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If you are about to restore a deck or build a new one, there are many choices for surface materials, each with benefits and downsides. A deck can be a significant investment and a lot of work, so it is important to build a deck that you love and will not need to be redone soon. Your priorities should be your guide. Do you have a specific look in mind? Are you interested in longevity or a surface that stays cool to the touch? How big is your budget, and are you going to do it yourself or hire it out? Here are some details about a few of the more popular decking materials.
- Hardwood: Hardwood is the most sought-after decking surface. It has a beautiful look, and many people have enough carpentry skills to put a wooden deck together. You can find hardwood decking in Brisbane through an internet search. There are many types of hardwood to choose from, all with their characteristics. Ipe wood seems to be the type that ticks the most boxes. It has a nice look; it is warp-resistant, bug-resistant, and has good longevity in outdoor locations. The cost will be the biggest consideration.
- Aluminium: Yes, aluminium decks are a thing. Your first thought must be that it would be a hot and uncomfortable surface to walk on. However, this is not the case. Aluminium stays cool to the touch. Test out a sample if you must. The downside is that Aluminium decking isn’t so easy to find yet, and it will require learning a few new skills to install unless you find someone with experience.
- Concrete: Concrete is the world’s most famous building material. It conforms to the shapes you need and water doesn’t damage it easily. These days you can make concrete quite beautiful with pattern stamping and tints. Concrete is heavy, though, so you will need to engineer it carefully if elevated.
- Composite Decking: An eco-friendly alternative for decking is composite decking made from recycled materials. Usually, these come in the form of planks that can be drilled, cut, and nailed in a manner like wood. There are some colour choices, usually brown or grey, which are more choices than wood, but less than concrete. Recycled rarely equals inexpensive, though, so the budget will be a consideration.
Before you begin a deck project, spend some time on the net looking at some of the creative decks and how the various material choices affect the design. Using the most suitable materials to match your home and the deck’s design will impact the project’s success.
