Once you have decided that you want a deck you need to decide what you want to use as decking material. There was a time when wood was your only choice, but those days are gone. Not that you can't choose wood, many people still do but today you do have choices.

Wood

Choosing to use wood isn't as simple a choice as it may sound. There are many types of wood with many types of finishes. One thing that you want to consider is if you want to use pretreated wood. Pretreated wood will stand up better to the elements and will also not be food for termites. Southern pine is one of the preferred choices for decking. If you want to go a step up you can choose cedar or redwood which respond well to the elements.

If you can afford it, there are exotic woods that are attractive and durable with some additional work. Bamboo is one of the newest entries into the deck building industry. Bamboo is one of the world's fastest renewable woods and durable as well as beautiful. It is insect and mold resistant and the good news is that it is just about the same price as any other wooden decking material except mahogany.

Even if your wood is pretreated it is going to require maintenance. You need to stain or paint the wood so that water is not absorbed. Yearly applications will keep it looking fresh and new. In between you can use a pressure washer to remove any dirt or stains.

Composite

Composite decking has gained in popularity in recent years as much for its cost as for its durability. Composite decking material is made from a combination of plastic and wood products. With composite decks you don't have to stain or paint them and you won't get any slivers. Composite decking like decking wood comes in a variety of brands and prices. The price for composite decking like Trex can run about 50% more than a good medium quality wood deck, it is approx. the price of a mahogany deck.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a good choice for a pool deck as it stays cool in the sun and is not slippery. They are built with drainage so that you don't have to worry about water building up on the deck.

Wooden Tiles

If you are building a deck that is going to be at ground level, there are wooden decking tiles that are interlocking and can be put together the same way that kids put together an interlocking puzzle. This allows you to create a wooden deck with a design.

Once you have decided that you are going to add a deck to your home you have a lot of decisions to make. It isn't just about the design you choose it is going to be about the material. Talk to your contractor or if you're are going to DIY talk to the people in the know at the local lumber yard, Home Depot, Lowe's or hardware store. Do your research so that you can make an informed choice.

Learn more about this author, Belle Starr.
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