Decking Options
We realize that there are many different products and choices out there for your deck. We’ve chosen four of our favorites that give you material and price flexibility. For a base price figured by square footage, see our pricing page.
The materials listed below are our suggestions. If you have a different material in mind, we will be happy to quote you a price using your chosen product. Also see Composites vs. Natural Wood, below.
Trex’s most popular composite, Trex® Select® gives you the look of a wood deck without the maintenance of a wood deck, not to mention the easygoing luxury of engineered durability. Boards come in 7/8” thickness and several attractive solid colors
Trex Transcend® is the only composite in the industry with a 25-year warranty and 95% post-consumer recycled content. Transcend decking comes in 1-inch-thick boards with wood-grain patterns in 10 colors and a variety of profile options. Matching railing is available in six colors and multiple styles to fit your home.
Exotic Hardwoods
Brazilian redwood, Ipê, ironwood, and other and other rainforest hardwoods are gorgeous woods with a very high oil content and are well suited to our climate conditions. They require regular maintenance to maintain a semblance of their original look and color. If left alone, they will fade to a natural gray. These products currently have the best fire ratings of the various natural wood options, which is pertinent if you live in the foothills.
Woods such as Ipê and ironwood tend to vary greatly in price, and are rarely FSC certified. Most tropical hardwoods in the US currently come from Brazil. There is a Brazilian government agency that certifies tropical hardwood exports as responsibly harvested, but there are doubts about the veracity and efficacy of this process.
Redwood and Cedar
For those who really love the look and feel of natural wood, or simply want to pay a little less up front, redwood and cedar are two options that hold up reasonably well to Colorado's intense ultraviolet rays and weather extremes.
Redwood and cedar have a lower original materials cost, but need to be stained or sealed every two to three years. Neither is FSC certified. The quality of available redwood in recent years has been variable, while cedar has been consistent, to our experience.
Composites vs. Natural Wood
There are some differences to consider when making your choice between composites or natural wood decks.
Composites
- Composites are made from varying percentages of post-consumer, recycled plastic and wood
- Composites never need staining or sanding, which makes them less expensive than wood decks in the long run
- With composites, there are no splinters to hurt (your children’s) bare feet
- Because recycled products are used, no redwood, or any other trees, need to be cut down
Natural Wood
- Many people simply prefer the look and feel of natural wood
- Redwood and cedar have a lower up-front cost
- Exotic hardwoods have an excellent fire rating
For more information, see our pricing page, or contact us today for a free estimate.
