The decking is the part of a deck you see and walk on every day, and it's the biggest choice you'll make. Here's how the main options compare in Ontario's climate, with hot summers, freezing winters and a lot of freeze-thaw in between.
Pressure-treated wood
The most common deck in Oxford County. Treated wood is the most affordable, strong and easy to work with. It needs to dry out before its first stain, then cleaning and re-staining every couple of years to stop it greying, checking and splintering. Looked after, it lasts a long time.
Cedar
Western red cedar has a warm colour and natural resistance to rot and insects. It's lighter and more stable than treated wood, so it warps and cracks less. It's also softer, so it dents more easily, and it still needs regular sealing to keep its colour.
Composite
Composite boards are made from wood fibre and plastic, usually with a protective cap. They don't need staining, won't splinter and come in many colours and wood-grain finishes. They cost more up front and can get warmer than wood in direct sun, especially in dark colours.
PVC
Fully plastic boards are lighter than composite and very resistant to moisture, which suits low decks close to the ground and areas around pools and hot tubs. They're usually the most expensive option.
What stays the same
Whatever is on top, the frame underneath is almost always pressure-treated lumber, and that's what really decides how long a deck lasts. Proper footings, joist spacing for the board you choose, joist tape on the tops of the joists, and a flashed ledger matter more than the decking itself.
Quick comparison
- Lowest cost: pressure-treated
- Best natural look: cedar
- Least upkeep: composite or PVC
- Best near water: PVC
Not sure which suits your yard? Send the form at the top of this page and a local deck builder can bring samples and talk it through.