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What are the Most Popular Deck Materials?

Answer:
No house is truly complete without the addition of

a an outdoor deck or patio. Before beginning a project like this, it is important to know what the most popular deck materials are and why they are so popular. Pressure treated lumber is a common favorite, because it is chemically treated to resist rotting and to resist termite damage.

Typically made from yellow pine, pressure treated lumber is in inexpensive choice for those of us who are none too keen to the yearly maintenance often associated with deck care.

Another material that is popular for its maintenance free status is the newer composite materials. Made from a combination of wood pulp, sawdust, and binders, composite decking material offers an instant beauty that will last a lifetime. One catch to this material is the price, which can easily reach two to three times that of regular wood.

For a natural touch, red cedar is very popular, not only for the beauty of the wood itself but because red cedar is more durable than other wood in outdoor conditions, and it stands up well to the wear and tear of the outdoors. Redwood is another popular deck material because of its resistance to decay. The best grade of redwood to use is called ‘clear heart grade’. One thing to keep in mind when using natural wood outdoors is that each year, the decking must be pressure washed to remove debris and algae, and then, once dry, it needs sealing to protect it from rot. Give it just a little elbow grease, and any of these natural products will survive for years to come.


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