Especially during Minnesota’s warmer seasons, spending time outdoors is a popular pastime. A deck, porch, patio, or pergola can be an extension of your home, adding living space without the necessity of a full addition.

There is some debate as to which decking materials are best to make a deck that is not only beautiful but built to last. Since the pandemic, homeowners are looking to newer methods and materials, as traditional building materials are becoming scarce or particularly expensive. The main deck building materials are pressure-treated wood, vinyl, and composite materials. Let’s compare them to help determine which option is a good choice for your home.

Traditional Pressure-Treated Woods

There are a few common wood types that are used in building a deck. Often, homes see cedar or redwood. Cedar is a great option because it is easy to work with and lasts longer than other wood types. Redwood is more expensive than cedar, but is lightweight, strong, and also easy to work with. Each of these options requires regular maintenance to protect them from rotting but can be expected to last around 10 to 15 years.  

Vinyl Decking

Some homeowners choose to avoid upkeep and look for materials that are lasting and easy to clean. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking–otherwise known as vinyl decking–is a favorite for homeowners who want a maintenance-free approach to their deck. You won’t need to worry about warping, fading, or splintering as you would with a wooden deck. It’s also fairly simple to match the deck to your home, as vinyl decking comes in many colors, including ranges of browns, whites, and grey tones. Vinyl decking material comes in hollow core and solid core varieties, which can vary in price but last up to 25 years.

Composite Decking

Different from vinyl, composite decking materials are a combination of wood fibers and recycled polyethylene. As with vinyl, composite decking comes in a variety of colors and is relatively low-maintenance. It’s the happy medium of decking materials, giving the texture and appearance of real wood without the same upkeep. Though these materials can last up to 25 years, they should be cleaned thoroughly every few years to prevent mold growth.

At Minnesota Home Improvements, we have been creating beautiful decks, porches, and pergolas all over Minnesota in a variety of styles, colors, and materials. Whether you are a traditionalist looking for a beautiful wooden deck, or a hands-off homeowner looking to get the most efficient use of time and space, we offer a variety of options.

MHI carries several wood decking options, as well as Azek cellular PVC decking products and TimberTech or Trex Decking wood composite options. Give us a call or complete our ‘request a quote’ form today. 

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