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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

  1. charlie_sullivan | | #1

    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.

  2. Expert Member
    MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #2

    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:

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