What are the different deck types and which is the best one for your home? Great question! Let’s dive in to the wonderful world of outdoor decks – and explore some of the more eco friendly options too.
I don’t know about where you live, but where I live – if you have a house – then a deck is pretty much a must-have. And there are so many reasons why. Outdoor decks extend our living space and allow us to enjoy the world outside or home. Decks can be used as a dining space, a space to entertain friends and family, a place to relax or – if you’re an aspiring greenthumb like me – a place for all your plants!
As with so many things in the realm of home construction and renovation – there are just too many choices! The amount of outdoor space you have, as well as local bylaws, will help narrow down your deck size. But deck style, material choice and maintenance requirements are all going to factor into the equation as well. Plus, if sustainability is a priority of yours (and I hope it is), that’s another factor to consider.
But don’t be overwhelmed! Instead, just keep reading as I walk you through all the above considerations. Or, skip ahead if a particular section grabs your interest. Away we go!
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5 Styles of Decks to Help Extend Your Living Space
Here’s a quick run through of the most common types of decks. Keep in mind people often combine different typess of decks and end up with a multi-level floating deck, or an attached wrap-around deck. There actually are a lot of options within just these five types!
Attached Deck
As the name suggests, attached decks extend off of your home. One of the main benefits is that they use the structure of your home for stability. However, this also means an improperly built attached deck can cause issues with your home. That being said, a well-done attached deck automatically makes your home feel bigger since you can literally walk outside and into another living space.
Floating Deck
A floating deck is typically set back from the home and is often accessed by a walkway. Because they are completely separate from the structure of your house, floating decks are an easier DIY project than an attached deck. This type of deck is often accompanied with features such as a pool or hot tub and create a separate outdoor living space away from the home that feels like more of an escape than an extension.
Multi-Level Deck
If you live on a hill (as we do), or if your yard is uneven or rocky, then a multi-level deck may be just the right fit. Multi-level decks usually consist of differently sized decks attached to each other with stairs. This helps to create different outdoor living areas that still feel connected, but can serve their own function. Often, this deck style combines multiple deck types – such as an attached deck with stairs leading down to a patio.
Wrap-Around Deck
If you have the space, then a wrap-around deck is an excellent choice. It offers plenty of opportunities to create smaller living areas for different functions. For example, one area could be for dining, another for casual seating, etc. As someone with this type of deck, I have to admit that there’s nothing like the feeling of walking around the outside your house on a sunny wrap-around deck with an ever-changing view.
Patio
While technically a patio is different than a deck, they serve the same purpose so I wanted to include patios in this post. Whereas a deck is raised off the ground – even if it’s only a few inches, a patio is flush with the ground. That being said, people often use the terms interchangeably and that’s totally fine too!
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Material Choices for Custom Decks
Wood
Traditional wood decking promises natural beauty with options including cedar, and redwood. You can also choose tropical hardwoods like ipe.
While wood requires regular maintenance to prevent weathering, its timeless appeal makes it a popular choice.
Composite
Composite decking combines the look of wood with the durability of synthetic materials. It is resistant to rot, and fading, making it a low-maintenance option.
PVC
Unlike traditional and composite decking, PVC decking is entirely synthetic and offers excellent resistance to moisture. It is lightweight and easy to install, and available in different styles. However, it can be more expensive than other materials.
Aluminum
Aluminum decking is known for its durability and is super resistant to rust, and corrosion. Consequently, it makes for an ideal choice in coastal environments. Not to mention its low-maintenance costs and availability in multiple finishes.
5 Different Types of Deck Material + Which is Most Sustainable
Just as there is a variety of types of decks for houses to choose from, there are a variety of material choices. From classic wood and stone to more modern materials, which one is best for you – and for the environment – depends on several factors.
Wood
An absolute classic, wood is beloved for its natural look and feel. Within the larger category of wood, there are a range of options to affordable, pressure-treated wood to high-end types of deck wood like redwood and cedar. The unfortunate downside of wood as a building material, which I talked about in my post on home siding types, is that it does require a fair amount of upkeep and can eventually warp or rot.
Make it Green: As a renewable resource, wood is a more sustainable option than other styles of decking, but that doesn’t mean it’s a perfect choice. Wood that is harvested using non-FSC methods can harm the forest long term, so it’s important that you look for types of wooden decks that are certified.
Composite
Composite is the most popular siding alternative to wood and it’s the most popular decking alternative to wood too. Why? Mainly, because of durability and maintenance. Typically made from a blend of wood and plastic, composite has the look of wood, but the longevity of manmade materials and is unlikely to warp, rot, splinter or even require upkeep at all.
Make it Green: If composite sounds too good to be true, then know the it’s the environment that takes the impact in situations like these. However, some brands create their composite decking products from recycled plastic and wood fibres, which is a much more sustainable option.
image… ??? (Image Credit: ???)
Stone
One of the most beautiful – and most expensive – type of deck material. Because of their weight, stone decks are usually at ground level, meaning they’re best suited for a patio over a raised deck. Stone decks have that beautiful, natural look that blends really well into a home’s natural surroundings. And because stone is so durable, decks made using this material require little maintenance.
Make it Green: There are as many choices within the stone decking world as there are in the wood one. A few common stone types used to build decks and patios include………..
image… ??? (Image Credit: ???)
PVC
While composite materials are a mixture of natural and manmade materials, PVC (polyvinyl chloride or just vinyl for short) is 100% human-made. It’s positives are that it is highly durable, easy to maintain and affordable. It’s negatives? You guessed it – not a very eco-conscious choice. So would it surprise you to learn this is the type of deck material we have? Shocking, right? (If you want to know why we went with one of the least sustainable styles of decking out there, watch my video about some of the exterior materials we chose for our home.)
Make it Green: While recycled-content PVC exists, it’s more common to find “virgin PVC,” which manufacturers often argue is a better choice than PVC made from recycled materials because it is more durable. I wasn’t able to find a decking material made from recycled PVC, but if you are going to go with a vinyl deck – try and find something locally made to cut down on transportation emissions.
image… ??? (Image Credit: ???) ~ maybe our deck…
Aluminum
If you’re like I originally was when I found out about this option and and you’re picturing shiny tin-can deck boards, think again! Aluminum deck products are powder coated and often look just like any other type or deck material – with some even having a wood-like appearance. Aluminum deck boards are three to four times lighter than most wood decking, but are two to three times stronger.
Make it Green: Aluminum is often considered to be a sustainable building material because of it’s durability and end-of-life recyclability. Yes, metal-extraction is very energy-intensive, but some homeowners may feel that the longevity of an aluminum deck is worth it.
image… This pool-side deck by the company may look like wood, but it’s actually aluminum! In fact, the company that makes this aluminum decking even jokes about the appearance in their name – Knotwood. (Image Credit: Knotwood)
Other Considerations When Choosing the Best Type of Deck for Your Home
Budget
Establishing a budget is a crucial first step in any custom deck project. For starters, consider the cost of materials, labor, and any additional features you want to include.
If you are eyeing a luxurious custom deck without any flaws, it’s best to acquire services of a professional deck builder. They have the skills and expertise to navigate you through this project with professionalism and convenience.
Besides, working with a reputable custom deck builder can help you stay within your budget while achieving the desired design.
Permits and regulations
Ensure that your deck design complies with local building codes as it may involve obtaining permits and inspections.
A professional deck builder can guide you through this process and ensure that your deck meets all safety and legal requirements.
Maintenance
Different decking materials require varying levels of maintenance. Wood decks need regular sealing and staining to protect against weathering, while composite and PVC decks are relatively low-maintenance.
Don’t forget to consider your willingness to maintain your deck when choosing materials.
Exposure to weather
Different decking materials require varying levels of maintenance. Wood decks need regular sealing and staining to protect against weathering, while composite and PVC decks are relatively low-maintenance.
Dont forget to consider your willingness to maintain your deck when choosing materials.
Creating a custom deck transforms your outdoor area into a personalized oasis that adds value and functionality to your home. Whether you desire a space for entertaining guests, or a quiet retreat for relaxation, it can fulfill these needs with style.
With the right design, materials, and enhancements, your custom deck will be a cherished addition that you can enjoy for long.
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Last Updated on August 20, 2024 (Originally Posted on August 2, 2024)
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
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