2 Low-Maintenance Deck Materials That Also Look Great
Over the past 15+ years, Seal-a-Deck has completed hundreds of new deck construction and redecking projects for residential customers in Massachusetts. During that period, we’ve learned two important points about the homeowners we serve. First, extra time in the day for most has become a very precious commodity, especially on the weekends. Secondly, and for that same reason, many homeowners are now asking us about low-maintenance deck material alternatives to wood. In those instances, we usually recommend a composite or PVC deck.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs for Wood Decks
Many homeowners choose a wood like pine or cedar for their decks because of its low upfront cost and beautiful natural appearance. And although composite and PVC decks don’t deliver the same overall aesthetics as wood does, they last longer and are so much easier to maintain. As a result, even when paying more initially for composite or PVC materials, they typically save the average homeowner hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of the structure.
In addition, a composite or PVC deck will probably last an extra 10 to 15 years, on average, when compared to a pine or cedar wood deck. Pine, cedar, mahogany and even highly durable Ipe decks need to be re-stained/sealed every 2 years to keep them looking great and protected against sunlight, weather, foot traffic and bugs.
During that labor-intensive re-staining/sealing process, especially if it’s a DIY project, the deck will have to be thoroughly washed, any stains scrubbed out, the wood sanded, and then new stain/sealer applied (which can be expensive). Over a 10 to 15-year period, those time and material costs add up. For those very reasons, many homeowners are now choosing composite and PVC materials when it’s time to upgrade their old decks.
Caring for a Composite Deck
For starters, composite decking is made from wood chips and recycled plastic, which makes it eco-friendly. Composites also resist moisture, stains, insect damage, warping, rotting and other problems associated with many wood decks. Composite materials are now available in a wide range of styles, colors, and finishes to match any home’s outdoor theme. Potential negatives with composites are the fact they retain heat, show scratches, can splinter, don’t totally mimic natural wood’s aesthetics, and that they can still fade when exposed to sunlight.
But caring for a composite deck takes hardly any time and effort, and basically involves rinsing it off with a garden hose or power washer whenever it looks dirty. If there’s a harder-to-remove stain, you simply dip a soft-bristled brush in a mild dish soap/water solution and gently scrub in the same direction as the grain. A properly maintained composite deck should easily last you 25 years or more, resulting in a higher return-on-investment versus other decking materials!
PVC Deck Maintenance
If you want to spend fewer hours keeping up your deck and more leisure time enjoying it, PVC is virtually maintenance-free. Although it’s a more expensive product, PVC is extremely lightweight and durable, and it resists fading, staining, scratches, insects, rot and mold. In fact, all the PVC products we install at Seal-a-Deck come with lifetime limited warranties that give homeowners an unequaled amount of peace-of-mind. And, PVC never has to be stained, painted or treated with expensive, and potentially toxic, chemical sealers.
In fact, all it takes to keep your PVC deck looking and performing like new year-around is periodic spraying off with the hose or power washer! Now if you want to keep it looking exceptionally clean for your houseguests, here’s all you’ll need to do:
• First, sweep the deck with a broom while following the direction of the grain to loosen and remove dirt and debris.
• Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of hot water and add one-quarter cup of mild dish soap.
• Spray off the deck thoroughly with a garden hose or power washer to eliminate debris.
• Dip a soft-bristled brush into the soap/water mixture and then scrub the deck following the direction of the grain.
• Rinse off the deck with the hose or power washer and let it dry.
Much like composite materials, once you’ve paid the upfront costs associated with a PVC deck, it will deliver many years of virtually maintenance-free enjoyment, and a higher overall return-on-investment, than will most wood materials!
Affordable Deck Maintenance Plans in Massachusetts
Shopping around for a low-maintenance deck material that also looks great and performs well can be challenging. When you need some help, contact the deck experts at Seal-a-Deck. Since 2003, we’ve been providing homeowners in Massachusetts with top-quality deck check-ups, repairs, redecking services and new deck constructions.
To learn more about our affordable annual deck maintenance plans, or to schedule a deck check-up today, call the Seal-a-Deck pros at 978-538-7325!
