5 Deck Materials and Their Durability, Water Impact and Aesthetic Appeal

What are the 5 Types of Deck Materials?

These are the most used 5 types of deck materials such as wood, composite, PVC, aluminum, and synthetic boards. A well performed deck materials should have a higher durability, UV resistant, less maintenance, natural warmth, higher water resistance, long term rigidity, efficient water shedding over time.

1. Wood Decking

Wood decking is a natural deck material crafted from solid lumber that provides structural strength, organic texture, and a warm visual profile for residential decks.

There are 5 types of woods can be used for decking including pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood, ipe, and mahogany, all offering distinct grain patterns and density levels. We often choose species with higher natural oils because they repel moisture more effectively and retain color longer in outdoor conditions.

The water impact of wood decking is significant because natural fibers absorb moisture, which increases the risk of swelling, cupping, and fungal staining after heavy rainfall or prolonged humidity exposure. Its durability depends on species density, UV protection, and timely sealing, yet excessive water often triggers rot, softness around 20 to 25 percent moisture content, and insect intrusion.

Wood decking maintains strong aesthetic appeal when properly sealed, but it requires consistent maintenance to compete with materials like composite, PVC, and aluminum.

2. Composite Decking

Composite decking is an engineered deck material produced from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics that delivers consistent performance, reduced maintenance, and a uniform appearance across outdoor decking systems.

There are 4 types of composites can be used for decking including capped composite boards, uncapped composite planks, HDPE-based composites, and rice-husk composites. Each composite decking offers different levels of stiffness, fade resistance, and surface texture. We often recommend capped versions because the protective outer shell improves water resistance and increases long-term color stability.

The water impact of composite decking creates fewer issues because the polymer content blocks moisture absorption, which limits swelling and fungal growth even in high-humidity zones. Its durability exceeds most natural lumber by resisting rot, splintering, and insect intrusion through decades of rain cycles.

Composite decking holds its aesthetic appeal with stable color profiles, although lower-grade boards may lighten slightly under strong UV exposure compared to PVC or aluminum materials. This makes composite a practical choice for homeowners who want the natural look of wood without the constant sealing and sanding.

3. Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking is a metal-based deck material manufactured from extruded aluminum planks that deliver exceptional rigidity, long-term weather resistance, and a clean architectural finish for outdoor decks.

There are 3 types of aluminum products can be used for decking including powder-coated aluminum boards, anodized aluminum planks, and modular interlocking aluminum systems, each offering different levels of surface hardness, color retention, and slip resistance. We often use interlocking systems in high-moisture zones because they channel water efficiently and provide a naturally fire-resistant walking surface.

The water impact of aluminum decking remains minimal because aluminum does not absorb moisture, rot, or support mold even after years of rain exposure. Its durability stays superior to wood or composite decking, with lifespan ranges often exceeding 40 to 50 years under normal residential conditions.

Problems appear on the aluminum decking only when standing water accelerates corrosion on poorly coated products, especially near saltwater environments. Aluminum decking maintains strong aesthetic appeal through stable finishes, crisp profiles, and colorfast coatings, although it offers a more modern look compared to the warmer tones of wood or composite materials.

4. PVC Decking

PVC decking is a fully synthetic deck material made from polyvinyl chloride that provides high water resistance, lightweight construction, and consistent surface quality for outdoor decks.

There are 3 types of PVC boards can be used for decking including solid PVC planks, cellular foam PVC boards, and capped PVC systems, each offering different levels of stiffness, slip resistance, and color realism. We often install capped PVC because the protective shell improves scratch resistance and enhances UV stability in high-exposure yards.

The water impact of PVC decking is extremely low because PVC does not absorb moisture, warp, or develop fungal staining even after continuous rain or snow contact. Its durability exceeds wood and many composites by resisting rot, delamination, and insect damage, although extreme heat above 50 °C can increase expansion rates.

PVC decking rises problems when homeowners use dark colors in full sun, because it increases surface temperature. PVC decking retains strong aesthetic appeal through wood-grain embossing and consistent color, making it a preferred choice for pools, coastal decks, and high-moisture landscapes.

5. Synthetic Decking

Synthetic decking is an engineered deck material created from advanced polymers and blended synthetic compounds that deliver uniform performance, high moisture resistance, and dependable stability for outdoor decks.

There are 4 types of synthetics can be used for decking including polypropylene boards, vinyl-based composites, fiber-reinforced synthetic planks, and hybrid polymer decking, each offering different levels of stiffness, slip resistance, and color accuracy. We often choose fiber-reinforced products when a project requires stronger span capacity and reduced thermal movement.

The water impact of synthetic decking stays minimal because synthetic compounds resist moisture absorption and prevent swelling, mold colonization, and surface softening even during long rainy seasons.

Its durability competes closely with PVC by resisting rot, insects, and surface degradation, although cheaper synthetics may fade under aggressive UV exposure. Problems appear when low-grade products expand excessively in heat, which stresses fasteners.

Synthetic decking maintains strong aesthetic appeal through realistic embossing and stable coloration, making it a dependable option for homeowners who want long-term visual consistency without the maintenance demands of natural wood.

What are the 4 Waterproof Deck Materials?

Waterproof deck materials are products engineered to resist liquid absorption, prevent swelling, and maintain structural integrity during prolonged exposure to rain, snow, and humidity. In our field experience, these deck materials outperform traditional lumber because they remain dimensionally stable and resist mold growth even when moisture persists around joists or drainage channels.

There are 4 waterproof deck materials including,

1. PVC decking: full-plastic boards that repel water entirely.
2. Aluminum decking: non-porous metal planks with integrated drainage channels.
3. Composite decking: capped boards with polymer shells that block moisture intrusion.
4. Synthetic decking: polymer-rich materials that maintain waterproof performance in coastal decks.

These deck materials support long-term durability and reduce maintenance demands in high-moisture environments such as pool surrounds, lakefront decks, and shaded yards.

What you should know about deck waterproofing?. Deck waterproofing and staining are two different types of protections and staining does not waterproof the deck surface. Hence you should install a waterproofing membrane on the deck surface.

How Much Deck Material Need for 10 x 10 Deck?

The calculated amount of decking boards and structural components required to cover a 10 x 10 (100 ft²) (9.29 m²) deck platform with proper spacing, framing, and load distribution as bellow.

• Decking boards: 12 to 15 pieces of 5/4 x 6 in boards at 3.66 m or 12 ft.
• Joists: 8 to 9 pieces of 2 x 8 in lumber at 3.05 m or 10 ft.
• Ledger board: 1 piece of 2 x 10 in lumber at 3.05 m or 10 ft.
• Posts: 4 pieces of 4 x 4 in at 1.22 m or 4 ft.
• Beams: 2 pieces of 2 x 10 in laminated lengths.
• Hardware: 2.5 kg or 5 lbs of deck screws plus galvanized connectors.

This list gives homeowners a dependable starting point for planning a small platform deck with stable performance.

We measure deck materials by board length, board count, and joist layout because accurate estimates prevent shortages and reduce waste. Our teams usually space joists at 400 mm or 16 in, which keeps most deck materials stable under foot traffic and improves long-term durability.

What are the Best Pool Deck Materials?

Pool deck materials are decking products designed to withstand constant splash zones, high humidity, chlorine exposure, and intense UV in open pool environments.

We select pool deck materials that stay slip resistant, reject moisture, and maintain dimensional stability during rapid wet-to-dry cycles. Over years of installations, we learned that durable pool deck materials reduce surface warping, improve drainage, and protect adjacent framing from water intrusion.

There are 5 best pool deck materials including

1. PVC decking: PVC decking are fully waterproof boards with excellent slip resistance and zero rot.
2. Aluminum decking: Aluminum decking are corrosion-resistant planks with interlocking drainage channels.
3. Composite decking: Composite decking capped surfaces that resist fading, swelling, and mold.
4. Synthetic decking: Synthetic decking are polymer-rich boards that offer low heat retention and stable color.
5. Concrete paver systems: modular slabs with strong grip and long service life.