You undoubtedly want to find the most appropriate material and style for your deck based on your budget and aesthetic needs before setting off to construct your dream deck. Today, homeowners have many deck options, from aluminum and composite to natural wood. That means deciding on the style or material to use on your deck could be overwhelming.

Nevertheless, the suitability of a deck style and material depends on the climate, budget, overall aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Before starting your construction process, consider popular deck styles and materials.

Deck Materials

Some of the most popular deck materials include:

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is an economical material for a deck. While it’s been a preference for many homeowners over the years, wood has never been out of fashion. That’s why it is the most common material for deck construction. Also called PT, this material is available in different grades. Most homeowners prefer grade 2 for their deck surfaces while using higher PT grades for built-in seating and railings. The ability of this material to withstand tear and wear combined with its affordable price makes it a popular style and material for backyard decks.

Cedar or Redwood

Most people lump cedar and redwood together despite having unique pros and cons. Both cedar and redwood are softwood and higher-end options for decking compared to pressure-treated wood. This material is ideal for a person who wants their deck to look different but is worried about the budget.

However, durability and color are the primary differences between these materials. Cedar looks yellowish, while redwood comes with a reddish hue. Nevertheless, both materials get a silver look with age and remain attractive. Also, you can stain or seal your cedar or redwood deck to maintain its original color.

Exotic Woods or Ipe

Tropical hardwoods or exotic woods are an expensive choice for a deck. However, you can go for these materials and styles if you need stunning decking and your budget allows. Examples of exotic woods that you may consider are Ironwood, Pau Lope, and Ipe decking. Most people go for these materials due to their incredible durability. Some people argue that spending more money on these materials is worthwhile considering their long lifespan. For instance, pressure-treated wood can last around 10-15 years with proper maintenance. On the other hand, Ironwood can last up to 40 years.

Modified Wood

Perhaps, you like wood more than synthetics but don’t want to commit because of maintenance needs. In that case, you can go for modified timber. This material is softwood treated with a bio-based liquid that strengthens its boards. Consequently, this material creates a durable and smoother wood deck with similar characteristics to classic hardwood. This deck material has fewer maintenance requirements than regular wood, and it’s suitable for pool decking and high-traffic areas.

Deck Styles 

Once you’ve chosen these deck materials, you can select any of these deck styles:

• Platform
• Raised
• Two-story
• Freestanding
• Multilevel

A deck is a beautiful home addition. Talk to your builder like Deck Builders Winnipeg about these deck materials and styles to select the option that suits your budget and preference.