Looking for a Maintenance-Free Deck
When you’re considering a new deck, it’s easy to picture yourself relaxing on your deck with family and friends with a cold drink on a nice day. You may not be thinking about the more practical parts of your deck, such as replacing the boards, sanding and sealing. Minimise these boring things by choosing a deck material that doesn’t require much maintenance. You can find low-maintenance deck materials by following our suggestions.
Table of Contents
What Is a ‘Maintenance-free Deck’?
In order to keep a wood deck in top condition, it needs to be sanded and painted frequently. In addition, rotting and cracking boards need to be replaced frequently. Maintenance-free decks, on the other hand, as the name suggests, require little to no maintenance during their lifespan.
Although some companies prefer the term ‘low maintenance’ over ‘maintenance-free.’ However, you may still need to sweep or hose down your outdoor area frequently. Companies that manufacture this type of decking often use strong composite materials and tough plastic finishes. This finish can withstand the elements and does not require sanding, painting or sealing.
Easy to Install Capped Composite Decking CPD-03
The wide variety of composite deck boards from EVODEK makes it easy to find the right match for your outdoor style and design.
How Long Will a Maintenance-Free Deck Last?
Sturdy materials and thick, weather-resistant plastic are important for long-term use. That means your deck will last at least 25 to 30 years, with some decks lasting up to 50 years. For this reason, most decks that don’t require maintenance are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of 25 to 30 years. Most wood decks last between 10 and 15 years. The difference between the two is considerable.
Why do they last so long? Composite materials make these decks last longer and make them less likely to require general maintenance.
Mould, fading, splitting, and other problems that usually occur with wooden decks. None of these problems occurs with these materials. A sturdy and durable deck will allow you to spend more summers on your deck.
Is There Such a Thing as a Maintenance-free Deck?
Many new deck materials make maintenance easier. But do they free you from all maintenance or even simple cleaning? Not really. No matter what kind of material a deck is made of, it can still pick up dirt, mud, and even some of the tougher moulds.
While some decks are called ‘maintenance-free decks,’ there is no such thing as a truly ‘maintenance-free’ deck. However, if you choose the right deck material, you can reduce the maintenance needs of your favourite outdoor entertainment venue.
Regardless of what material the underside of your deck is made of, you’ll need to get out the broom and give it a good sweep. Keep the hose on the side in case dirt, mould, or anything else that comes in with the wind needs to be cleaned off. However, these cleaning methods are not difficult, especially when compared to cleaning a regular wood deck.
The Best Deck Materials That Require No Maintenance
There are many ways you can slow down time and keep your deck looking newer for longer. There are several different types of low-maintenance decking products, all of which require much less maintenance than wood decking.
Composite Decking
Composite wood deck is the most popular choice in deck boards that don’t require much maintenance. Most composite decks are made from a mixture of wood and plastic, as well as other man-made elements.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pest-, mold-, and mildew-resistant | Pricier than some options |
| Requires no sanding, staining, or sealing | Budget-friendly composite may not be as nice to look at |
| Many attractive design options are available | Can fade in the sunlight |
Composite decking materials do not need to be sanded, stained or sealed. In addition, bugs, mould, rot, mildew and other things will not damage it. Composite decking is available in a variety of different colours and patterns that can add a bright look to your yard. Composite decking is also an environmentally friendly option. Trex, EVODEK, and Timbertech are some of the more well-known brands of composite decking.
What are the disadvantages of composite decking? This type of decking comes in different price ranges, so the look of some cheaper decks may not be for everyone. The average price of a composite deck ranges from $14 to $32 per square foot.
PVC Decking
Vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is commonly used for decking instead of wood.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pest-, rot-, and damage-resistant | Not the cheapest option (but still affordable) |
| Can handle high foot traffic | Planks can warp and fade in the sun |
| Does not require sanding, staining, or sealing | May be difficult to repair |
PVC decking is a completely man-made plastic. It doesn’t even have the wood fibres found in composite decking. These boards won’t get bugs, rot, or become unsightly as party-goers walk on them. PVC decking, like composite deck boards, doesn’t need to be sanded, sealed, or left alone. It does, however, require regular cleaning, which you can do using a brush and a bucket of warm water.
PVC decking is not the best choice for areas with a lot of sunlight and heat. This is because the PVC material fades and bends over time. Also, this type of decking isn’t always easy to repair. Composite deck boards cost about the same as PVC deck boards. However, the average price of PVC decking is about $9 to $15 per square foot. These decks have a lifespan of about 25 years.
Aluminium Decking
Aluminium deck boards are a great option if you want something that is built to last.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extreme longevity—lasts for up to 60 years | Looks less natural than composite or wood |
| Stays cool even under the sun | Not the cheapest option (but still affordable) |
| Very little maintenance required | Can be loud if debris falls on the deck |
Not only is this decking material resistant to insects, corrosion, and mildew, but because they are designed with a hollow structure. This allows them to stay cool even in direct sunlight. Estimates of the lifespan of aluminium decks range from 30 to 60 years. Aluminium decks don’t require much maintenance, but you should still sweep and clean your deck regularly.
Aluminium decking can be any style or colour. However, some people think it doesn’t look as natural as composite decking or regular wood planks. In addition, if something is dropped on a metal deck, it may make a ‘pinging’ sound, which can be annoying. Aluminium decking costs about $12 to $15 per square foot, so it’s not too expensive.
Fibre Cement Decking
Fibre cement decking is gaining popularity as a low-maintenance deck trim material.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and resistant to splintering, shrinking, warping, rot, and pests | Heavier material means installation is more difficult and costly |
| Can last up to 50 years | Labor cost can outweigh savings on the decking itself |
| Comes in a wide array of wood-grain designs and colors | Not DIY-friendly |
This type of decking is not prone to cracking, shrinking, twisting, or moisture from rotting. Fibre cement deck boards do not require staining. However, it is a good option for people who want to quickly change the colour of their outdoor space.
Want your new deck to look more like the outdoors? Fibre cement is a good choice if you want an organic look. This is because it has a great wood grain consistency. This type of wood can last up to fifty years.
Fibre cement is obtained by mixing cellulose fibres, sand, silica, glass and cement. These materials help to extend the service life, but the end product is heavy and thick. In other words, from cutting the boards to putting them together, installing a fibre cement deck requires a lot of work. In fact, laying a fibre cement deck is difficult to do on your own. This is because you need special tools such as fibre cement saw blades.
Fibre cement decking costs $5 to $10 per square foot. However, the labour cost will be higher because of the difficulty of this project.
Rubber Pavers
Rubber decking is a unique method of building a deck that has not attracted much attention. Rubber pavers are made of high-density rubber with a microporous surface that looks like a car tyre.
| Pros | Cons |
| Mold and stain-resistant | Some people may not like its unique look |
| Very affordable | Can be difficult to clean since many solvents dissolve rubber |
| Remains non-slippery when wet and offers soft, comfortable footing | Easily damaged by sharp objects |
Like tyres, these pavers are not damaged by water. They are also resistant to mould, stains and other problems often associated with wooden decks. They won’t slip, no matter how wet it gets, and the flexibility of rubber makes walking a breeze.
Rubber decks cost only $3 to $5 per square foot, but can be difficult to clean. That’s because many store-bought cleaners break down rubber. Check with a deck cleaner in your area to find out how to clean this particular material.
Also, keep in mind that sharp objects can damage even the toughest rubber. In other words, over time, your deck may ‘get more personal’ because of the way you use it. In addition, it doesn’t look anything like a wood deck. Some people may see this as a bad thing.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Deck Material
In addition to being your favourite outdoor dining spot, the deck should also match the overall style of the house. If you’re not sure which deck material is best for you, a builder can help you choose based on your concerns and the features of your home. They can also install the deck easily.
Foot Traffic
Decks made of wood get worn down over time. A lot of people walk by, like when friends come over or little kids play on the deck. Over time, these can damage a natural wood deck and make it more likely to split.
People who walk on your wooden deck a lot should take extra care. After that, you’ll have to paint and sand it every so often to keep the surface smooth and free of cracks. But for decks that get a lot of use, wood decking might be the best choice. It’s less likely for composite deck boards to split, crack, or warp because they are physically strong.
The weather and Where It Is
Where you live, the weather, and being close to saltwater sources that eat away at wood can also affect your deck. In places where it rains and snows a lot, wood can break down more quickly. Because of this, you will need to take better care of the wood. Wood that is naturally grown grows and shrinks when the humidity is high, which can also warp your deck over time.
Composite decking is one of the best types of decks you can buy, no matter where you live or what the weather is like. For people who live in damp places, composite decks are a good choice. Most of the time, this kind of wood doesn’t mould, rot, splinter, or warp.
Summary
If you are looking for a maintenance-free deck. Then you are on the right path to enjoying a worry-free outdoor lifestyle. Choosing a material such as composite decking or PVC decking can greatly reduce the maintenance traditionally associated with wood. It allows you to spend more time enjoying your outdoor living space rather than maintaining it.
Resistant to fading, staining, and weather damage, these deck trim materials are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. By investing in a maintenance-free deck, you can enhance the aesthetics of your home. Additionally, you can create a versatile space for recreation and entertainment. It ensures that your outdoor oasis will remain stunning for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Decking Material Is the Most Durable?
There are many long-lasting, low-maintenance deck materials to choose from. However, aluminium decking materials are the longest-lasting. Some metal decks can last up to 60 years. And the best composite or PVC decks can start to break down after 25 years.
Differences Between Wood and Composite Decks
Wooden decks are made only from the wood of trees. Composite decking is made from a mixture of natural and man-made materials. Composite decks contain wood components, but they also contain plastics and resins. They make the wood stronger and last longer. Composite decking materials do not require staining, sealing or sanding.
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