What material is best for a deck ?
Most homeowners installing decks use real wood, but Consumer Reports’ latest tests of common decking materials reveal that synthetic planks can offer lasting good looks with less upkeep. The July issue features the results of one-year exposure tests of wood, composite, plastic and aluminum decking materials, which found that some synthetic decking didn’t make the grade for rigidity and some tonier wood products looked worse for wear.
If replacing a deck isn’t a priority but maintenance is, the report also features ratings of 16 fully tested stains and six partially tested stains. Exposure tests found that a pricier stain often buys more performance. Tests also showed that manufacturers’ compliance with new rules to reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs ) in stains have had an effect on their performance. Despite prices and reformulations, Consumer Reports found that some stains can lighten the workload because they last longer.
CHOOSING DECKING MATERIAL Consumers can save hundreds of dollars by replacing decking themselves as the material alone can be expensive. Consumer Reports looked at the pros and cons of wood, composite, plastic and aluminum to help consumers choose the best decking material to suit their needs and budgets. The report also identifies some of the better brands to consider in each category. All prices are per 100 square feet. Wood stands out for its authenticity but it tends to change color, crack and absorb stains if it isn’t re-stained every one to three years. Prices vary depending on the type — pricier options include cedar, redwood and tropical hardwoods. Iron Woods Ipe, $ 800, and Thompsonized Southern Yellow Pine, $ 225, are slightly better than cedar at keeping their original color.
Composite, which blends groundup wood and plastic, has the look of wood without the need to stain. Composite decking is improving with added ultraviolet light and mildew inhibitors. However, some brands offer far less resistance to slips, stains and mildew. Symmatrix, $ 525, Verdanda, $ 425, and Tamko Evergrain, $ 525, score highest overall in tests.
Plastic is best for resisting the elements without staining, but some can look cheap, some are slippery, and all sag more than wood. For toughness with easy upkeep consider Eon, $ 600, and Azek, $ 625. These brands resist color change, staining, mildew and slipperiness.
Aluminum stands out for its toughness, rigidity, slip resistance and color, which should last indefinitely. The material’s textured finish adds traction. LockDry, $ 700, aced all tests, but the metallic look isn’t for everyone.
STAINS FOR WOOD DECKING Flood Solid Color Deck & Siding Stain, $ 21, is top-rated in Consumer Reports ’ tests. After three years of exposure to the outdoors, its opaque finish looked and protected best. Other opaque finishes that perform well include McCloskey Storm Coat Deck & Siding 7953, $ 16, and Thompson’s Water Seal Deck & House, $ 20.
For a semitransparent finish, consider Sikkens Cetol SRD 1708902, $ 27, and True Value Woodsman UV 7338872, $ 20, which perform comparably, although Sikkens requires only one coat. These are especially good choices for pre-2004 decks that typically use toxic chromate copper arsenic (CCA ) lumber, since semipermanent stains tend to seal as they penetrate and are less likely to flake as they age.
The July issue of Consumer Reports features comprehensive ratings and buying advice for decking and staining products and how consumers can check if their deck needs to be replaced. The report is also available to subscribers at www. Consum erReports. org.
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