Durability is an important factor to consider when choosing a material for your deck because it will be exposed to the elements. Besides durability, other factors that come into play include aesthetics and your budget. How do you balance all these with one decking material?
There are several decking options to choose from that can enhance your home, add value, and ensure you enjoy the outdoors more often. So, before you make your choice, we’ll look at some of the most durable decking flooring options.
Durable Decking Flooring Options To Improve Outdoor Space
With several decking materials available today and the decision to choose one for your outdoor living space may seem overwhelming. We will discuss composite decking, which we believe combines the best of all worlds in terms of durability, longevity, aesthetics, and budget.
Composite Decking
Besides traditional wood, composite decking is arguably the most popular outdoor flooring option amongst homeowners. And there are many good reasons for that. Composite decking combines durability, aesthetics, and low maintenance.
It is made from recycled plastic and wood fibre – materials that could have otherwise ended up in a landfill. This makes it an eco-friendly outdoor decking option for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Wood composite decks have become a preferred alternative to wood flooring due to their many features. Here are some of the reasons why people like this flooring option:
i. Durability: Since composite decking materials have been artificially created, they won’t warp and are insect-resistant, making them a really durable option. This means they can withstand the elements for a long while you enjoy your home’s outdoor space.
ii. Low Maintenance: Wood composite decks require little in the way of maintenance. On average, they only need to be washed and cleaned twice a year, except in cases where you need to remove dirt.
iii. Eco-Friendly: It is made from recycled materials, making it eco-friendly.
iv. Weather-Resistance: Composite decks are built to withstand rain, snow or sun. The boards are also fade-resistant.
v. Easy Installation: While it is recommended that you let a professional do it, composite decks are very easy to install. The boards have clips that fit together, meaning you may end up not needing to spend money on an installer if you don’t want to.
vi. Water-Resistant: Composite decks are made from plastic, meaning they don’t absorb water easily.
vii. Mould and Mildew Resistant: Unlike traditional wood, composite decks can resist mould and mildew.
However, there are one or two drawbacks:
i. Price: Admittedly, composite decking cost more than many decking flooring options upfront. But since it can last for up to 25 years, it does not need the kind of maintenance that natural wood requires, and you can even install it yourself. This means it ends up paying for itself in the long run.
ii. Longevity: One of the most important questions to ask is how long does decking last? Composite decks have a long lifespan and can last between 25-30 years.
iii. Heat: Composite decking can get hot under the sun. So, to remove this problem, try to create more shade.
Other Durable Decking Flooring Options To Consider
Composite decking may be a great choice for your deck, but it is not the only option on the table. Here are a few other durable decking materials to look into:
Rubber Pavers
Rubber pavers are long-lasting materials that can be the ideal solution for your patio flooring. In fact, they are sometimes used in horse stalls – that’s as best it gets in terms of durability.
They are also slip-resistant, eco-friendly since they’re made from recycled rubber and are fall absorbent compared to brick or stone.
Rubber gets hot in the sun, so this flooring option will suffer from heat. In terms of budget, it could be one of the most expensive flooring options. But longevity makes up for it.
You may also consider:
• Concrete
• Redwood
• Bluestone
• Cedar
• Aluminium deck
