Summer is the ultimate season for spending time outside - whether it's for rest, relaxation, entertainment, or fun. When it comes to doing any of these things at home, your deck stands out as possibly the best space to enjoy the warmer weather. Here at Erdmann Exteriors, we have offered deck installation and maintenance to the Chicagoland area since our establishment, so we know a thing or two about what goes into a great deck. In today's blog, we'll be discussing the most common types of decking materials, including their unique characteristics. Keep reading below for more information!

Wood Composite

A more modern, eco-friendly choice for homeowners, wood composite has become a popular material for longevity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Made from wood and polyethylene, wood composite decks are more resistant to aging and splintering than their standard wood contemporaries. Even in particularly rough or polarizing climates, wood composite decks can stand tall against the elements, and will hesitate to show signs of damage or deterioration.

Despite its numerous benefits, there are inevitable downsides to wood composite decks. Most essentially, wood composite can cost you significantly more than other materials, most notably pressure-treated wood. In addition to this, while wood composite roofs certainly look appealing, they do not have the same visual charm as standard wood decks - this may be a deterrent for some homeowners.

Pressure-Treated Wood

The most prominent decking material here in America, and for a reason, pressure-treated wood excels at giving homeowners the most bang for their buck, as it is certainly the most affordable option when it comes to decking materials. When driving down any neighborhood in America, you are almost guaranteed to see some form of decking with pressure-treated wood, and this is due to the fact that it looks great on any home! As a homeowner, you simply can't go wrong with a pressure-treated wood deck, it's the traditional, and cost-efficient choice.

Though a great material in its own right, pressure-treated wood is not without its downfalls. These decks do require a fair amount of maintenance to be kept in good shape, such as scrubbing and sanding of the boards, which help prevent decaying and damage to your roof. Oftentimes, you will have to enlist the help of a professional maintenance team, which can cost you a fair amount over time.