Building a deck is something every homeowner in Toronto should consider. These porches not only provide you with a perfect outdoor experience but also enhance your home’s exterior aesthetics. However, before you set off to build a deck in your backyard, you need to consider the kind of materials you want to use. The secret is working with materials that suit your budget and the aesthetics you’re looking for.
Fortunately, you have abundant choices of materials to select from when it comes to building decks Toronto. In fact, the number of materials used for installing decks Toronto has grown exponentially over the past few years. Whether you are installing a new deck or replacing an old deck in your backyard, we have rounded up some of the most popular deck materials based on the quality, economics amongst other benefits they offer.
Here are 6 of the best deck material for your backyard:
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is a type of wood that is improved by adding chemicals (liquid preservatives) and then placing it in pressure chambers. It is in the pressure chamber where the chemical compounds are forced into the wood to produce the desired results. Pressure treatment protects the wood from UV, moisture, insect, and fungal decay damages.
In most cases, this form of treatment is usually done to less durable woods, such as southern pine. These are woods that, in their natural form, would be highly susceptible to insect, moisture, and decay damages. Once, it’s pressure-treated, it improves its durability features to almost that of hardwood while maintaining its affordability. PT lumber cost ranges from $1.5 to $2.5, making it the cheapest deck material you can find in Toronto. Besides, it is easy to cut and drive screws. Therefore, the cost of labor charged by the deck builder is also lower. Wood also pairs really well if you are using these eleven decking rope tips to create a backyard paradise.
Composite
Composite is one of the best options for homeowners looking for relatively cheaper deck materials. It is a recycled blend of plastic and wood fibers, such as sawdust. Its popularity has grown over the last few years due to its numerous benefits over other alternatives such as wood. First, its high durability and affordability are some of the reasons why most homeowners in Toronto are installing composite decks. In addition to that, it mimics natural wood, hence giving the deck a natural appeal.
Composite does not warp like wood; hence, it can maintain its original form for a long time. Apart from that, it offers high resistance insect and rot damages. It is also available in various patterns, which you can pick from to enhance your deck appeal. The cost of composite ranges from $4 to $10 per square foot, making it one of the economical options for deck installation.
Exotic/Tropical Hardwoods
Exotic or tropical hardwood is a natural wood that is popular for deck installation. These materials are imported into the US. Some of the most widely used tropical hardwood in Toronto include tigerwood, massaranduba, Philippine mahogany, and cumari, among many others. One thing that makes these materials popular for deck installation is their extreme hardness and durability features.
In addition to hardness, exotic hardwoods offer natural resistance to rot and insects. However, these woods are expensive. It will cost you about $20 to $30 per square foot to buy exotic hardwood. Therefore, the overall cost of installing these decks is very high compared with pressure-treated lumber. They are also heavy and difficult to cut; hence, a higher cost of labor. However, they build one of the most durable and beautiful decks.
Aluminum
Although aluminum is mostly used for swimming pools surfaces, it can also make a perfect deck. There are many reasons why you should consider an aluminum deck. First, it is cheap compared to the use of natural hardwood. It will cost you around $7 to $10 per square foot to install an aluminum deck in Toronto. Apart from cost, there many other benefits like resistant to staining, mildew, and mold that makes aluminum decking popular with homeowners.
Another reason for aluminum decks’ popularity is resistance to rot, crack, and rust. They are not susceptible to insect damages. You can, therefore, expect these decks to last for a longer time. However, you need a qualified and professional deck builder to install these decks. The non-skid textured aluminum surface works great as it prevents slip and fall accidents. Whether you need a custom deck or the latest design, the installer should be able to deliver to your expectations.
Redwood and Cedar
For homeowners looking for all-natural cheaper wood decks, redwood or red cedar are some of the best options. Unlike the exotic hardwood, they are cheaper; hence, it will cost you less to install an all-natural deck. Like the exotic hardwood, there offer incredible resistance to insects and moisture. These woods contain oils that protect them from insects and moisture. So, with redwood or cedar deck, you don’t have to worry about termite or rotting damages.
In addition to their natural resistance to moisture and insects, these woods are more aesthetically pleasing than those from composite and PT lumber material. Depending on the condition of the wood, you can pay anything between $3.75 and $10 per square foot for cedar and redwood in Toronto.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, popularly known as PVC, is another popular deck material in Toronto. These decks are usually referred to as plastic decks since most PVCs are made from plastic. Durability and ease of maintenance are some of the biggest benefits that PVC offers. They do not warp, crack or split, and that’s what makes them durable.
Similarly, PVC material is not susceptible to insects, moisture, rot, and decay damages. So, these are the kinds of decks that you can expect to offer an extended lifespan. They are also pretty cheap to maintain in the long run. The cost of the PVC material ranges from $7 to $10 per square foot.
If you are looking for a professional deck builder in Toronto, contact decksforlife.ca. They provide high quality, durable, and affordable deck installation and repair services. Whether you need a custom deck or the trending designs, don’t hesitate to call them.
