Decking Material Options

There are a lot of great decking options available, and the right choice depends on your priorities; appearance, maintenance, longevity, and sustainability.

Cedar
Nothing quite matches the look and feel of a freshly stained cedar deck. It’s a classic, natural choice that ages beautifully, but it does require regular maintenance. Plan on cleaning and re-staining every year or two to keep it looking its best.

Composite Decking
Composite decking has come a long way from the early, uncapped boards. Today’s options offer a wide range of colors and textures, often with a PVC cap for added durability. Many composite products are made with 80-95% recycled materials and come with warranties of up to 30 years, making them a low-maintenance, long-term option.

PVC Decking
PVC decking is available in a variety of colors and textures and typically contains 50% or more recycled plastic. The boards themselves can often be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Both PVC and composite decking are highly durable, low-maintenance, and good fire-resistant options.

Fence and railing options

There are lots of options here too, but I typically work with pressure-treated wood, cedar, and hog wire. For decks near saltwater, I’ve seen great results with custom stainless cable railings.