When it comes to creating the perfect outdoor living space for your Michigan home, choosing the best material for deck construction is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. At Leach Construction, a family-owned company serving Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties since 2017, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate this critical choice. With our roots tracing back to 1965 as Rich & Sons Home Improvement, we bring three generations of expertise to every deck project. Wood decking remains the most popular type of decking material, offering a timeless appeal and versatility for various designs.
Understanding Your Decking Material Options
The question “what is the best material to build a deck?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal choice depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, aesthetic goals, personal preferences, and how you plan to use your outdoor space. There are a variety of deck material options available today, including both traditional deck materials like natural wood and modern alternatives such as composite and PVC. Each option offers unique benefits that can transform your backyard into a stunning retreat. At Leach Construction, we specialize in installing the industry’s leading decking materials: Trex composite decking, TimberTech composite and PVC decking, treated lumber, and cedar lumber.
Why Choosing the Right Decking Material Matters
Your deck is more than just an outdoor platform – it’s an extension of your home that adds valuable living space and can significantly increase your property value. The best decking material for your project will provide years of enjoyment while requiring an appropriate level of maintenance that fits your lifestyle. Many homeowners consider durability, aesthetics, and maintenance when selecting the best deck material to ensure their investment meets their needs. Whether you’re hosting summer barbecues, enjoying quiet mornings with coffee, or creating a safe play area for children, your deck material choice impacts both the immediate enjoyment and long-term value of your investment. Choosing the best materials is essential for long-term satisfaction and maximizing the value of your deck.
Composite Decking: The Modern Choice for Low-Maintenance Beauty
Trex Composite Decking: The Industry Pioneer
When discussing the best type of decking for modern homes, Trex often tops the list. As the inventor of composite decking in 1996, Trex has continuously refined their products to offer exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal. Trex boards consist of 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastic from grocery bags and plastic film. This eco-friendly composition doesn’t compromise on performance – in fact, it enhances it. Composite decking is also remarkably durable and requires little maintenance while simulating the look of natural wood. Trex decking features a unique three-sided cap that protects the top and sides of each board, leaving the bottom uncapped. This design philosophy allows any moisture that might enter the board to escape naturally, preventing the buildup that could lead to rot or mold. Trex boards are highly resistant to common issues like rot, mold, and fading, and are also slip resistant, providing secure footing even in wet or icy conditions. The protective shell resists:
- UV fading and discoloration
- Staining from food, beverages, and outdoor elements
- Scratching from furniture, pets, and daily use
- Moisture damage and mold growth
- Insect infestation
- Resist fading
With color options ranging from traditional wood tones to contemporary grays and tropical hues, Trex offers versatility in design. Their product lines include Trex Transcend (the premium option), Trex Select (mid-range), and Trex Enhance (budget-friendly), ensuring there’s an option for every budget and aesthetic preference.
TimberTech: Innovation in Composite and PVC Decking
TimberTech represents another excellent choice when considering the best material to build a deck. As part of The AZEK Company, TimberTech offers both composite and PVC decking options, with their Advanced PVC line providing superior performance in moisture-rich environments. TimberTech composite boards are manufactured using a blend of wood fiber and recycled material, making them an eco-friendly and durable option that resists mold, rot, and moisture. This makes TimberTech particularly well-suited for pool decks or areas with high humidity. Additionally, TimberTech’s aluminum railing options are resistant to mold and insect damage, ensuring long-lasting performance in challenging conditions. What sets TimberTech apart is their four-sided capping technology. Unlike Trex’s three-sided approach, TimberTech fully encapsulates their boards in a protective polymer shell. This complete coverage philosophy aims to seal out moisture entirely, providing maximum protection against the elements. TimberTech’s benefits include:
- Exceptional moisture resistance, especially in their PVC lines
- Class A fire rating on Advanced PVC products
- Realistic wood grain patterns and textures
- Extended warranties (up to 50 years on some products)
- Up to 85% recycled content in their manufacturing
TimberTech’s product lines range from the premium Legacy Collection to the budget-friendly Terrain Collection, with options that can mimic exotic hardwoods or provide sleek, modern aesthetics.
Comparing Trex and TimberTech: Making the Right Choice
When determining the best deck flooring between these two industry leaders, consider these key differences: Composite decks from both Trex and TimberTech offer significant long term maintenance advantages over traditional wood. Composite decking offers low-maintenance care, superior durability, and resistance to weather conditions, making it a convenient and long-lasting alternative to wood.
- Durability and Scratch Resistance: Trex is widely recognized as having superior scratch resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. TimberTech excels in moisture resistance, particularly their PVC options.
- Aesthetic Options: TimberTech offers more realistic wood grain patterns and a wider color palette, while Trex provides bold, contemporary colors with consistent appearance.
- Price Point: Trex generally offers more budget-friendly options, with boards ranging from $43-$68 each, while TimberTech ranges from $65-$91 per board.
- Warranty Coverage: Both offer 25-year warranties on their products, but TimberTech extends fade and stain warranties to 30 years on many lines.
- Environmental Impact: Trex leads with 95% recycled content, while TimberTech uses 60-85% recycled materials.
Natural Wood Options: Timeless Beauty and Authentic Character
Cedar Lumber: Nature’s Premium Decking Material
For homeowners seeking the authentic warmth and character of real wood, cedar remains one of the best decking materials available. At Leach Construction, we work with high-quality cedar that offers natural beauty combined with inherent durability. Cedar and redwood are particularly popular choices due to their natural beauty and resistance to rot and insects. The woods offer a unique combination of durability and a natural color that many homeowners find appealing, making them stand out for outdoor applications. Cedar’s distinctive reddish-brown hue and pleasant aroma create an inviting outdoor space that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. Cedar’s natural properties make it an excellent decking choice:
- Natural Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils and tannins that repel insects and resist rot without chemical treatment
- Dimensional Stability: Less prone to warping, splitting, and cupping compared to other wood species
- Workability: Lightweight and easy to cut, making installation more straightforward
- Aesthetic Appeal: Beautiful natural grain patterns that age to an attractive silver-gray patina
- Sustainability: When sourced responsibly, cedar is an environmentally friendly renewable resource
Western Red Cedar, the most common variety used for decking in Michigan, can last 15-30 years with proper maintenance. This longevity, combined with its natural beauty, makes cedar an excellent value proposition for homeowners who appreciate authentic wood and don’t mind periodic maintenance.
Pressure-Treated Lumber: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
When considering what is the best material to build a deck on a tight budget, pressure-treated lumber often emerges as the top choice. This affordability doesn’t mean compromising on durability – modern pressure-treated wood offers excellent longevity when properly maintained. Pressure treated wood decking, including pressure treated pine, is known for being an affordable, durable, and widely available option. Pressure-treated wood is also the most commonly used type of wood decking, making it a reliable and widely available option for homeowners. Pressure-treated lumber undergoes a process where preservatives are forced deep into the wood fibers under extreme pressure. This treatment provides:
- Enhanced Durability: Resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage
- Ground Contact Rating: Many pressure-treated options can be used for posts and joists in direct ground contact
- Cost-Effectiveness: Typically the lowest upfront cost of any decking material
- Structural Strength: Excellent load-bearing capacity for deck frames and substructures
- Versatility: Can be stained or painted to achieve desired colors
Consistent maintenance is essential to preserve the appearance and structural integrity of pressure-treated wood. Annual maintenance, such as cleaning, re-staining, or sealing, helps prevent cracks, rot, and infestation, ensuring your deck remains in good condition for years. Modern pressure-treated lumber uses safer preservatives than older formulations. Since 2003, residential pressure-treated wood has used Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or Copper Azole (CA) instead of the arsenic-based treatments of the past. While these newer treatments are safer, they’re also less effective at long-term preservation, making proper maintenance even more critical.
Comparing All Materials: Finding Your Best Fit
Initial Cost Considerations
When evaluating the best material for deck construction based on budget, it’s important to consider the upfront costs, which are often calculated per linear foot. Some materials, like PVC decking, come with a higher upfront cost compared to others, making it essential for homeowners to compare pricing per linear foot to make informed decisions.
- Pressure-Treated Lumber: $2-$8 per square foot (lowest initial cost)
- Cedar: $4-$8 per square foot (moderate initial cost)
- Composite (Trex/TimberTech): $8-$15 per square foot (higher initial cost)
- PVC Decking: $10-$20 per square foot (highest initial cost)
Long-Term Value and Maintenance
While initial cost is important, considering long-term expenses provides a clearer picture: Choosing low-maintenance materials, such as composite decking, can help save money on long-term maintenance by reducing annual maintenance costs and minimizing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Pressure-Treated Lumber:
- Requires annual cleaning and sealing/staining every 2-3 years; consistent maintenance is essential to preserve appearance and prevent issues like cracks, rot, and infestation
- Annual maintenance is necessary to maintain the deck’s structural integrity and aesthetics
- Maintenance costs approximately $2,000 every few years
- Lifespan: 15-30 years with proper maintenance
- May need board replacement due to warping or splitting
Cedar:
- Benefits from annual cleaning and sealing to maintain appearance; should be properly sealed to maximize durability and weather resistance
- Can be left to weather naturally to silver-gray
- Lifespan: 15-30 years
- Less prone to warping than pressure-treated wood
Composite/PVC:
- Minimal maintenance – occasional cleaning with soap and water; can also use a pressure washer (below 2,500 psi) for deeper cleaning, but avoid metal brushes
- Composite/PVC decking is the most weather resistant material, offering superior durability and minimal mold cons due to the absence of organic materials
- No staining, sealing, or painting required
- Lifespan: 25-50 years
- Fade and stain resistant with manufacturer warranties
Climate Considerations for Michigan Homeowners
Michigan’s climate, with its cold winters and humid summers, presents unique challenges for decking materials. When selecting decking, it’s important to consider options that are naturally resistant to insects, decay, and fire, and can withstand extreme weather conditions to ensure long-lasting performance.
❄️ Cold Weather Performance:
- Composite and PVC materials contract and expand less than wood
- Cedar performs well in temperature fluctuations
- Pressure-treated lumber may crack or split with freeze-thaw cycles
☔ Moisture Resistance:
- PVC decking offers the best moisture resistance
- Composite materials resist moisture absorption
- Natural wood requires diligent sealing to prevent moisture damage
🌨️ Snow and Ice:
- Composite and PVC materials resist damage from ice melt products
- Wood decking may require more careful snow removal to prevent scratching
Railing Options to Complete Your Deck
At Leach Construction, we understand that the best deck flooring deserves equally impressive railings. For a seamless and clean railing installation, we also offer options that utilize hidden fasteners to conceal screws and anchors. We offer a comprehensive selection of railing options to complement your chosen decking material:
Aluminum Railings
- Extremely durable and low-maintenance
- Aluminum decks and aluminum decking rails offer superior durability, resistance to rot, mold, and insects, and are ideal for high-moisture or extreme weather conditions. Aluminum decking pros include low maintenance, fire resistance, and long-lasting performance, making them a premium choice for both residential and commercial projects.
- Powder-coated finishes in various colors
- Modern, sleek appearance
- Won’t rust, rot, or require painting
Steel Cable Railings
- Minimalist design that preserves views
- Contemporary aesthetic
- Extremely strong and durable
- Requires minimal maintenance
PVC Railings
- Matches well with composite and PVC decking
- No painting or staining required
- Resists insects, rot, and weather damage
- Available in various styles and colors
Wood Railings
- Traditional appearance that complements any deck
- Can be customized with unique designs; specialty wood can be used for custom or unique railing designs
- Requires regular maintenance like wood decking
- Most affordable option for custom designs
Installation Considerations: Why Professional Installation Matters
While choosing the best type of decking is crucial, proper installation ensures your investment performs as expected. Working with decking experts can help you select the right materials and guarantee a professional installation. At Leach Construction, our experienced team understands the unique requirements of each material:
Composite/PVC Installation:
- Requires specific fasteners and installation techniques
- Proper gapping for thermal expansion
- Hidden fastener systems for clean appearance
- Special considerations for board ends and edges
Wood Installation:
- Proper spacing for natural expansion and contraction
- Correct fastener selection to prevent splitting
- Appropriate joist spacing for material type
- Proper flashing and water management
Making Your Decision: Summary of the Key Factors to Consider
When determining the best material to build a deck for your specific needs, consider these factors: If you are planning and building a new deck, the choice of materials will significantly impact the design, durability, and long-term value of your project.
→ Lifestyle and Usage
- High-traffic areas benefit from durable materials like Trex
- Pool areas require superior moisture resistance (PVC or TimberTech)
- Entertainment spaces may prioritize aesthetics and comfort underfoot
→ Maintenance Commitment
- Busy homeowners often prefer low-maintenance composites
- Those who enjoy DIY projects might appreciate maintaining natural wood
- Consider long-term commitment to upkeep
→ Budget Planning
- Factor in both initial costs and lifetime maintenance
- Consider financing options (Leach Construction offers 0% financing for 25 months)
- Remember that quality materials can increase home value
→ Environmental Priorities
- Composite materials divert waste from landfills
- Sustainably sourced cedar supports renewable resources
- Consider the environmental impact of maintenance products
The Leach Construction Advantage
Choosing the best deck flooring is just the beginning. At Leach Construction, we are committed to helping you create a beautiful deck that enhances your outdoor space. We bring unique advantages to every deck project:
✓ Family-Owned Expertise
With roots dating back to 1965, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Our family values translate into personalized service and attention to detail that larger companies can’t match.
✓ Comprehensive Services
Beyond decking, we’re your complete home improvement experts, offering:
- Roofing installation and repairs
- Siding installation (vinyl, James Hardie, Diamond Kote, cedar)
- Seamless gutter systems
- Complete exterior renovations
✓ Local Knowledge
Serving Sterling Heights and surrounding Michigan communities, we understand local building codes, weather challenges, and homeowner preferences. This local expertise ensures your deck is built to withstand Michigan’s unique climate conditions.
✓ Quality Commitment
We work exclusively with premium materials and trusted manufacturers. Our partnerships with Trex, TimberTech, and quality lumber suppliers ensure you receive authentic, warrantied products installed by certified professionals.
Trends in Decking for 2025 and Beyond
As we look toward the future of outdoor living, several trends are shaping the best decking material choices: One notable trend is the growing popularity of tropical hardwoods such as ipe wood, which is often sourced from South America. These materials are valued for their exceptional durability, rich color, and resistance to pests and decay, making them a premium choice for decking.
✅ Sustainability Focus – Homeowners increasingly prioritize eco-friendly materials. Both composite manufacturers and wood suppliers are responding with more sustainable practices and transparent sourcing.
✅ Multi-Zone Outdoor Living – Decks are becoming sophisticated outdoor rooms with defined areas for cooking, dining, and relaxation. Material choices now consider specific zone requirements.
✅Color Trends – While traditional wood tones remain popular, bold colors and contemporary grays are gaining traction. Two-tone designs using different materials or colors create visual interest.
✅Smart Integration – Decks now incorporate technology like built-in lighting, speakers, and heating elements. Material selection must accommodate these features.
✅Low-Maintenance Preferences – The trend toward composite and PVC materials continues as homeowners seek more time enjoying their decks rather than maintaining them.
Your Perfect Deck Awaits
Determining the best material for deck construction requires balancing multiple factors – budget, maintenance, aesthetics, and performance. As you plan your project, be sure to explore different deck ideas and deck material options, such as wood, composite, and PVC/vinyl, to find the best fit for your needs and save money in the long run. Whether you choose the proven durability of Trex composite, the innovative technology of TimberTech, the natural beauty of cedar, or the affordability of pressure-treated lumber, Leach Construction has the expertise to bring your vision to life. Each material we offer has its place in creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces. Composite and PVC options provide unmatched convenience and longevity, while natural wood options offer authentic beauty and traditional appeal. The key is matching the material to your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Contact Leach Construction today for a personalized consultation. Our team will help you evaluate your options, considering your budget, design preferences, and maintenance expectations. With our 0% financing for 25 months, your dream deck is more accessible than ever. From our family to yours, we’re committed to building not just decks, but outdoor spaces where memories are made. Let our experience guide you to the perfect decking solution for your Michigan home. Remember, the best deck flooring isn’t just about the material – it’s about choosing the right partner for your project. With Leach Construction, you’re choosing quality, expertise, and a commitment to excellence that spans three generations. Your perfect deck is waiting; let’s build it together.