Vinyl Decking vs. Wood Decking
When you are looking to install a new deck or replace your existing one, there are various materials you can invest in to build the deck of your dreams. At Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors, we typically use two materials for decking, but we know countless others exist.
We prefer to use wood and vinyl decking because of all the benefits they pose for our customers. While both of them are solid options, each has its pros and cons. When you come to our team at Tony’s, we will sit down with you to discover exactly what you are looking for, the budget you need to stick with, and more. From there, we will create a plan for your project and get to work.
Throughout the entire process, we will answer every question you may have about maintenance, repair, or replacements, and offer our advice about the products you are choosing.
Here, our licensed contractors will discuss the pros and cons of vinyl and wood siding so you can choose which option is best for your home.
Vinyl Decking
When you choose to invest in vinyl decking materials, you are getting a solid investment that will last for years. Not only will it provide a safe and sturdy attachment for your house, but it will also increase the value and visual appearance of your home. So, what do you need to keep in mind about vinyl decking?
Light Maintenance
One of the primary benefits of investing in vinyl decking materials is that they require very little maintenance. By conducting simple maintenance a handful of times per year, you can ensure that your deck and railing last for several years, if not decades.
When you invest in vinyl decking from our team at Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors, we will walk you through the maintenance process and ensure you are fully prepared for your new deck.
A Plethora of Design Options
Because vinyl decking materials are man-made, they are available in various design options. You can customize the color, texture, design, pattern, and more. All of these factors make vinyl decking a very popular option for customers everywhere.
Whether you want to make your deck match the rest of your house or want it to be its own unique design, you can get the design you want.
Durable
Vinyl decking and other vinyl materials are designed to withstand various harsh weather conditions, making them optimal for use in the Upper Midwest, where temperatures can go from the mid-90s to 50 degrees below zero.
While vinyl should last for years, if not decades, when properly maintained, you should still check for damages if extreme weather events were to happen. If you notice damage, immediately contact Tony’s Lifetime Exteriors to come out and fix your materials.
Great For Humid Areas
As with waterproof flooring, vinyl decks are completely and inherently waterproof, thanks to their synthetic nature and lack of porosity. This means you’ll never need to invest in any products to keep moisture or humidity from having its way with your deck; vinyl has got you covered in this respect.
If your home is in a precipitation-heavy or frequently humid area, we recommend this deck type simply because you won’t need to stress about the weather. A vinyl deck will serve you faithfully for decades in such a climate.
Wood Decking
Wood decking materials have been around for years. As the longest-tenured decking material, its use has been constantly improved and perfected through the decades.
Here, our certified contractors will discuss some of the countless benefits of wood decking:
Affordable
Because wood decking materials are readily available nearly everywhere and have been around for decades, they are typically more affordable than other decking materials. The boards can be cut and transported in bulk due to the wood available.
If you choose to have your wood materials pressure-treated so they resist pests, they are still reasonably affordable. If you are following a strict budget, wood decking would be a great option for your house project.
Durable
Wood decks are proven to be one of the most durable products on the market. As new trends come and go, wood materials have remained consistent and stood the test of time. When you stick to a consistent maintenance schedule of staining and treating your deck about one time per year, your wood deck should last for years, if not decades.
To learn more about the maintenance that comes with wood decking, contact our licensed contractors today. As the longest-serving decking material, when you invest in wood decking, you know you are getting a solid, reliable deck that can survive the worst of Minnesota’s winters and last for years to come.
Great for the Home Improvement Enthusiast
No, we don’t mean that they need frequent repairs! We love wood decks because of their creative flexibility.
The material is easily changeable with the help of power tools and the wide variety of stains on the market—plus the ability to refinish the deck, which we touch on in “How to Know if Your Wood Deck Needs Refinishing—and How to Do it—” all mean that you can easily change the appearance of this renovation according to your whims.
If you’re the sort that adores visualizing all your home could be, then getting your hands dirty making it as such, then as deck builders, we recommend a wood deck. That’s not the only homeowner who would appreciate a wood deck, though!
Classic Aesthetics and Design
Wood decks bring a touch of natural beauty to your home’s exterior, and such a look is hard to dislike. Who doesn’t like the sturdy feel of all-natural material underfoot or the way rich browns set off nearly any siding color?
Indeed, wood decks add an undeniable ambiance to your home’s curb appeal and your outdoor experience, one that’s incredibly hard not to like. If you enjoy spending time in nature or are looking to sell your home, you’d be smart to consider a wood deck and take advantage of this.
Advantages with Refinishing
Both types of decking are incredibly tough; as a top-notch deck installation pro, we wouldn’t be working with them otherwise! However, wood decks have the advantage that they can be refinished, as we alluded to earlier. Like a hardwood floor, this process involves ridding the surface of stains and making the wood look as good as new.
Refinishing can do amazing things for your wood deck’s looks and health. You’ll enjoy a like-new structure for decades if you keep up with its maintenance. Talk about resilience!
On Your Side Since 1973
Since we opened for business in 1973, we have been providing our customers with state-of-the-art services. We are fully committed to the needs of our customers and will do what we can to ensure you are satisfied with the end result of your project. You can count on us through every step of your project.
If you are in the St. Cloud area and want to learn more or to speak with a licensed contractor today, give us a call at 320-252-9086 or message us on our contact page today.