If you’ve been contemplating adding a deck or replacing a worn out existing deck now is the time. So let’s take a look at the best decking products for different lifestyles. We are going to examine the top three categories of decking products: Pressure Treated Lumber, Cedar (or Redwood) and Composite.
There’s a lot to enjoy in Minnesota when it comes to outdoor midwest living. Residents in the midwest want to enjoy the outdoors for as long as possible before the cold winter months arrive. Now is the time if you’ve been contemplating adding a deck or replacing a worn-out existing deck to start planning.
Most people don’t consider decking material for year-round use, even in our neck of the woods. Imagine standing on your deck in late December with a cup of hot chocolate, watching the snowfall. The decking materials you choose are comfort, looks, budget, and upkeep.
You need to consider the materials and decking for cold climates like Minnesota. Midwest climates can be hard on exteriors, especially winters, which play havoc on decking materials. In this article, we will explore the best decking for Minnesota winters so that you can enjoy it year-round.
Decking products have changed in the last decade, thanks to technology. Let’s look at the best decking products for your lifestyle. We will examine the top three categories: Pressure Treated Lumber, Cedar (or Redwood), and Composite.
Yes, pressure-treated lumber is still the #1 selling decking product on the market. It’s readily available and extremely affordable. The majority of PT lumber is pine. It’s treated to resist rot, fungus, and wood-boring insects, providing a longer life. An Oscar winner for supporting rolls such as joists, posts, and beams, many composite decks utilize PT lumber for a solid structural foundation.
While it's aesthetically customizable to your liking (paint or stain), there is a maintenance factor associated with all-natural products to keep them looking good and healthy, and strong. The downside is that being a natural product, it’s prone to warping and cracking.
These rich-colored woods are naturally decay and bug resistant with their oils and tannins. They take stain very well, but if left natural, they take on a sliver or gray appearance when weathered. They are a favorite of homeowners as they have a delightfully fresh scent and warmth you can only get from using an all-natural product.
As they are softwoods, a cedar deck's design should be considered. Heavy traffic and moving objects like grills, fire pits, or furniture can take their toll. While more expensive than PT lumber, Cedar and Redwood are less expensive than composite decking and are a great choice for Minnesotans as both are plentiful here.
Composite decking is the real deal when it comes to maintenance-free outdoor living. It’s 100% weather resistant (great for MN winters), lightweight, and never needs to be stained, painted, or sealed…ever. While it’s not a natural product, thanks to technology, much of composite products are made from recycled materials. Reusing plastics, sawdust, and wood chips make it an eco-friendly choice.
Our favorite brand of composite decking is Trex. Since you don’t treat or stain composite products, they’re easily accessible in many colors, styles, and textures (think exterior house siding). At Country Creek Builders, we use this particular brand in most of our deck projects as we’ve found it to be the best product on the market.
The downside to composite materials is that they are the most expensive, but there are many grades of composite products. Plus, weighing the maintenance costs of PT lumber and cedar against a completely maintenance-free product makes it a great product to consider.
Consult a decking professional to ensure your deck is assembled and installed properly. Contact Country Creek Builders about designing your outdoor living space. We will work with you to choose the best decking products for your lifestyle. Call us at 952-484-9812 or visit our website.
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