What Are Popular Decking Materials for Residential Deck Replacement?

When the time comes for your residential deck replacement, you’ll want to choose one of several popular decking materials. The right decking material will affect the feel of your residential deck, how much maintenance you need to perform, and how long the deck is likely to last.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular decking materials for residential deck replacement in Missouri.

Wood Decks

Wood is, by far, the most common material used for Missouri home decks compared to the other options. If you choose wood materials, you’ll likely pick between two of the most popular species: cedar and pressure-treated pine.

Wood decks are authentic, can feel great on your feet, and are more affordable in comparison to composite deck products. The biggest downside to wood decks is the maintenance required to keep them from warping, cracking, and splintering over time.

For example, you’ll need to wash the wood from time to time, prevent termite damage, re-stain the wood, ensure railings are stable and take other steps to ensure the stability of your residential deck over several years.

Composite Decks

Composite decks are made with boards constructed from a resin material that is bound together under heat and pressure with wood fibers. It is important that homeowners recognize that not all deck products labeled “composite” are of equal quality or durability.  There is a great difference between low-end and high-end composite deck boards.

Typically, high-quality composite deck boards will be finished with a polymer cap, which protects the boards for years to come and allows the boards to qualify for a 25-year warranty.  These higher-quality composite deck boards come in many colors and often have a warranty against fading as well.  Although they may cost more, these higher-quality composite products have significantly longer life and value.

After all, constructing a deck for your residential property is a big investment! You want it to last as long as possible.

Because of its affordability, longevity, and durability, composite decking is the most popular choice for Missouri homeowners overall.

Azek Decking

Lastly, CoMo Premium Exteriors offers Azek decking. This is a unique decking material brand made by Timber Tech. It’s a type of vinyl deck board material that is made completely of man-made materials. Therefore, it doesn’t have the same wood fibers as a composite deck.  Although it is typically the most costly option, it is also extremely durable, slow to fade, and will require the least amount of maintenance of any deck material option.

Can Popular Decking Materials Be Added to Existing Framing?

What if you have an existing residential deck frame and just want to put new boards on top of it? In most cases, this isn’t a viable solution.

That’s usually because residential decks that need to be replaced also have their framing boards or lumber in bad shape. If your frame is in excellent shape, we will tell you that when we investigate your deck and explain all your options.

But in general, deck materials have to be constructed from scratch and then put together on top of a new deck frame.

Popular Decking Materials for Residential Deck Replacement: Conclusion

Overall, wood, composite, and Azek decking materials are the most popular for Missouri homeowners. These deck materials can all work depending on your preferences, budget, your aesthetic choices, and more.

If you still aren’t sure which popular decking material is right for your residential deck replacement, contact CoMo Premium Exteriors today for a consultation and more information.