Durable decking materials for a floating deck
artisanfarms
| Posted in Green Building Techniques on
I’m in Zone 5, Central NY, and will be building a floating deck as part of my pretty good house MCM ranch renovation.
What are good decking materials these days in terms of durability and relatively long good looking life spans. I don’t mind sealing every few years if I have to, but have always been disappointed in the durability of pressure treated pine.
I would like something where it is reasonable to expect at least 20 years of reasonable appearance. Ideally in a material that doesn’t break the bank.
The deck will be in a fairly sunny location, with more intense morning sun than afternoon sun.
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Replies
An option to consider is northern white cedar, which is availble from local mills in northern Vermont; not sure about closer to you. Naturally rot resistant. You apply stain regularly or allow it to go to a natural gray.
Andy,
For two decades I did work for a resort with over 40 decks. Because their period of high occupancy coincided with the only season you could re-finish or repair them, over time we replaced the majority with either composites like Timbertech, or concrete pavers.
Both offer long term, almost completely maintenance-free alternatives to wood, but their environmental impact may compare unfavorably.
Here is a shot of one with concrete pavers: