Planning your next outdoor build? There is an overwhelming amount of options for outdoor building materials. However, in recent years, pressure treated decking materials have become particularly popular for outdoor building projects.
Traditionally, natural wood has been the preferred material for building outdoors. This is because of its cosmetic appeal, strength, and low price point. But, this has been changing since the introduction of pressure treated decking materials.
At the moment, lumber prices are significantly above the normal average cost nationwide. This is because of supply-and-demand chain shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lumber prices are expected to decrease to their normal prices later this year. These pricing fluctuations have caused many buyers to question what building materials they should choose to use for their next project.
If your goal is to build the perfect deck that lasts, pressure treated decking materials are a great option. Pressure treated materials have many benefits when compared to natural materials. This makes them a worthwhile long-term investment when compared to other types of decking.
The biggest benefit of using pressure treated decking materials is that they are a long-lasting decking option. With proper care, pressure treated materials such as pressure treated wood can last as many as 30 years. This is true even with constant ground contact.
By comparison, natural wood will last about 10 years. Because of its long lifespan, choosing to build with pressure treated materials removes stress about structural or cosmetic decay, rot, and insect infestation.
Pressure treated decking materials are made from natural wood. But, it is chemically treated, which means that it has the same cosmetic appeal as natural wood.
The chemical treatments applied to make the wood insect, mold, and fungus resistant. The chemical treatments happen before the wood arrives at your home so that it remains safe and non-toxic.
The chemical treatments that are applied increase the durability of the materials. Natural, untreated materials are exposed to many common issues such as insect infestations, mold, fungus, water, and weather damage. These issues can cause structural damage that will lead to costly repairs in the future.
The added protection that pressure treated decking materials have is a real benefit. These features reassure buyers that their structures will last year after year, making them a worthwhile investment.
All of these benefits increase the functionality and lifespan of your outdoor space when it is built with pressure treated decking materials. But, like every material, there are pros and cons to choosing pressure treated materials. In order to make them last, there is some annual maintenance required.
These maintenance steps are minimal when considering the cost and effort required. They include treating for mildew growth, applying UV stabilizing treatments, and power washing annually.
When compared to untreated lumber, pressure treated decking materials generally are the cheaper option. That being said, it offers the same cosmetic appeal and even greater structural integrity as natural materials. Because of the maintenance required, pressure treated materials may not be the right financial or lifestyle fit for every buyer.
If you are planning a building project, contact Northeast. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best building materials or wood composite options for your needs! Contact us at (203) 275-0812 or you can find more information here.