
Introduction
When doing deck replacement, selecting the right deck material is crucial not only for the aesthetics of your home but also for long-term durability and ease of maintenance. With various options available, from traditional wood to innovative composite deck boards, making the informed choice can seem daunting. At Austin Fence & Deck, we specialize in helping homeowners navigate these choices to find the best solution for their outdoor living spaces.
Understanding Your Decking Material Options

Wood Decking:
- Pros: Natural beauty, classic look, variety of wood types (cedar, ipe, pressure-treated lumber). A wood deck offers an aesthetic appeal that many homeowners find attractive, and wood decks come in various types, including softwoods and hardwoods, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
- Cons: It requires regular maintenance (staining, power washing) and is susceptible to weather and insect damage.
Composite Decking:
- Pros: Composite decks from recycled materials offer minimal maintenance and consistent appearance over time.
- Cons: Higher initial cost, the potential for a less natural look than real wood.
PVC Decking:
- Pros: Resistant to rot, mold, and insects, lightweight, and easy to work with.
- Cons: Sometimes, you can feel less sturdy underfoot and have higher temperature fluctuations.
Aluminum Decking:
- Pros: Extremely durable, fireproof, waterproof, and resistant to rust and decay.
- Cons: Higher cost, limited color and texture options.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Decking Material
Durability and Maintenance: The longevity of your deck largely depends on the material’s ability to withstand your local climate. For instance, cedar and ipe are known for their natural resistance to rot and decay, while composite materials, including capped polymer deck boards, offer resistance to fading and staining without the need for annual maintenance.
Aesthetic and Design: Your deck should complement your home’s exterior. Wood offers timeless appeal, but composites and PVC provide a wide range of colors and textures. Aluminum, while less common, offers a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Cost Considerations: Budget plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. While pressure-treated wood is often the most affordable, composite and aluminum options represent higher initial investments but less maintenance over time, potentially saving money in the long run. When comparing deck materials, it’s important to consider the long-term costs and benefits of each option.
Environmental Impact: For those concerned with sustainability, materials like composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibers are an excellent choice. Choosing materials that are locally sourced can also reduce environmental impact.
Cost Comparison
When it comes to choosing the best decking material for your outdoor living space, cost is a crucial factor to consider. The cost of decking materials can vary widely, depending on the type of material, quality, and brand. Here’s a comparison of the costs of different decking materials:
- Pressure-treated wood: $2.50 – $5.00 per square foot
- Cedar: $3.50 – $6.00 per square foot
- Redwood: $6.00 – $8.00 per square foot
- Tropical hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood): $7.50 – $15.00 per square foot
- Composite decking: $5.00 – $12.00 per square foot
- PVC decking: $10.00 – $15.00 per square foot
- Aluminum decking: $12.00 – $15.00 per square foot
It’s essential to note that these prices are only for the decking material itself and do not include the cost of installation, labor, and other expenses. When budgeting for your deck replacement, consider the long-term savings on maintenance and repairs that higher-end materials like composite decking and aluminum can offer.
Durability and Maintenance

The durability and maintenance requirements of decking materials are critical factors to consider when choosing the best option for your outdoor living space. Here’s a comparison of the durability and maintenance requirements of different decking materials:
- Pressure-treated wood: Lasts 15-20 years and requires regular maintenance such as power washing, sanding, and re-staining.
- Cedar: Lasts 20-25 years, and also requires regular maintenance, including power washing, sanding, and re-staining.
- Redwood: Similar to cedar, it lasts 20-25 years and is regularly maintained.
- Tropical hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood): Extremely durable, lasting 25-50 years with minimal maintenance, usually just occasional cleaning.
- Composite decking: Offers a long lifespan of 25-50 years with minimal maintenance, typically just occasional cleaning.
- PVC decking: It also lasts 25-50 years and requires minimal maintenance, such as occasional cleaning.
- Aluminum decking: The most durable, lasting 50+ years with minimal maintenance, usually just occasional cleaning.
It’s essential to note that the durability and maintenance requirements of decking materials can vary depending on the quality of the material, installation, and environmental conditions. Choosing a material that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences can significantly impact the longevity and appearance of your deck.
Comparative Analysis
Material Type | Cost | Maintenance | Durability | Aesthetic |
---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Wood Decking | $ | High | Medium | High |
Composite | $$ | Low | High | Medium |
PVC | $$ | Low | High | Medium |
Aluminum | $$$ | Low | Very High | Low |
Expert Recommendations from Austin Fence & Deck
Based on our extensive experience, composite deck boards offer the best balance of cost, durability, and maintenance for most homeowners. However, for those seeking the natural charm of wood, cedar or tropical hardwoods like ipe may be worth the additional upkeep.
Real-World Applications and Case Studies
One of our recent projects involved replacing weathered pine deck boards with high-quality composite boards. The homeowner opted for composite due to its longevity and minimal maintenance needs, resulting in a stunning deck that looks as good as new even years later.
Warranty and Support
When choosing a decking material, it’s essential to consider the warranty and support offered by the manufacturer. Here’s a comparison of the warranty and support options of different decking materials:
- Pressure-treated wood: Typically comes with a 1-5 year warranty.
- Cedar: Usually offers a 1-5 year warranty.
- Redwood: Also typically includes a 1-5 year warranty.
- Tropical hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood): Often come with a 10-25 year warranty.
- Composite decking: Generally offers a 25-50 year warranty.
- PVC decking: Typically includes a 25-50-year warranty.
- Aluminum decking: Often comes with a 50+ year warranty.
It’s essential to note that the warranty and support options of decking materials can vary depending on the manufacturer and the
quality of the material. A robust warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment, so be sure to review the terms and conditions carefully.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

When choosing a decking material, it’s essential to consider the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the material. Here’s a comparison of the sustainability and eco-friendliness of different decking materials:
- Pressure-treated wood: Not eco-friendly due to chemical treatment processes.
- Cedar: Eco-friendly due to its natural resistance to rot and insects, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Redwood: Similar to cedar, eco-friendly due to its natural properties.
- Tropical hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood): Not considered eco-friendly due to deforestation concerns and the environmental impact of harvesting these woods.
- Composite decking: Eco-friendly due to the use of recycled plastic and wood fibers, reducing waste and the need for virgin materials.
- PVC decking: Not eco-friendly due to the non-recyclable nature of the plastic used.
- Aluminum decking: Eco-friendly due to its recyclability, making it a sustainable choice.
It’s essential to note that the sustainability and eco-friendliness of decking materials can vary depending on the manufacturer and quality of the material. Choosing materials that are sustainably sourced and have a lower environmental impact can contribute to a more eco-friendly outdoor living space.
FAQs and Common Concerns
Can composite decking mimic the look of real wood?
Yes, modern composite decking comes in a variety of wood grain patterns and colors that closely resemble natural wood.
Is aluminum decking too hot to walk on in summer?
While aluminum can conduct heat, certain finishes can reduce heat absorption, making it more comfortable in warm climates.
Choosing the right material for your deck replacement involves considering multiple factors including cost, maintenance, aesthetic, and environmental impact. At Austin Fence & Deck, we are dedicated to guiding you through this process, ensuring that you select the best material to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Feel free to contact us for a consultation and explore our decking solutions tailored to your specific requirements.