Custom Deck
Composite and PVC
Composite decking provides the beauty of wood without the disadvantage of potential splintering or wearing down. This low-maintenance decking option provides long lasting durability. Each composite decking brand offers a variety of colours, shades and patterns in various widths and lengths. Installation techniques differ for composite decking compared to traditional wood decking, since hidden screws are usually used to secure composite boards.
Composite decking is a blend of plastic film and wood fibers. The plastic film that goes into composite decking can include polypropylene or polyethylene. These plastics work well with wood fibers to create a strong, resilient material that is more stable than 100% plastic decking.
PVC decking is made completely from synthetic materials. PVC consists of polyvinyl chloride, a type of vinyl typically used for outdoor siding and fencing.
Both composite and pvc decking are smooth to the touch, barefoot-friendly and provide excellent traction.
PVC decking is made completely from synthetic materials. PVC consists of polyvinyl chloride, a type of vinyl typically used for outdoor siding and fencing.
Both composite and pvc decking are smooth to the touch, barefoot-friendly and provide excellent traction.
Pros of composite decking:
- Low maintenance! These boards don't rot, stain, warp, splinter, and attract termites.
- Variability. Composites come in a variety of colors. Unlike wood, composites don't need to be painted or stained to match your home's exterior.
- Eco friendly. Your deck will be environmentally friendly since some composite companies are using recycled materials (as much as 95%) and by-product or waste product of woodworking operations.
- The technology is improving. Some manufacturers now produce decking with a hard plastic shell bonded to composite boards to improve durability compared to the same technology 10 years ago.
Pressure Treated (PT) and Cedar
In contrast to any composite materials, a pressure treated lumber can be made of any wood, and therefore, may suit every taste and budget. The price of the pressure treated wood is quite reasonable. Cedar, for instance, is naturally resistant to insects and rot so no chemical treatment is necessary.
Pros of PT and cedar decking:
- Labour costs can be cheap when using pressure treated wood or cedar. It’s simple to deal with because it can be cut, sanded and even glued.
- Due to the pressure treatment process, an entire structure of wood becomes protected from any kind of insects and fungus.
- The pressure treated wood deck preserves its natural look.
- Timber decking is adaptable, and it’s simple to cut it up and reassemble it in new forms and layouts.
Ipe (Hardwood)
Ipe Wood Lumber is used for decks, siding, and fencing. It has an extremely long life in the outdoors. It can last up to 75 years, longer than any other lumber or composite decking.
Pros of ipe
- Ipe (Brazilian walnut) is very rich in colour and warmth, especially oiled, with a wide range of natural shades and hues.
- This hardwood contains properties that are ideal for the outdoors. A deck created from this material will not experience cracking and scratching. It has the ability to last up to 50 years (depending on weather conditions).
- A high-end item that feels and looks excellent and functions similarly to an interior product.
- No requirement for screws or nails because of use of hidden fasteners.
