Choosing the best material for your deck or fence installation project requires considering many factors. From the climate where you live to your budget and maintenance preferences, finding the perfect material can seem overwhelming. With tips and expertise from professional fence and deck installers, you can feel confident in selecting the ideal material for your decking or fencing needs.
Understanding Your Needs and Climate
To select the best material for a deck or fence, you start by evaluating your personal requirements and the environmental conditions of your area. The southwestern Ontario climate plays a pivotal role in this decision-making process. Prone to heavy rainfall and high humidity, materials that boast water repellent properties and resistance to decay will prove advantageous. This choice ensures longevity and reduces the need for frequent replacements or repairs caused by weather damage.
Additionally, your willingness to do maintenance activities directly influences your material selection. Materials vary significantly in their need for upkeep. Some demand constant attention to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. Others offer the benefits of being maintenance-free. This distinction is crucial. Choosing a material that aligns with your maintenance capacity will ensure your satisfaction with the beauty and function of your deck or fence.
The objective must include choosing a material that is visually appealing but also blends with your lifestyle and the environmental demands of your locale. Engaging in this thoughtful consideration at the beginning will pave the way for the right selection, enhancing your outdoor living experience and practicality.
The Pros and Cons of Wood Decks and Fences
Wood fencing and decking hold a timeless appeal providing a natural elegance and warmth to any outdoor living space. Natural wood and pressure-treated lumber stand out for their aesthetic versatility and the cozy ambiance they can give to a yard or patio area. However, delving deeper into the choice of wood requires a balanced view of its advantages and challenges.
The plus side of wood
Wood materials allow for a wide range of design and colour possibilities through painting or staining. From classic to contemporary, homeowners can tailor their outdoor areas to their specific tastes. Wood’s natural appearance can seamlessly blend with the outdoor environment, enhancing the overall aesthetic of a home’s exterior.
Additionally, when considering cost, wood often presents a more affordable initial investment compared to synthetic alternatives. This aspect can be particularly appealing for those working within a tight budget or preferring the authentic look and feel of real wood.
Challenges with wood
Wood, by its nature, is susceptible to the elements. Over time, exposure to moisture, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures can lead to issues such as mould and mildew, warping, cracking, and rotting. Insects and pests love wooden decks. Consequently, wooden decks and fences demand a commitment to regular maintenance.
Maintenance of wooden decking and fencing often involves tasks such as staining, sealing, and occasionally replacing damaged boards to preserve their integrity and appearance. For some this ongoing requirement may outweigh the initial benefits, pushing them to consider more maintenance-friendly materials.
Understanding these pros and cons is crucial for homeowners to make an informed decision that aligns with their long-term expectations and willingness to engage in upkeep.
Exploring Composite and PVC Options
Manufactured fence and deck material options can be some of the best materials for a deck or fence. They present compelling choices for homeowners who prefer enjoying their outdoor spaces without constant upkeep. PVC and composite decking mimic the aesthetic of natural wood while offering significant resistance to the elements.
PVC decking and fences
Made of polyvinyl chloride, PVC does not contain any natural material. Its high-strength plastic makes it strong but lightweight. You can even use PVC to build the structure of your deck. It resists scratching, fading, staining, pests and mould and therefore does not require regular maintenance as often as wood.
Although it resists water and weather with very little maintenance, it can get quite hot in the sun and could be more slippery. Manufacturers often warn against placing items made of rubber on a PVC to prevent discolouring. Modern choices look and feel like wood with a variety of patterns and colours.
A note about vinyl decking
Vinyl decking, often used interchangeably with PVC, is not the same. You roll out vinyl decking across plywood deck planks and seal it with heat to create a protective membrane when waterproofing a deck.
Composite fences and decks
This manufactured material includes a blend of polymers and organic wood fibres. It offers similar benefits as PVC like durability and ease of care compared to pressure treated wood. And it can be slightly more affordable than PVC.
In addition to being maintenance free, composite and PVC offers versatility in design, ranging from traditional white picket fences to more contemporary, multi-coloured deck options. This adaptability makes it easy to achieve a cohesive look that enhances the property’s overall value.
Beyond aesthetics and maintenance advantages, both composite and vinyl materials are known for their longevity. They stand resilient against weather and pests maintaining their appearance year after year. While the initial investment might be higher compared to some traditional materials, the long-term savings on repairs and replacements can make these options more cost-effective.
Wood Decks & Fences
PROS
- Least expensive installation (but significantly higher maintenance costs)
- Lots of options for colour and style
CONS
- Requires sanding, sealing, staining or painting
- Prone to warping, weakening, and rotting
- Grows mould and mildew
- Insects and pests like wood
- Risk of splinters
PVC Decks & Fences
PROS
- Water and mould resistent
- Fading and scratch resistent
- Pest resistent
- Low maintenance
- Lightweight and durable
- Wide variety of styles
CONS
- More expensive than wood but less expensive than composites of similar quality
- Looks less like wood than composite
- Rubber may cause discolouring
Composite Decks & Fences
PROS
- Durable and long lasting
- Looks more natural than PVC
- More affordable than PVC
- Wide variety of styles and colours
CONS
- More expensive than wood
- Not completely maintenance free
- Must be built on treated lumber frame
- Colours may fade
Considering the Cost: Budgeting for Your Project
Evaluating the financial aspect of selecting a deck or fence material is an important step in your project planning. Different materials come with varied price tags, both in terms of initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
Traditional wood options might seem like a budget-friendly choice at first glance; however, the long-term expenditure on upkeep can accumulate, making it potentially more expensive over time. In contrast, materials like composite decking and vinyl fencing carry a higher upfront cost but tend to offer savings down the line due to their minimal maintenance requirements.
It’s essential to factor in not just the purchase price of the materials but also the cost of installation and any future maintenance or repair work. This comprehensive view will provide a clearer picture of the total investment required for your project.
Consulting with professional deck and fence installers early on can help you outline a realistic budget that accommodates both your material preferences and financial constraints.
Making the Final Decision: Tips from Professional Installers
As you stand on the brink of selecting the best material for a deck or fence, tapping into the wisdom of experienced deck and fence installers can be your guide to a choice that marries functionality with aesthetics and budget.
When you meet with us, we will discuss your priorities: if low maintenance is at the top of your list, materials like composite decking or vinyl fencing could be your best bet. However, if the authentic charm and natural vibe of the wood speak to you more, then understanding and accepting the maintenance commitment is key.
Additionally, we will advise on the value of looking beyond the initial cost. A higher upfront investment in materials like composite may pay off in the long run through reduced maintenance costs and greater durability. They highlight the importance of considering the full lifecycle costs of materials, not just the purchase price.
Engaging in conversation about your expectations and their experiences with different materials can provide insights not found in any brochure or product specification sheet. They can share real-world examples of how materials have stood up to local weather conditions, or how certain choices have impacted the usability and enjoyment of outdoor spaces for other homeowners.
