Building or refurbishing an outdoor deck is a monumental step in creating the landscape of your dreams. You’ve likely considered how long it’ll last, though.
Several factors influence the durability of your deck, including material types, quality of construction, and maintenance levels. Traditional wood decks are often sought after due to their charm and appeal, but they typically require more maintenance and have a shorter life span than modern composite decking options.
Beyond this, what steps can you take to guarantee your deck stands the test of time?
Understanding the Lifespan of a Deck
Your choice of wood type can significantly impact the expected lifespan of your deck. Pressure-treated wood, for example, has heightened durability against rot and insect damage, which can extend the deck’s life if these are typically an issue.
On the other hand, composite decking’s lifespan generally exceeds that of traditional wood due to its materials resisting weathering, staining, and fading, and it requires less maintenance overall. You’ll also find that composite decking appearance remains consistent over time. Despite these benefits, composite decking’s initial investment is often higher, meaning you’ll need to weigh up the pros against your budget.
Regardless of the materials chosen, maintaining your deck is vital in ensuring you’re maximising its lifespan where possible. Neglecting your deck, whether in cleaning or repairing, can lead to premature deterioration. We often give our clients an overview of the best ways to care for their decks after we’ve built them, ensuring their deck retains that completion look for longer.
Wooden Decks: Maximising Their Lifespan
If a traditional wooden deck is your go-to and no other option will suffice, then knowing how to maintain it is imperative. Wooden decks require protective measures against the elements to retain their fine finish.
Here are four key steps to take to help prolong it’s beauty:
1. Regular Cleaning: Mould and mildew are the bane of all wooden decks. Dirt, leaves, and moisture can increase the chances of this forming, compromising the integrity of your deck boards. Cleaning your wooden deck at least twice yearly with a mild, soapy solution or wood cleaner helps keep it in prime condition.
2. UV Protection: We require sun cream to protect ourselves, and so too does our decking require protection. For our decks, applying a UV-resistant sealant will help shield it from the harsh rays and prevent discolouration over time.
3. Waterproofing: Unattended water damage can quickly lead to structural damage and rot. Make sure to apply a waterproof sealant to repel water and protect your deck from moisture. This step is especially important if you live in a climate with frequent showers or snow.
4. Routine Inspections and Repairs: Sometimes, problems don’t show themselves until it’s too late. Doing manual checks around your wooden deck can help you identify potential issues before they become worse, allowing you to step in and fix them.
The Rise of Composite Decking: A Long-Lasting Alternative
If traditional wooden decking sounds like it needs too much maintenance, look no further than composite decking. This is a great, durable, and long-lasting alternative.
Composite decking is crafted from a blend of wood fibres and plastics. This ensures enhanced longevity and resistance without the fear of rotting, warping or element damage.
Composite decking offers a durable and long-lasting alternative to traditional wood, ensuring your outdoor space remains functional and attractive for longer. High-quality composite decking involves a protective outer layer that provides further durability and is engineered to endure harsh weather and heavy foot traffic without the usual wear and tear you’d see with a wooden deck.
This means less time is needed to repair and replace boards.
With minimal maintenance, composite decking typically lasts 25 – 30 years. As far as investments go, that’s pretty good. These decks will also support any future garden additions.
Deck Maintenance: Keeping Your Outdoor Space Looking its Best
Just because composite decking requires less maintenance doesn’t mean that we should put it on the back burner. Keeping your outdoor space looking its best should always be a priority, and proper deck maintenance can help prevent common issues like mould and mildew build-up.
While composite decking requires less maintenance, regular upkeep is still important to keep your outdoor space looking its best. Proper deck maintenance can prevent common issues like mould, mildew, and deterioration that might lead to more severe deck problems down the line.
For the most part, the steps we covered in our wooden decking section apply here, aside from the UV protection. Composite decking can be easier to clean with a pressure washer; just ensure you use the correct pressure settings to avoid damaging the decking material.
While doing your inspection rounds, address decking issues, such as splinters or cracks, promptly. Sometimes, boards may need to be replaced, but a few splinters here and there can be sanded down.
When cleaning or repairing, use products specifically designed for your decking material.
Factors Affecting Deck Longevity: Wood Type and Construction
Materials also play a vital role in the longevity of your deck. Hardwoods, such as teak and ipe, are renowned for their durability and resistance to rot. They are, however, more expensive than softwood options like cedar and pine, which are more affordable and typically less durable unless treated.
Pressure-treated lumber undergoes a chemical process that enhances its lifespan, rot, and insect resistance.
Deck construction quality is equally important. While we can’t speak for other providers or artisans, the construction component requires close attention. Poor construction can often lead to premature failure, regardless of the wood or maintenance methods used. Similarly, poor construction can be a severe health hazard, which should be avoided at all costs.
We pay close attention to each joist, beam and connection, ensuring there is no room for construction error.
Aside from these, additional recommendations would be to select a suitable wood for your climate and usage. If budget constraints don’t allow for hardwood, consider pressure-treated lumber. If you’re unsure of what materials would be best, you can always reach out to us for guidance.
Composite Decking vs. Traditional Wood: Weighing the Long-Term Costs
Deciding between composite or wooden decking can be challenging. While typically more expensive up front, a composite deck can be a more cost-effective option over time due to its 25 to 30-year life span and minimal maintenance.
That said, there is undoubtedly no overlooking the difference in appearance. Sometimes, aesthetics are more important, and if a wooden deck is the showstopper that brings your garden together, that may be more of a determining factor for you.
Similarly, the lower maintenance of a composite deck may not be a factor if you don’t mind performing regular inspections, repairs, and cleaning. Weighing up these elements and considering your geographical location’s environmental impact and challenges will help you decide on the best option for you.
Conclusion
Choose materials wisely to guarantee your deck lasts—composite for longevity and wood for natural beauty. Regularly clean and inspect your deck, addressing issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Protect it from harsh weather with sealants and consider UV protection to combat sun damage. Investing in quality construction and adopting proactive maintenance strategies will extend your deck’s life and enhance its performance, making the most of your outdoor space.
