GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

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.

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

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:

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |