Building a dock or deck is a great way to increase the outdoor entertainment options at your home. But once the decision has been made, you still have to consider the types of decking available and the best brand to fit your needs and budget.
At Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift, we use a variety of materials, including the best brands of composite decking on the market. We have put together some helpful information to assist you in making a choice you’ll be proud of.
Related Blog: What is the Required Deck Maintenance for Different Deck Types?
Natural Decking
For centuries, using wood was the only option available for decking material. Today, it is still widely used, although manufactured materials are quickly gaining ground. Real wood is still more affordable to purchase than composite decking, but the bottom line may be that using real wood has a higher cost factor in the long run.
- Pressure Treated Lumber - Available since the mid-1900’s, pressure treated lumber has evolved to stand up to the elements. Pressure treated wood has to be sealed or painted on a regular basis. There is also the problem of exposure to to sunlight and other weather extremes. This can lead to splintering and warping, and repairs or replacement adds to the cost of ownership.
- Natural Hardwoods - Although a little more expensive to purchase, natural hardwoods are more durable than pressure treated lumber. Still, this type of material requires far more upkeep, and can still be vulnerable to harsh Florida weather.
Composite and Plastic Decking
In the 1990’s composite decking made its debut on the market. And even though composite materials are a bit more expensive, the price has steadily become more competitive with real wood. When you add in the long-term benefits of low maintenance and fewer repairs, composites are an attractive choice, and one we recommend to our municipal and residential customers. There are many brands available, but we prefer the Trex Composite and Azek PVC brands for their wide selection and durability.
TREX® Decking
This brand has one of the largest selections available. From light colors that reflect the heat of the sun to darker colors that absorb heat, TREX® offers over a dozen colors and a wide choice of simulated wood grains. Made with 95% recycled materials, this brand is environmentally friendly, and has a protective outer shell that is more durable than any real wood on the market. Among the benefits of choosing TREX® are popular points like:
- 25 Year Warranty
- Stain and Fade Resistant
- Will Not Mold or Mildew
- Rot and Insect Resistant
- No Warping or Cracking
- Cleans with Soap and Water
In order to provide more choices for every budget, TREX® is available in different styles and price options. TREX Select® is designed to fit a strict budget, and TREX Enhance® was created with mid-range needs in mind. If only the very best will do, TREX Transcend® is the way to go. Each style of Trex decking is available in several wood grain and color options. At Duncan Seawall, we feature enticing choices such as Transcends Island Mist, Transcends Rope Swing, and Select Pebble Grey to list a few.
Azek Decking
We feature Azek PVC plastic composite to ensure that our customers have the widest range of choices. Like recycled composites, PVC is very low maintenance and resistant to Florida’s extreme weather conditions. More than a dozen colors and simulated wood grain appearances are available from this leading brand, and it features benefits such as:
- 30 Year Fade and Lifetime Limited Warranties
- Superior Heat Dissipation
- Mold or Mildew & Moisture Resistant
- Scratch and Stain Resistant
- No Warping or Cracking
- Easy Cleanup
For nearly 40 years, Duncan Seawall, Dock & Boat Lift has been making dock ownership dreams come true. Our featured dock gallery includes private homes, commercial and municipal ventures.
