Your Guide to Deck Product Types and How to Pick the Right One for Your Idaho Home

Imagine this: balmy Idaho evenings spent unwinding on your own private oasis, a deck that seamlessly blends with your home and complements the stunning natural beauty of the state. But before you embark on building your dream deck, a crucial first step is choosing the perfect deck material.

With a plethora of options available, navigating the world of deck products can feel overwhelming. This guide, courtesy of Sunset Decks Idaho, will equip you with the knowledge to confidently select the ideal decking material for your unique needs and preferences.

Decking Material Showdown:

Here's a breakdown of the most popular deck product types, highlighting their pros, cons, and suitability for the Idaho climate:

• Pressure-Treated Lumber:

  • Pros: Affordable, readily available, easy to install, offers a classic wood aesthetic.

  • Cons: Requires regular staining and sealing (usually annually), susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage. Not the most fire-resistant option.

  • Idaho-Friendly: Pressure-treated lumber can be a budget-friendly option for decks in drier areas of Idaho. However, due to Idaho's varying climates and potential for moisture, ongoing maintenance is crucial to extend its lifespan.

• Cedar:

  • Pros: Naturally beautiful with a reddish hue that weathers to a silvery-gray, naturally insect and rot-resistant.

  • Cons: Requires periodic cleaning and sealing, can splinter, and may warp over time.

  • Idaho-Friendly: Cedar's natural weather resistance makes it a good mid-range option for many areas of Idaho.

• Composite Decking:

  • Pros: Low maintenance (minimal staining or sealing required), resists rot, warping, and insect damage, comes in a wide variety of colors and styles to mimic wood.

  • Cons: Can be more expensive upfront than pressure-treated lumber, some composites may fade over time.

  • Idaho-Friendly: Composite decking offers a low-maintenance solution ideal for the varying climates across Idaho. Look for capped composite options for enhanced durability against harsh weather conditions.

• PVC Decking:

  • Pros: Extremely low maintenance (rarely needs staining or sealing), impervious to moisture, rot, and insects, typically comes with a long lifespan.

  • Cons: Can be the most expensive option upfront, may feel hot underfoot in direct sunlight.

  • Idaho-Friendly: PVC decking is a premium, low-maintenance option that weathers well in Idaho's diverse climate. Consider its higher cost compared to composites.

• Hardwood Decking:

  • Pros: Unmatched natural beauty, incredibly durable and long-lasting, increases home value.

  • Cons: Most expensive option, requires periodic cleaning and oiling, susceptible to minor surface scratches and dents.

  • Idaho-Friendly: While undeniably beautiful, hardwood decking may not be the most practical choice for all areas of Idaho due to its higher maintenance requirements.

Bonus Tip: Consider using recycled plastic lumber for an eco-friendly deck solution.

Choosing the Right Deck Material for You:

Now that you're familiar with the most common deck product types, here are some key factors to consider when making your final decision:

• Budget: Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option, while hardwoods and PVC decking come at a premium.

• Maintenance: Composite and PVC decking offer the lowest maintenance needs.

• Durability: Hardwoods and PVC decking offer the longest lifespans.

• Climate: For areas of Idaho with higher moisture levels, composite and PVC decking are good choices due to their moisture resistance.

• Style: Pressure-treated lumber and cedar offer a classic wood look, while composites and PVC come in a wider variety of colors and textures.

Sunset Decks Idaho: Your Partner in Building the Perfect Deck

Still unsure about which deck product type is right for your Idaho home? Sunset Decks Idaho is here to help! Our design and construction experts will guide you through the entire process, from material selection to creating a custom deck that complements your home and lifestyle.

Contact Sunset Decks Idaho today for a free consultation and let us turn your dream deck into a reality!

Sunset Decks provides comprehensive deck services in the greater Treasure Valley as well as the Eagle and McCall surrounding areas. We are also available for travel for larger projects.