs heat. It might be uncomfortable to walk on when the sun is shining and temperatures are rising.

PVC Decking

PVC decking is easy to install and requires little maintenance. Choose from a range of textures and colours to complement the home. However, PVC is susceptible to sun damage and may become slippery when wet.

Additionally, if one piece needs replacement, the entire deck must be replaced for aesthetic purposes. Matching the colour is challenging.

Aluminum Decking

Aluminum is ideal for decks today. It is durable and fireproof yet requires little maintenance. When you are ready to replace the deck, you may recycle the aluminum and protect the planet. Nevertheless, it comes with a high price tag and the design options are limited. It will not resemble wood once it is in place.

Thermally Modified Decking

Thermally modified wood decking requires less maintenance than timber decking. It is more resistant to rot, decay, and insects, and the material mimics the look of natural wood. Homeowners find it comes with a higher price tag though, and the materials might be hard to find in some areas.

Choosing the right options for your deck can be challenging. You want to get it right because this outdoor living space is part of the home. When making decisions, consider the size of the deck and how you plan to use it.

Establish a budget for this home addition, as knowing how much you can spend will help you narrow the options. Durability and safety must be considered when designing your outdoor living space.

Work with deck builders in Canberra to create your ideal outdoor living area. Their knowledge and experience are invaluable as this process moves forward. With time and careful planning, you will have a deck that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.

If you're looking for an expert team of deck contractors in Canberra to build an incredible modern deck for your home, then reach out to our team at Elevated Concepts today. We can't wait to hear from you.