Types of Decking Materials

Home Improvement Products, Plans and Books

Hardware

Tools

Wood Products

Books, Videos, DVDs

Woodworking Plans

Finishing

Glues, Epoxies, Contact Adhesives

Sanding

Home page > Home Improvement

Designing your dream deck - start with the right materials

The deck is a perfect place to enjoy more of Mother Nature's bounty. It's also a great way to expand your living space outdoors. From the warm richness of natural wood to the low-maintenance features of engineered decking, there is a style to suit every budget, climate and lifestyle. If you're considering installing a deck this spring, start by choosing your materials and think about the kind of deck design you want. Consider these decking options from The Home Depot Canada:

Wood

Real wood offers natural beauty and richness of colour. "Wood is an excellent choice for deck building because it's strong, sturdy and economical," says John Mazzoli, building expert for The Home Depot. It can be used for the entire project, or can be reserved for the structural portions of the deck. To extend the life of wood and help it retain its original colour, it's important to apply a penetrating oil sealer or stain.

Pressure-treated wood

This type of wood can be combined with durable, attractive woods such as redwood or cedar for decking, railings and steps. Cedar is a reddish brown lumber that ages to a silvery gray when left untreated. However, it is only recommended for the decorative portions of a project because it isn't strong enough to be used as a structural component. Like cedar, redwood is a soft lumber, but with a rich red colour and the ability to stay straight with a minimum number of fasteners.

Engineered Decking

Because it requires little maintenance and is splinter-free, engineered wood is a great choice for families. "It won't warp, rot, crack or split and will never need staining or sealing," says Mazzoli. Decking boards, such as those made by Eon, are splinter free and slip resistant when wet, making it a safe choice for families with children. They also come in a range of natural tones, from light tan to deep mahogany brown or neutral gray. A wide selection of railing profiles is also available on the market today.

If you already have all your material for your new deck then the next thing to do is to make sure that all of your building permits are in order (if needed) and that your utility lines have been located and marked. Now you're ready to begin building. Courtesy News Canada

Related Pages: Decks

Add Value with a Deck

Resources: Home Improvement

Deck Lighting and Enhancements

Home Improvement & Woodworking Articles

Deck and Shed Building Books

Deck Designs Book	Decks: Step-by-Step Book	Building Decks Video
Building a Deck Book	Building Porches and Decks Book	How To Build Outdoor Structures