When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space in Houston, selecting the right decking material is crucial.
However, the hot, humid climate of Houston poses unique challenges that make it difficult to choose the right materials.
Lumber Plus provides a variety of high-quality decking materials tailored to meet the specific needs of Houston homeowners, and if you want to learn more about the deck materials we offer in Houston, keep reading!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Decking Materials in Houston
Choosing the best decking material involves considering several factors that directly impact the longevity and maintenance of your deck. Here are a few of the most important:
Climate Impact
Houston’s climate is characterized by high humidity and intense heat, which means you need materials that resist moisture absorption, mold, and warping.
Tropical hardwoods, such as Ipe Decking and composites, are particularly well-suited for such conditions.
Cost
The initial cost of Houston decking materials can vary significantly.
While hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru are more expensive up front, their longevity and low maintenance can offer long-term savings. Composite and PVC options, on the other hand, provide a balance of cost and durability that makes them a popular choice.
Installation
Another factor to consider is installation—particularly the ease of installation.
Composite decking, for instance, often features hidden fastening systems that simplify the installation process, and the user-friendly nature is great for those who are looking to complete DIY projects.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance can also significantly influence your choice of decking materials. Hardwoods require regular sealing and staining to maintain their appearance, while composite and PVC decking are low-maintenance options—and need only occasional cleaning.
Aesthetics
The visual appeal of your deck is another important factor to consider. Hardwood materials that have rich, natural tones, and intricate grain patterns can enhance the beauty of any outdoor space.
Composite and PVC decking, for example, come in various colors and textures that create a customized look that complements your home’s exterior.
Options for Hardwood Decking Materials In Houston
Ipe Decking
Because of its durability, Ipe wood has a long lifespan that outlasts most other options, which makes it a fantastic choice for your outdoor projects.
Not only is it naturally resistant to decay, moisture, fungi, and termites, but Ipe is also perfectly suited for Houston’s climate. Its rich, dark tones and intricate grain patterns can add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Plus, with Lumber Plus’s Ipe decking sourced from sustainably managed forests, you can enjoy your beautiful deck knowing that it aligns with eco-friendly practices.
Cumaru Decking
Cumaru, or Brazilian Teak, offers a beautiful deep red to maroon color that weathers to a captivating silver hue. It is highly robust, with a Janka hardness rating seven times greater than redwood or cedar.
This makes Cumaru an excellent choice for various projects—from decking to exterior wood siding. Although it requires UV treatment and regular sealing, its cost-effectiveness and durability make it a popular choice among many.
Jatoba Decking
Known as Brazilian Cherry, Jatoba is another excellent hardwood option. Its extreme hardness and durability are ideal for outdoor applications.
Initially displaying a salmon-red hue, Jatoba darkens to a beautiful reddish-brown over time. Despite its toughness, it finishes and polishes exceptionally well, and is an attractive and long-lasting decking solution.
The Advantages of Hardwood Decking In Houston
Hardwood decking is renowned in Houston for its natural beauty but also offers a unique set of additional advantages. For example:
Durability
Hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Jatoba are incredibly durable, as mentioned briefly above, and Ipe decking can have a lifespan exceeding 75 years.
These materials are also naturally resistant to decay, moisture, fungi, and termites, which makes them ideal for Houston’s humid—sometimes buggy—climate.
Aesthetic Appeal
Hardwoods have rich, natural tones and intricate grain patterns that weather to a captivating silver hue, while Jatoba darkens to a beautiful reddish-brown over time.
Eco-Friendly
Many hardwood options are sourced from sustainably managed forests to align with Lumber Plus’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Advantages of Deck Tile
Deck tiles are an innovative and flexible hardwood solution for those looking to enhance their outdoor space quickly and efficiently.
Easy Installation
Deck tiles are designed for easy installation, which makes them perfect for weekend projects. They can be laid over existing surfaces without the need for adhesives or nails to provide a quick and efficient facelift to any outdoor area.
Versatility in Design
These tiles are incredibly versatile to allow for creative patterns and configurations. This flexibility enables homeowners to customize their outdoor spaces to suit their aesthetic preferences.
Minimal Maintenance
Deck tiles require minimal maintenance. Unlike traditional decking, which needs regular sealing and staining, deck tiles can be kept clean with simple sweeping and occasional washing, so they are a convenient option for busy homeowners.
Composite Decking Materials In Houston
Trex® Decking
Trex® is one of the leading brands in composite decking. It is known for its high performance, resistance to fading, staining, and scratching, and its eco-friendly composition from recycled materials. Trex® decking requires minimal maintenance, which makes it a convenient option for busy homeowners.
TimberTech® Decking
TimberTech® offers a wide variety of colors and styles that mimic the appearance of natural wood. It is highly durable and resistant to mold, mildew, and insects.
TimberTech® also provides a 25-year limited warranty to help ensure long-term satisfaction with your decking investment.
Fiberon® Decking
Fiberon® provides high-performance composite decking options suitable for any budget. Their products are capped on three sides to provide protection against moisture and decay. With a lifespan of 25-30 years and minimal maintenance required, Fiberon® decking is an excellent choice for those seeking both durability and aesthetics.
NORX® Decking:
NORX® offers high-quality composite decking designed for durability and minimal maintenance. It resists fading, staining, and scratching, which makes it ideal for various climates. NORX® decking is also eco-friendly, composed of recycled materials, and provides a range of styles and colors to suit different design preferences. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting performance, with easy upkeep to maintain its appearance over time.
The Advantages of Houston Composite Decking Materials
Composite decking combines the best qualities of wood and plastic to create a durable and low-maintenance decking solution.
Low Maintenance
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep. Unlike natural wood, it does not need regular sealing, staining, or painting. Routine cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient to keep it looking new.
Durability
Composite materials are designed to withstand various environmental conditions. They resist fading, staining, scratching, and mold, which makes them suitable for Houston’s humid climate.
Variety of Styles
Composite decking comes in a variety of colors and textures to allow homeowners to achieve the look of natural wood without the hassle of upkeep. Brands like Trex® and TimberTech® provide plenty of design options to match different aesthetic preferences.
Houston PVC Decking Material Options
Azek® Decking
Azek® is a top choice for PVC decking that provides exceptional durability and resistance to mold and moisture. Made from recycled materials, Azek® is both eco-friendly and long-lasting, with minimal maintenance required. Its deeply embossed wood grain texture provides excellent traction, to make it safe and comfortable for outdoor use.
Other Premium Brands
TIVA™, Wolf®, and Fiberon® Decking are high-quality PVC decking options known for their durability and aesthetic appeal. PVC decking from these brands is lightweight, easy to install, and virtually maintenance-free. With a variety of colors and styles available, these options provide flexibility in design and ensure a long-lasting decking solution.
Advantages of Houston PVC Decking
PVC decking is another robust and low-maintenance option that is ideal for Houston’s climate.
Low Maintenance
PVC decking requires virtually no maintenance. It does not need sealing, staining, or painting, and is easily cleaned with just soap and water. This makes it an excellent option for homeowners looking for a hassle-free solution.
Durability
PVC decking is highly durable and resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and insect damage. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, which makes it perfect for the humid and hot climate of Houston.
Aesthetic Variety
PVC decking comes in a wide range of colors and styles and often mimics the look of natural wood. This allows homeowners to achieve a desired aesthetic without the upkeep associated with real wood.
Take the Next Step with Lumber Plus
Partner with Lumber Plus for all of your decking needs in Houston.
Our extensive range of hardwood, composite, and PVC decking materials allows you to find the perfect solution for your outdoor space. Our commitment to quality and sustainability guarantees long-lasting and eco-friendly options for your home.
Contact us today for more information!
