Are you looking to build your dream deck or replace your current one? Do you have a vision of what you want your outdoor space to look like but want to be sure you're getting the best value for your investment. Knowing how to choose the best deck materials for longevity that match your needs is a good place to start.

When selecting the ideal deck material, aesthetics are an important feature. However, you also want to consider the safety and durability of the material you are using. Certain materials offer better slip resistance, durability and a longer lifespan than others.

In this blog, we examine popular decking options such as wood, composite, vinyl, PVC, metal, and concrete. We'll assess their safety and durability to assist you in choosing the best material for either constructing a custom deck from scratch or replacing your existing one.

Choosing the Best Deck Material for Your Climate

Choosing the best deck materials for longevity requires understanding how your local climate can affect the maintenance of different deck materials, such as composite versus wood. The chart below shows different climates, recommendations for different deck materials based on that climate, and why.  

What To Consider When Choosing Deck Materials

When choosing the best decking materials for longevity of your outdoor space, prioritize durability and safety to get the best return on your investment and maintain your home’s value. Some deck materials outperform others in these aspects.

Evaluating the performance of each option and estimating the potential costs for future deck maintenance and repairs can help you make a more informed decision.

Some deck materials may be cost-effective at the onset but result in higher maintenance costs over time, while others are expensive upfront but require lower maintenance and less cost.

Here is a breakdown of the most common deck materials available, the pros and cons of each, and how they stack up in terms of durability and safety.

Pressure-Treated Pine: Budget-Friendly, Requires Consistent Maintenance

Pros:

• Affordability:
  One of the most cost-effective options for homeowners, making it ideal for those on a budget.
• Widely Available:
  Pressure-treated pine is easy to source and commonly used in many deck-building projects.
• Resistance to Rot and Insects:
  The chemical treatment helps protect against rot and insect damage, making it more durable than untreated wood.
  

Cons:

• High Maintenance & Costs:
  Requires frequent staining, sealing, and inspections to prevent cracking, warping, or splintering. Neglecting maintenance can lead to safety issues, such as rotting boards and uneven surfaces.
• Weather Sensitivity:
   Prone to weather-related wear, particularly in wet or humid climates, which can cause warping and cracking over time.
  

Safety Rating: Moderate. With regular maintenance pressure-treated pine wood is a safe option, but splinters and rot are common if neglected.

Durability Rating: Moderate. Affordable but requires consistent upkeep to prevent early deterioration, especially in harsh climates.

Cedar: Beautiful, Naturally Resistant, But Needs Maintenance

Pros:

• Natural Beauty: Cedar’s rich color and fine grain offer an elegant, natural look, ideal for homeowners seeking a traditional or rustic aesthetic.
• Rot and Insect Resistance:  Naturally resistant to rot and pests due to its natural oils, making it more durable in wet conditions.
• Cooler Surface:  Cedar tends to remain cooler under direct sunlight, providing a more comfortable surface for barefoot walking.
  

Cons:

• Moderate Maintenance: Though it’s more resistant to moisture, cedar still needs periodic sealing or staining to maintain its look and durability. Without this, it can grey and deteriorate faster.
• Softness: Cedar is a softwood, meaning it’s more prone to dents, scratches, and damage in high-traffic areas.
  

Safety Rating: Moderate. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, but if not maintained, it can suffer from surface wear or splintering.

Durability Rating: Moderate. Its natural resistance helps, but it requires consistent maintenance to retain its integrity, especially in rainy or coastal environments.

Redwood: Long-Lasting and Premium, but Expensive

Pros:

• Longevity: Naturally resistant to decay, redwood can last for decades with proper care, making it an excellent long-term investment.
• Resistant to Moisture and Insects: Redwood’s natural tannins offer high resistance to moisture, rot, and termites, making it a good choice for humid climates.

Cons:

• Cost: Redwood is more expensive than other wood options, which might be a barrier for some homeowners.
• Fading Color: Over time, redwood can fade to a silvery-grey if not stained or sealed regularly. Some may prefer the natural weathered look, but it requires maintenance to keep its original color.

Safety Rating: High. Redwood is naturally resistant to decay, but regular maintenance is needed to avoid surface wear and splintering.

Durability Rating: High. With proper care, redwood is one of the more durable wood options, especially in humid or coastal climates.

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): Exceptionally Durable but Pricey

Pros:

• Outstanding Durability: Teak is known for its resilience to moisture, rot, and insect damage, making it an excellent choice for coastal or tropical environments.
• Natural Oils: Its natural oils help maintain the wood’s structure and prevent it from drying out or warping, even in hot or wet conditions.

Cons:

• Expensive: Teak is one of the priciest wood decking options, both in terms of materials and installation.
  
• Ongoing Maintenance: Regular oiling is needed to maintain its luxurious appearance, though it can be left to age naturally into a silver-grey patina.
  

Safety Rating: High. Teak’s natural resistance to decay and warping makes it a safe and long-lasting material for decks.

Durability Rating: Very High. Teak is among the most durable woods, particularly in harsh or coastal climates, where resistance to moisture is key.

Teak: Luxurious and Durable, Ideal for Harsh Climates

Pros:

• Exceptional Durability: Ipe is one of the hardest woods available, with unmatched resistance to rot, insects, and even fire. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas and extreme weather conditions.
• Low Maintenance: While it can be oiled to maintain its color, Ipe requires less frequent upkeep compared to softer woods. It naturally resists warping and cracking.

Cons:

• High Cost: Ipe is expensive, both in material cost and installation, due to its density and weight.
• Difficult to Work With: Its hardness makes it difficult to cut and install, often requiring professional installation and specialized tools.
  

Safety Rating: High. Its density and resistance to warping make Ipe one of the safest wood options for decks, with minimal risk of splinters or structural issues.

Durability Rating: Very High. Ipe is a premium option for those seeking maximum durability in any climate, particularly in extreme heat or cold.

Mahogany: High-End Appearance, Moderately Durable

Pros:

• Attractive Finish: Mahogany is known for its rich, deep color and smooth grain, giving it a luxurious appearance.
• Moderate Durability: It offers good resistance to rot and pests but is not as dense or hard as Ipe or teak.

Cons:

• Requires Maintenance: Needs regular sealing and maintenance to prevent weathering and maintain its color.
• Moderate Hardness: It’s not as durable as some other hardwoods, so it may be prone to dents or scratches in high-traffic areas.

Safety Rating: Moderate. While naturally resistant to rot, it requires regular care to prevent wear and tear.

Durability Rating: Moderate to High. Mahogany offers solid durability with regular maintenance, but it’s better suited for mild to moderate climates.

Tropical Hardwoods (Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa): Exotic and Durable, Ideal for Extreme Climates

Pros:

• Highly Durable: Tropical hardwoods are extremely dense and durable, offering long-term resistance to rot, insects, and harsh weather conditions.
• Unique Appearance: These woods offer a striking, exotic look with rich grain patterns and vibrant colors.

Cons:

• Expensive and Hard to Install: Like Ipe, tropical hardwoods are expensive and can be difficult to install due to their density.
• Limited Availability: Sourcing sustainably harvested tropical hardwoods can be a challenge.

Safety Rating: High. These hardwoods are incredibly resistant to warping, splintering, and decay, making them a safe choice for decks.

Durability Rating: Very High. With proper care, tropical hardwoods are ideal for extreme climates, offering long-lasting durability in both hot and cold conditions.

Composite: Low Maintenance, High Safety

Pros:

• Low Maintenance: Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, offering the best of both worlds. Unlike wood, it requires minimal maintenance—no staining or sealing required.
• Slip-Resistant Options: Many composite decking brands offer slip-resistant surfaces, making them a safer option for areas prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic
• Resistant to Rot and Insects: Composite decks are not vulnerable to rot, termites, or other wood-boring insects, contributing to their longevity and safety.

Cons:

• Higher Initial Cost: Composite decking can be more expensive upfront compared to wood. However, the lower maintenance costs often offset this over time.
• Heat Retention: Composite materials can retain heat, making them uncomfortably hot underfoot in direct sunlight, which can be a safety consideration in hot climates.

Safety Rating: High. Composite decking’s slip-resistant and rot-proof qualities make it one of the safest options available.

Durability Rating: High. With proper installation, composite decks can last 25 to 30 years, making them one of the most durable decking materials on the market.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Durable and Low Maintenance

Pros:

• Waterproof: PVC is 100% plastic, making it highly resistant to moisture and ideal for wet environments like coastal or rainy areas.
• Low Maintenance: Requires very little upkeep compared to wood. There’s no need for staining, sealing, or worrying about rot or insect damage.
• Lightweight: Easier to work with and install compared to denser materials like composite or wood.

Cons:

• Heat Sensitivity: PVC can become quite hot under direct sunlight, which may be uncomfortable for bare feet. In very hot climates, it may also warp over time.
• Appearance: While improved in recent years, PVC doesn’t always mimic the natural look of wood as well as composite decking does. It can appear more artificial.
  

Safety Rating: High. PVC is resistant to rot, insects, and splintering, reducing the risk of injuries. However, it can get slippery when wet, so choosing textured designs can improve safety.

Durability Rating: High. PVC is highly durable in moist climates but can be less ideal in extreme heat or cold, which may cause expansion or contraction.

Vinyl Decking: Waterproof and Affordable

Pros:

• Waterproof: Like PVC, vinyl is impervious to water, making it highly suitable for rainy or coastal environments.
• Affordability: Vinyl decking is generally more affordable than other synthetic options like composite decking.
• Low Maintenance: Vinyl decks require very little upkeep beyond occasional cleaning, saving you time and effort compared to wood decking.

Cons:

• Appearance: Vinyl tends to look more artificial than natural wood or high-quality composite decking.
• Heat Retention: Like PVC, vinyl can get quite hot in direct sunlight, which may cause discomfort during hot summer months.
• Prone to Fading: Over time, vinyl can fade from exposure to UV rays, which may affect its appearance in sunny climates.

Safety Rating: Moderate. Vinyl is generally slip-resistant and splinter-free, but it can become slippery when wet and uncomfortably hot under direct sunlight.

Durability Rating: Moderate to High. Vinyl is durable in wet conditions but may be prone to fading and warping in extremely hot climates.

Metal: Ultimate Durability, Modern Look

Pros:

• Incredible Durability: Metal decking materials, such as aluminum, are incredibly durable and resistant to all kinds of weather, including snow, rain, and UV rays. They don’t warp, rot, or rust easily, ensuring a long lifespan.
• Lightweight and Strong: Despite its strength, aluminum decking is lightweight, making it easier to install while offering impressive load-bearing capacity.
• Non-Slip and Fire-Resistant: Metal decks often come with textured surfaces to prevent slipping, and they are fire-resistant, making them a safe choice in fire-prone areas.

Cons:

• High Cost: Metal decking tends to be one of the most expensive options due to its durability and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Cold and Industrial Appearance: Some homeowners feel metal doesn’t offer the warmth or charm of wood or composite. It’s typically chosen for its modern aesthetic or functional benefits over its look.
  

Safety Rating: Very High. Metal decking’s fire resistance and non-slip surfaces make it one of the safest options available.

Durability Rating: Very High. Metal decks, particularly aluminum, can last over 50 years with little to no maintenance, offering exceptional durability.

Concrete: Versatile and Robust

Pros:

• Durability: Concrete decking is highly durable and resistant to rot, insects, and mold, making it a long-lasting option for homeowners. When properly installed and maintained, it can last for decades.
• Versatility: It can be stained or stamped to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or tile, providing a range of design options that can complement any home style.
• Low Maintenance: Compared to wood, concrete requires minimal upkeep. Regular cleaning and sealing can help maintain its appearance without the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Cons:

• Cracking: Concrete can be prone to cracking, especially in regions with freeze-thaw cycles. However, this risk can be mitigated through proper installation techniques and regular maintenance.
• Cold Surface: Concrete tends to retain cold temperatures, making it uncomfortable to walk on during chilly weather. This can be a consideration for homeowners in colder climates.
• Installation Costs: While concrete may offer long-term savings due to its durability, the initial installation costs can be higher compared to wood or composite materials.

Safety Rating: High. Textured tiles enhance slip resistance, but smooth surfaces can be slippery when wet.

Durability Rating: High. Quality tiles are long-lasting but may crack under heavy impact.

Tile Decking: Stylish and Durable

Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Tile decking comes in a wide range of styles, including natural stone looks, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns, allowing homeowners to customize their outdoor space to reflect their personal taste.
• Low Maintenance: Tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional washing are usually sufficient to keep them looking great.
• Water Resistance: Porcelain and ceramic tiles are highly resistant to water and moisture, making them suitable for areas exposed to rain or humidity.

Cons:

• Installation Complexity: Installing tile decking can be more complex and labor-intensive than other materials, requiring skilled labor to ensure a proper installation.
• Weight: Tile can be heavy, which may require additional structural support for certain decking designs.
• Cold Surface: Similar to concrete, tile can become cold to the touch in cooler weather, making it less comfortable for bare feet.

Safety Rating: High. Textured tiles enhance slip resistance, but smooth surfaces can be slippery when wet.

Durability Rating: High. Quality tiles are long-lasting but may crack under heavy impact.

Slate: Natural Beauty and Low-Maintenance

Pros:

• Natural Beauty: Slate’s rich colors and unique textures create a timeless and elegant appearance that enhances outdoor living areas.
• Durability: As a natural stone, slate is incredibly strong and resistant to wear, making it suitable for various weather conditions and high-traffic areas.
• Low Maintenance: Slate requires minimal upkeep, as it only needs occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance and is resistant to fading from sunlight.

Cons:

• Cost: Slate can be more expensive than other decking options, both in terms of material and installation costs, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Weight: The heavy nature of slate may require additional structural support, necessitating careful planning during installation.
• Surface Sensitivity: While slate is durable, it can crack if heavy objects are dropped on it, so care should be taken to avoid impacts.

Safety Rating: High. Textured slate improves traction, but it can be slippery when wet.

Durability Rating: Very High. Slate is resistant to wear and moisture, ensuring long-term performance.

Choose the Best Decking Material for Your Needs

In conclusion, choosing the best decking materials for longevity is a crucial decision that impacts aesthetic appeal, safety, durability, and long-term maintenance of your outdoor space.

Each material has unique advantages and disadvantages that cater to different climates, budgets, and lifestyle needs.

By considering factors such as safety ratings, durability, cost, and maintenance requirements, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your vision for your outdoor space.

Take the time to evaluate your options and consult a deck-building professional for their expertise to create a beautiful, durable and safe deck that you and your family can enjoy for many years.

Build Your Custom Dream Deck Today!

Are you looking to build a custom deck or replace your existing one? At CanaDeck, our expert deck contractors are ready to help you select the best deck materials for your project, ensuring safety and durability while creating the perfect outdoor space!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation! Let us bring your outdoor vision to life!