When you invest a lot of money into a new deck for your home, you want to make sure it’s built to last. While the overall construction and installation of your deck is important in regards to its longevity, the material is just as important when considering your deck’s lifespan. Depending on the deck type you’re interested in, here’s a quick breakdown of how long each material is likely to last.
Cedar Decks
One of the most popular woods used in decking, cedar retains less moisture than other woods, making it highly resistant to rot and decay. It needs to be cleaned and sealed yearly to maintain the original colouring of the wood, but like any wooden deck, cedar is still vulnerable to scratches, especially if you have pets. It also requires a lot of maintenance in terms of checking that all the hardware is tightened or replaced when necessary. With the best care, cedar decks can last 25 to 40 years, but without maintaining it properly, you might be able to squeeze 10 to 15 years out of it before it needs replacing.
Mahogany and Ipe Decks
Mahogany and Ipe are dense wood species, especially when combined. They also have a gorgeous natural colouring that’s highly scratch-resistant, making it great for high traffic areas and for families with kids or pets. They’re resistant to rot and mould, but not entirely, as it’s still a natural wood product. Good maintenance will keep your Mahogany and Ipe deck around for up to 40 years.
Pressure-Treated Wood Decks
Containing chemical preservatives that are pressed into the wood’s grains using high-pressure treatment methods, pressure-treated wood is highly resistant to rot and insect activity. While this technique can be done to a variety of wood species, the best results come from using the best wood. So depending on the wood used, your pressure treated deck could last from 20 to 50 years.
Composite Decks
If you’re interested in having a low maintenance deck that lasts a while, then composite decks are your best bet. Without much care or thought, these decks will last a minimum of 25 years. Made from a combination of plastic and wood materials, it’s resistant to rotting, splitting and warping, as well as being immune to moisture and insect damage. Worried about the colour of your deck fading? Composite decks come with UV protection, making them either fade resistant or fade evenly over time.
Vinyl Decks
A sheet membrane applied over solid plywood, vinyl is made of several layers of PVC and reinforcing fibres. An affordable decking option, vinyl decks usually lasts between 20 to 30 years with the proper maintenance. The surface can be repainted throughout the years to extend its lifespan and with the proper installation, it’s completely waterproof.
Metal Decks
Aluminum and steel materials are the more common metal decks installed today, but they’re also some of the most expensive materials available. Aluminum decks have a lifespan of over 30 years while steel decks can last up to 60 years with the proper installation methods. Steel needs to be maintained every so often through routine desalting as well as touch-ups to the protective coating.
Concrete or Stone Decks
Another expensive decking option, concrete and stone are the most durable decking materials. Depending on the environment and the quality of craftsmanship, this decking option should last upwards of 70 years or more. The cost will vary between both options.
At TorOnCa Fence and Deck Inc., we provide residential and commercial clients in Brampton, Mississauga, Oakville, Vaughan, Etobicoke, and Milton with high-quality materials and great prices for our fencing and decking construction and installation services. Located in Woodbridge, Ontario, be sure to visit our website to learn more.