Owning a deck is a joy and a privilege that provides an outdoor sanctuary for relaxation and entertainment. Yet, the annual routine of sanding, staining, and sealing can tarnish the joy and turn a haven into a chore.
The evolution of decking materials has ushered in an era where this task no longer needs to be done. With the right choices, your deck can remain a place of leisure, not labor—year after year.
Understanding No-Maintenance Decks
The concept of no-maintenance decks is straightforward: they are decks designed to minimize upkeep in order to give homeowners freedom from the endless cycle of maintenance. Modern materials include several materials known for their durability and minimal upkeep requirements, including thermally modified wood, composite, hardwood, and PVC.
Thermally Modified Wood: A Durable Choice
The thermal modification process involves using heat and steam to enhance the natural properties of wood. This exclusive method removes moisture from wood cells to create a product that is durable, stable, and beautiful without using any chemicals. It’s a sustainable process which results in wood with unmatched stability and enhanced durability that is suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
In fact, at Lumber Plus, we have three different types of thermowood® that are powered by Novawood™ and crafted by following all the rules and regulations of the thermowood association in Finland: Thermo Pine, Thermo Ash, and Thermo Ayous.
Thermo Ash, Thermo Pine, and Thermo Ayous.
Thermowood® Ash: Being durable, stable, and resistant, Thermo Ash makes a great option for projects that demand wood with superior attributes.
Thermowood® Pine: Because of its rot resistant characteristics,Thermo Pine, a light tan wood with a knotty texture, is a great option in areas where moisture, rot, and decay are common.
Thermowood® Ayous: Though it undergoes a thermal modification process, Thermo Ayou is a natural durable and stable option that comes in distinct honey- or chocolate-like colors.
Composite Decking: Long-Lasting Beauty
Composite decking, a fusion of wood fibers and plastic, is lauded for its durability and minimal upkeep requirements. It resists fading, staining, and warping, as a prime solution for a beautiful, enduring deck without the need for constant care.
To explore the diversity and innovation in composite decking, let’s look at some leading brands that are available:
Norx® Composite Decking: Known for its robust and innovative design, Norx® decking is a durable, low-maintenance solution that stands the test of time and elements. It also has an above average 30-year warranty against fading and staining.
Trex® Composite Decking: Trex® leads with eco-friendly composite materials that blend beauty and resilience to craft inviting outdoor spaces designed to endure.
TimberTech® Composite Decking: TimberTech® is tailored for those seeking a high-performance, low-maintenance deck, with a variety of colors and finishes to match any aesthetic.
Fiberon® Composite Decking: Fiberon® is an eco-conscious composite decking that doesn’t sacrifice beauty for durability that features rich, multi-tonal colors and high-performance materials for an ideal outdoor setting.
Each brand brings its unique advantages to the table to help ensure that there’s a composite decking solution to meet every need and style preference.
Hardwood Decking: Timelessly Elegant
Advancements in hardwood decking treatment have introduced low-maintenance options that do not compromise on durability:
Ipe
Ipe is mostly appreciated because for its incredible strength and durability, which further increases the wood’s longevity. In addition, the wood is naturally resistant to moisture and decay. Because of this, and because it only needs to be oiled once a year, Ipe is commonly selected as the best choice of wood for outdoor spaces.
Cumaru
Cumaru is favored for its exceptional durability and rich color that is ideal for a resilient and inviting deck. Considering it is almost as resistant as Ipe, Cumaru is also an excellent choice because it is actually a little more affordable. Plus, similarly to Ipe, it requires very little maintenance and is also resistant to moisture and decay.
Tigerwood
Tigerwood offers a unique appearance with striking grain patterns and robust durability that is perfect for a standout outdoor area.
These species combine elegance with resilience to create a hassle-free outdoor aesthetic that aligns with the desire for elegant, low-maintenance outdoor living spaces.
PVC Decking: Ultimate Low Maintenance
PVC decking represents the pinnacle of maintenance-free outdoor living by combining durability with minimal upkeep for a vibrant, enduring deck:
Norx® Barcelona: Norx® Barcelona offers a collection of high-quality, and durable, PVC products designed for beauty, ensuring your outdoor space remains low-maintenance and elegant.
VERSATEX: VERSATEX Decking stands out because of its advanced properties that create an unmatched level of durability, making the products easy to care for, especially when it pertains to moisture.
These options underscore the hassle-free luxury of PVC decking that provide durable and aesthetically pleasing choices for any outdoor setting.
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability of No-Maintenance Decking
Choosing low-maintenance decking materials like recycled composite and sustainably sourced wood supports eco-friendly living. It reduces waste and eliminates the need for harmful chemical treatments. It is a conscious decision that promotes environmental conservation and highlights the connection between easy maintenance and sustainable practices.
Decking Material Showdown: Weighing the Pros and Cons
When choosing the ideal no-maintenance decking material, it’s crucial to consider how each option aligns with your lifestyle and priorities. Here’s a concise breakdown:
Thermally Modified Wood
Thermally modified wood offers increased durability and eco-friendly processing but comes with a higher price compared to PT wood. However, when compared to composite wood, hardwood, and PVC, thermally modified wood is actually cheaper.
Composite Decking
Composite Decking is known for its high durability and minimal upkeep, though it may come at a premium cost and feel less natural than wood. Extended warranties are a very interesting feature for these products.
Hardwood
There is no competition with Hardwood when it comes to durability. Lasting up to 75 years, Ipe is the king of decking. It delivers unmatched natural beauty and the ability to refinish. However, on the other hand, it requires some maintenance and it has a higher initial investment.
PVC Decking
PVC Decking ensures virtually no maintenance with excellent resistance to the elements, but it may lack the natural aesthetics and feel of wood, typically at a higher cost.
With each decking material offering unique advantages and challenges, finding the perfect match will help to ensure that your outdoor space meets both your aesthetic and maintenance-free living needs.
Reimagine Your Outdoor Living with Premium Decking Solutions from Lumber Plus
At Lumber Plus, we understand that your outdoor space is a sanctuary for relaxation and connection. That’s why we take pride in offering premium decking solutions that can transform any exterior into a stunning oasis. Whether you’re looking for the eco-friendly practicality of composite decking, the timeless appeal of hardwood, or the ultimate ease offered by PVC, our selection caters to every vision and budget.
Our experts are ready to guide you through each step to help ensure that the deck you choose not only complements your home, but that it also creates the perfect backdrop for life’s best moments.
Contact us today for more information!
