Written by: Emily Joswiak • January 8, 2020• Home

3 of the Best Materials for Beach Decking

Getting someone like Archadeck of Western North Carolina to build a deck for your outdoor space is a big decision. You need to decide how big you want it, what furniture you’re going to match it with, where in your garden it goes, and most importantly, what material you’re going to be using. And if you want to build a deck for your coastal home, you should carefully think about what materials you want to use. Weighing each material’s benefits and disadvantages will help you to make a decision you are most satisfied with in the end. Here are some of the best materials for beach decking you might consider.

Wood

Wood is the most traditional option when it comes to decking. This lends it to be one of the most visually-appealing because of its natural look and the seaside associations people have with it. By naturally water-resistant wood, your deck can be relatively resilient even in a coastal location. Examples of these types of wood include cedar and redwood.

Compared to other materials, however, wood necessitates ample maintenance. It needs to be sealed and stained to prevent UV discoloration, and even with water resistance, you have to refinish it periodically. You also have to ensure it has an efficient coating. There are two options when it comes to coatings for a timber deck. Consult with a timber deck sanding and polishing expert for the pros and cons of each. In addition to sunlight, salt and sand can damage untreated wood as well.

Fiberglass

Though less commonly seen, fiberglass is another feasible material you can use for a beach deck. It’s more water-resistant than wood because it cannot absorb water at all, and it cannot be corroded by the salts and other chemicals in seawater. Moreover, unlike wood, it’s not susceptible to cracking or temperature-induced warping.

On the other hand, fiberglass decking can still be scratched and chipped. The material is also much heavier than wood, which can change how viable it is depending on the specific area you’re building in.

Plastic Lumber

When it’s high quality, plastic lumber is by far one of the best materials to choose for coastal decking. It can mimic regular wood’s appearance but does not bring with it the same drawbacks. Instead, plastic lumber boasts great resistance to water, UV light, and rot. These qualities allow it to be lower maintenance than wood, as it retains its appearance and structural integrity under the pressure of the elements. Just remember to regularly reach out to a deck wash and deck restoration service in your area to keep your deck looking at its best. Getting your deck professionally cleaned is an important part of the maintenance process and ensures that you can enjoy your decking for many more years to come. Depending on the size of the deck you are building, you can choose different types of recycled plastic lumber with more flexibility or more rigidity and load-bearing capability. One drawback this material does have though is that it cannot be refinished if it is scratched or discolored, so keep that in mind.

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