The Pacific Northwest is a gorgeous place in the country, and one of the most demanding as far as exterior materials are concerned. Occupying the rainy season, the high level of humidity, and extensive spans of gray clouds, anything that is left outside must struggle to remain in its proper condition. Your deck–an investment of that nature, that is designed to be used on the evenings and weekend meeties–must be able to withstand this stress. Therefore, when you are preparing to construct or renovate your outdoor area, it is worth considering, what decking materials will be the most durable in this area?
Now, it is time to explore the reasons the Pacific Northwest can be considered such a challenging environment, some of the most effective decking material types, and some useful tips that will help you to extend the life of your deck in such a unique climate.
Knowing the Pacific Northwest Climate Challenge.
Prior to choosing materials, it is a good idea to know why this area puts decks to test more than any other. Wood is constantly exposed to moisture, mildew and little sunshine, and thus readily absorbs water, swells and eventually breaks or bends. Decks that are not sealed or maintained on a regular basis, also combine with rain and cool temperatures, and creates ideal conditions to grow moss, rot, and decay.
This is along with the occasional icy winter and hot summer days and it is now evident that your deck must be able to withstand both ends of the extreme. Materials that have a natural resistance to moisture and changes in temperature or materials that can be sufficiently shielded by proper design and maintenance are the longer-lasting materials.
Pressure-Treated Wood: The Cheap Workhorse.
Over the decades of time, the most popular material to use a backyard deck is pressure-treated lumber. It is cheap, is readily found and it is preserved with chemicals that prevent termite attacks as well as fungal decay. Nevertheless, the wet climate of the Pacific Northwest makes pressure-treated wood to need constant maintenance to survive.
Homeowners who decide to use this material are expected to perform the cleaning and resealing of the deck at least once or twice every one to two years. Failure to take this step will ensure that moisture creeps in soon and causes warping and splintering. A pressure-treated deck could last 15-20 years when well maintained, however.
The positive thing about this material is that it looks natural like wood–it is cozy and traditional and would be ideal should one be fond of the old fashioned appearance of a deck in the backyard with evergreens on them. However, in case you are not keen on maintenance and years of use, there are superior alternatives that match this climate.
Composite Decking: The Northwest Choice.
There is a reason why composite decking is extremely popular. Composite boards are resistant to rot, mold and insects because they are made of an mix of wood fibers and recycled plastic and are more resistant to these elements than natural wood. They do not have to be stained or sealed and can withstand the rainy season in the area very easily.
Composite decks have a life life of 25-30 years depending on installation conditions which include good ventilation and drainage, which may extend 30 years or more. They also have different colors and textures that resemble the beauty of wood without the incessant maintenance.
However, not every composite is made equal. Less expensive brands can be washed away or even stained, particularly in shaded or mossy regions. The cost of investing in high quality material at the start can be rewarded and the best of the best composite materials come with a warranty that is longer than most decking materials. No matter what you are dealing with a local decking company or you are working with Contractors in Bellevue, it is all about having the brand that is proven to be resistant to moisture.
PVC Decking: The Low-Maintenance Choice of all Choices.
PVC decking may be the champion in case you want to have a set and forget system. PVC is completely built out of synthetic materials unlike wood or composites, meaning that it will never absorb water. It can withstand mold, mildew and fading and it requires very little maintenance- ideal in coastal or rainy climates.
The PVC decks are very easy to have a lifespan of 30 years or even beyond, and since they are not heavy, they are perfect in rooftop patios and installation on lakeside where water exposure is inevitable. They will as well feel cooler to the floor in direct sunlight than composite boards hence they are comfortable during summer.
The only draw back is cost-PVC is normally the costliest decking material of all per square foot. But all of that is outweighed when you consider its longevity and its almost no-maintenance. Lots of homeowners have decided that it is worth investing in especially when it comes to permanent or luxury outdoor living areas.
Decking Wood: Hardwood decking is a natural and very strong resistant one.
Exotic hardwoods such as the Ipe, Cumaru, or Tigerwood may be a great option to those who like the appearance and feel of real wood, but want durability. These thick timbers are naturally resistant to rot and insects as compared to softwoods, and they have tight grain structure that causes them to absorb moisture less.
When maintained, a hard wood deck can be utilized up to 40-50 years–even more. Nevertheless, they are required to be oiled and washed regularly to retain their deep colour and not to gray on the surfaces. Hiring someone who has experience in custom deck builds is also important as hardwood decks need to be installed perfectly and this can be done through professional equipment.
Hardwood decking is expensive initially, but it is the timeless appearance and durability that make it especially attractive to homeowners who look at their deck as an architectural focal point as opposed to a backyard addition.
Another Product in the Shadow: Aluminum Decking.
Aluminum decking though not very popular in residential projects should be mentioned. It is absolutely waterproof, flames proof, and insect proof, and it is cool to walk on even when it is hot. Its slip-resistant finish serves remarkably well in the Pacific Northwest where most of the year decks are wet.
Aluminum decks can last longer than any other material because of not rusting, warping, or rotting making it last 50 years and beyond. The compromise is look: aluminum decks also do not have the natural beauty of wood and may look industrial and not all homes can have this. Nevertheless, it can be considered as one of the options in case of modern or high-performance builds.
Tips and Tricks to a Long Lasting Deck.
Regardless of your choice of material, the way you take care of your deck and design it has a massive impact on its longevity. Proper drainage under the boards and adequate ventilation should be made to ensure that there is no moisture trapped. Sweep away debris on a regular basis and allow the surface to dry up between rainstorms. Cracking and durability can be further improved by applying protective finishes or by applying fasteners that are not noticeable.
Minor design choices, such as placing your deck in partial sun, extending the roof a bit, laying boards in a way that encourages water runoff, and so on, can make sure that wear and tear are not premature. These considerations can be used between a 10-year deck and a 30-year deck in this region.
Selecting Decking That Lasts the Rain.
Longevity comes by using materials that do not struggle with the climate but work with it. Pressure-treated wood is economical and traditional, composite gives low maintenance, PVC has unbeatable longevity and hardwood gives beauty and strength. No single solution fits all houses, and there certainly is a fit to your home, lifestyle and budget.
Take your time and research on your alternatives, warranty, and collaborate with the hands-on people who are familiar with the weather conditions of the area. Not only will your deck not be ruined after the rain when constructed with purpose, but it will be your favorite place to spend time with it.
