Everyone wants a deck they can enjoy and not worry about. After all, who wants to spend their time and money on deck repairs or maintenance? That common goal also leaves many homeowners and builders with the same question: how do you choose the right materials for a deck that will endure the rigors of wear, time, and conditions? Fortunately, there is a formula and proven practices to help you build a beautiful, low-maintenance deck to enjoy for years to come.
The Right Materials Matter
Even the most skilled and experienced deck builder or carpenter can’t make subpar materials better. That also means that without the right materials, it isn’t possible to build a lasting, beautiful, and low-maintenance deck overlooking that perfectly manicured lawn. That is the difference the right materials can make.
How to Choose the Right Decking Materials
It is one thing to understand the importance of having and using the right materials. Knowing how to choose those materials, however, takes a little more insight and information. Choosing the right materials to best facilitate a low-maintenance deck will require considering a few factors, including project budget, climate, and the deck's purpose and usage.
Project Budget
Although the cost of decks can vary greatly depending on influences such as size and design, having flexibility in your budget isn’t optional. From choosing the right materials to the highest quality deck fasteners and more, building a low-maintenance deck may cost a little more than a traditional deck. Yes, staying within certain parameters is sensible, but a lack of flexibility can lead to cutting corners, choosing less expensive materials, and other cost-related issues.
The bottom line is that dependable, durable products, construction crews that offer quality and experience, and the right aesthetics aren’t typically the least expensive options. That also means the willingness to be flexible with your project budget will help ensure the best results and a low-maintenance deck you can enjoy for years to come.
Climate Considerations
An often overlooked consideration for people who want to add a deck to their home is the climate in which they live. Weather and climate conditions, such as extreme cold and heat, moisture, saltwater, and more, can impact the life of your deck. For a low-maintenance deck that will offer longevity and durability, the types of fasteners, deck coatings, and other aspects of the deck-building project will play a role in constructing the perfect low-maintenance deck for your humble abode.
Usage
One of the most prominent factors in building a low-maintenance deck is considering how it will be used, or, in other words, how often or what kind of wear and tear is expected. A deck that will be more of a cosmetic addition to a home, for example, will require less effort (and expense) to build than a deck that will experience high foot traffic or regular gatherings outside by the firepit on the weekends. Building a low-maintenance deck, however, will still require choosing the right materials to get the job done, regardless of its purpose.
Appearance
Everyone wants their deck to look good, and sustaining that appearance is easier with a low-maintenance deck. Getting that perfect deck “look” and keeping it will also have a lot to do with choosing the right materials. From a structure that is strong enough to last to quality decking materials that promote longevity and require less maintenance, low-maintenance decks are as close as we can get, at least until they make self-cleaning decks.
Putting It All Together
Building a low-maintenance deck begins with choosing the right materials. Evaluating and scoring aspects such as budget “flexibility,” climate and usage considerations, and aesthetic value for every material choice will help get your deck project started in the right direction.
Simply put, without the right materials, your deck will require frequent repairs, occasional fastener adjustments or replacements, and other maintenance. The good news is that any type, style, or size of deck can be low-maintenance. So, discuss your deck plans with your builder, choose your decking materials with low-maintenance goals in mind, and build the deck of your dreams.
