Which Deck is Right for You?

So you’ve made the decision that you would like to add a deck to your home. Excellent decision! You will undoubtedly enjoy the many benefits of having a deck, not to mention the increased value to your home a beautiful, resilient deck can provide. However, you may be wondering which of the many different kinds of decks is right for you and your household. Depending on your budget, long-term maintenance goals, and your household’s specific needs, you may favor one type of deck over another. Below, let’s review the different kinds of deck that may be an option for you and your home.

Tile & Stone Decks

Deck tiles may be the answer you are looking for if you are interested in something that is simple to install, maintain, and can last for many years. Tiles can be made from nearly any material, from wood and composite to stones, such as ceramic and granite. These tiles can vary greatly in cost depending on the type of material and, likewise, the installation costs can fluctuate depending on the scope of your project. Tiles also work great if you have an existing deck with a structure that is in good shape, but has a surface that needs to be replaced. DeckTech, Inc. has designed, installed, and repaired countless tile and stone decks and knows how best protect them from their greatest threat: water intrusion.

Wood Decks

Wood is the most common type of deck. There are numerous of different types of wood, giving you a good amount of design flexibility and a number of different look options, including cedar, redwood, bamboo, and others. Wood decks tend to be the least expensive, with simple “pressure treated” wood being the cheapest of them all (some exotic woods can elevate prices significantly). However, the trade-off is that wood decks require a much greater amount of care and maintenance to prolong their life. You will need to consistently re-seal a wooden deck in order to keep it in top shape, and frequent coats of paint or stain will be necessary if you want to maintain a specific look.

Composite Decks

Composite deck boards are composed of a mixture of recycled plastic mixed with wood fibers. This creates a durable material available in a wide variety of colors which is a lot more resistant to weather beating than a traditional wood deck. These are also usually more pest-resistant than normal wood as well, making them a little more reliable in areas where termites tend to be a major issue. While they tend to be lower in cost, they do not have the same look as a traditional wood deck, and likewise have a different feel, as well.

Vinyl Decks

There is one thing for certain: vinyl is not wood, so you should not expect vinyl to feel or look exactly like wood at all. However, vinyl requires very little maintenance and is highly resistant to mold, mildew, and staining compared to other materials. Vinyl is available in a wide range of colors, requires no refinishing or staining, and can be easily cleaned with a hose or pressure washer. However, like wood, vinyl is not weatherproof and is prone to cracking and expansion in excessive sunlight.

DeckTech, Inc. is an experienced San Luis Obispo deck contractor that has served the San Luis Obispo County area for more than 25 years. We offer straightforward, honest pricing and can work with you to create the deck of your dreams. Whether you need an inspection or a full resurfacing, you can trust DeckTech, Inc. to get the job done efficiently and effectively. We serve the cities of Grover Beach, Paso Robles, Atascadero, Pismo Beach, Santa Margarita, and Morro Bay.