Choosing the right decking material is a long-term investment that can increase the curb appeal of your Shingle Springs, CA, home. One of the most important considerations when choosing a decking material is picking a type that can withstand extreme weather. Poor-quality decking materials can result in premature fading, warped boards, peeling surfaces, cracks, or even rotting structures. On the other hand, upscale materials can keep your deck structurally sound for years to come.
The right deck composition can provide traction to reduce the risk of a slippery surface after rain or offer sturdy reinforcement to prevent damage during strong winds. While many visitors associate California with sunshine, residents can experience everything from heavy rainfall to extreme heat. With the right material choice, your deck can become a haven for memories like dinner parties and watching the sun set. A look at the top options for constructing a deck that stands up to California’s changeable weather can help you enjoy all the perks of living on the West Coast.
What Are the Best Decking Materials for California’s Weather?
The right materials fit seamlessly into the unique California environment and establish the foundation for a beautiful deck. Some of the best materials for residences include redwood decking and composite decking like TimberTech or Trex. A professional can help you select the best option for your aesthetic and performance needs.
Redwood Decking
Redwood is famous for its natural beauty and longevity. Native to this region, this material integrates effortlessly into the surrounding environment. Redwood is part of a subfamily of coniferous trees that contains the largest and tallest trees recorded in the world. In the wild, trees of this species can live for thousands of years. You can rest assured that material crafted from this type of tree has durable characteristics to ensure a long product lifespan. For example, redwood is naturally resistant to insects and rotting, making it a great choice for homeowners who want a deck that thrives in an outdoor setting.
Redwood is a tight-grained material that comes in a range of red hues, but it also absorbs and retains various types of finishes. This type of wood rarely warps or splinters, so it can retain its desired shape for your decking. Due to its structure, redwood gradually absorbs moisture from the air. It can survive the dry summer heat but can withstand the elements during a rainy season as well.
TimberTech Composite Decking
TimberTech is a form of composite decking renowned for its authentic wood appearance. Made of a durable blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, this material has many of the benefits of natural wood without the risks of warping or splintering. It is also resistant to the usual signs of wear and tear, such as fading, stains, dents, or scratches. In addition, its composition makes it resistant to excessive moisture absorption or mold growth. The structure withstands rotting, and the unique blend of fiber and plastic makes this material impervious to problems like insect infestation. TimberTech decking material comes in a range of colors and styles to match individual preferences.
Trex Composite Decking
Trex decking has a long history of popularity due to its eco-friendly design. Made of up to 95% recycled materials, it is the ideal choice for homeowners who wish to live a sustainable lifestyle or reduce the extent of their ecological footprint. Another benefit of this composition is that Trex easily resists fading, stains, cracks, or scratches. It comes in a host of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to customize the material to suit their unique tastes. The design of this material resembles the use of natural wood without consuming the earth’s precious resources, and the composite blend also means that the material withstands decomposition.
PVC Decking
Whereas composite decking combines wood with other materials, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking is 100% synthetic. This makes it impervious to Pacific rains and resistant to any form of rotting. PVC is a lightweight and versatile material that comes in more color varieties than you may find with natural wood. Talk with a local installation company if you need information about the exact composition of the PVC material you wish to install. Due to its versatility, some homeowners ask about using PVC to add unique railings or trim to a finished deck.
What Other Factors Determine the Best Decking for California’s Weather?
In addition to the most popular decking materials, there are other characteristics that can help you make an optimal decision. California is a unique location that can experience some of the hottest temperatures in the nation. When searching for decking material that can handle these extremes in weather, it is helpful to keep an important checklist of factors in mind. A decking expert can then help you make the right selection based on aesthetic preferences.
Durability
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), high-quality decking material can last at least 20 years. A factor that can influence your material’s ability to live up to its potential lifespan is the expertise of the installation. Hiring a professional for this step in the process can lay the foundation for a structure that stands the test of time. Other aspects that impact durability include the natural properties of the material itself. Mold, mildew, and UV rays are all harder on organic wood than on materials like plastic or metal. Many homeowners prefer composite brands that mix natural wood with synthetic materials to last longer, and you can also ask your installation company to suggest only the toughest wood species resistant to contaminants or weathering.
Function
What is the primary purpose of your deck? Do you plan to use it to sip morning coffee or use planters to create a backyard garden? Are you eager to host evening barbecues? The intended purpose of your deck can also influence your selection. For example, cedar is a popular softwood, but many varieties of cedar can also scratch easily from the activity of children or pets. Experts recommend choosing redwood instead. Likewise, aluminum is a popular deck material all over the country, but it corrodes with exposure to saltwater. It is not an ideal choice for waterfront homes. Professionals recommend choosing composite wood instead. If you plan to incorporate items like furniture or seating, grills, or play sets, the material selected needs to be sturdy with excellent traction. Your local installation company can help you pick the sturdiest material to create a deck that is as functional as it is beautiful.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Products that reduce environmental impact and waste are often very important to California residents. Materials made of natural wood as well as recycled plastic or reclaimed wood are excellent choices for preventing waste. For example, choosing a composite material made of mostly recycled items helps prevent old plastic from ending up in landfills. It also reduces overall reliance on plastic materials. In addition, some wood products come with certification from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This institution verifies that companies harvest wood from responsibly managed forests instead of endangered or old-growth areas. Choosing wood native to your region can also reduce the carbon footprint of transportation costs.
Contact Us Today
The right decking material can upgrade your home and remain beautiful regardless of weather conditions. The experts are here to help. Taylor Made Construction offers decking installation for homes in Shingle Springs and the surrounding areas. We can install redwood decking, TimberTech, and Trex materials. With years of experience in construction, we proudly install the most-recommended materials in the industry to improve the quality of your home. In addition to decks, we can also install siding, remodel kitchens or bathrooms, and upgrade windows or doors. If you already have a structure that has experienced dry rot, we are happy to provide repairs. No matter the issue, our team can help.
Contact Taylor Made Construction for your construction or decking needs.
