Are you able to get pleasure from the beauty and delights that come with the spring and summer, such as barbequing or eating family dinner outside? Decks can help to improve the look of your home as well as functionality. It may be time to consider building a deck for your enjoyment or replacing your existing deck. When selecting the appropriate deck material, you should consider durability, maintenance, aesthetics, service life, and other special features. First, determine your priorities and then use the quick reference guide below to see which material best fits your needs. There is no right or wrong selection; it is all about what is important to you. Be sure to keep in mind that the material should compliment your home.

Wood Composite
(woods & plastic blend)		 Vinyl/Plastic/Aluminum
Positive Features Lowest initial cost  Durable – protects against splintering, warping, insect and water damage Durable – protects against warping, insect, and water damage
Can be stained may colors/shades Low maintenance Essentially no maintenance
No painting, staining, or sealing needed No painting, staining, or sealing needed
Good color retention Great color retention
Hidden fasteners Hidden fasteners
Longer service life than wood Longest service life
Comes in a variety of textures No splinters, mold, mildew, or stains
Can be waterproof which protects the area below
Comes in a variety of textures
 Drawbacks  Requires restaining every 2-3 years More expensive than wood Most expensive initial cost
 Over time, boards may splinter, crack, warp, discolor, or have insect damage Mold can grow in the wood component (which is difficult to remove) Can be slippery when wet
 Individual boards may need to be repaired or replaced as the deck ages Expands and contracts with moisture content of the wood component and with the temperature in the plastic component Looks artificial or commercial
Color may be stained Expands and contracts with temperature
 Examples  Pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine TimeberTech  TimberTech XLM
 Redwood Trex  Trex Escapes
 Tigerwood Geodeck AlumiLAST
 IPE Evergrain Azek
 Cedar Monarch TanDeck