Top 10 Deck Materials for Homes in Toronto

Building a deck is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living space, especially in Toronto, where the climate can vary significantly throughout the year. From summer barbecues to winter gatherings, selecting the right deck material can make a huge difference in durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Expert deck builders in Toronto suggest these 10 deck materials that are ideal for homeowners.

1. Pressure-treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is one of the most common and cost-effective choices for decking. This material undergoes a treatment process where chemicals are infused to make the wood resistant to insect damage, rot, and decay.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Pressure-treated wood is often more affordable compared to other decking materials, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Versatility: It can be easily stained or painted, allowing for customization to match various deck designs. This versatility makes it adaptable to different architectural styles and personal preferences.
• Readily Available: This material is widely available at most home improvement stores, ensuring easy access and convenience for homeowners undertaking DIY projects.

Deck builders in Toronto recommend this material to homeowners who appreciate traditional wood aesthetics and are prepared for regular maintenance to keep their deck looking its best.

2. Cedar

Cedar is a premium softwood known for its natural beauty and durability. Cedar decks are favoured for their rich colour and resistance to insects and decay.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Natural Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils that provide resistance to insects and decay, making it a durable choice for outdoor environments.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The wood’s natural grain and warm hues offer a high-end, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Cedar decks can enhance the overall look of a home with their rich tones and texture.
• Lower Maintenance: Compared to pressure-treated wood, cedar requires less frequent sealing, though it still benefits from periodic maintenance to retain its colour and prevent weathering.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this material to those seeking a high-quality wood option with natural beauty and lower maintenance requirements.

3. Redwood

Redwood is another premium decking option known for its stunning appearance and exceptional durability. It’s highly resistant to decay and insects, making it suitable for long-lasting outdoor use.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Visual Appeal: Redwood’s deep, rich colour and fine grain add a luxurious touch to any deck. Its natural beauty makes it a standout choice for homeowners who want a visually striking deck.
• Durability: Redwood is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and environmental wear, providing a durable decking solution that can withstand various weather conditions.
• Maintenance: While it is more resistant to issues than some other woods, regular sealing is recommended to maintain its colour and protect it from the elements.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this one to homeowners looking for a high-end wood option that combines durability with exceptional beauty.

4. Composite Decking

Composite decking offers a modern alternative to traditional wood, being made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic. It is designed to mimic the look of natural wood while providing enhanced durability.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Low Maintenance: Composite decking requires minimal upkeep compared to natural wood. It doesn’t need staining or sealing and is resistant to fading, staining, and scratching.
• Durability: Composite boards are highly resistant to weather conditions, making them an ideal choice for Toronto’s varied climate. They do not warp, crack, or splinter, ensuring a long-lasting deck.
• Variety: Available in a range of colours and textures, composite decking can be customized to match different deck designs and architectural styles.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this material to homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, durable option with a variety of design possibilities.

5. PVC Decking

PVC decking is composed entirely of plastic, offering a deck material that is completely synthetic and designed to resist weathering and wear.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Extreme Durability: PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture, insects, and mould. It is also impervious to stains and scratches, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
• Low Maintenance: Like composite decking, PVC decking requires very little upkeep. It does not need painting or sealing and can be easily cleaned with soap and water.
• Aesthetic Options: PVC decking is available in a range of colours and styles, allowing for a customized look that can mimic natural wood or offer a modern appearance.

Deck builders in Toronto recommend this option to those looking for a high-performance, low-maintenance deck material that can withstand the elements.

6. Ipe

Ipe is a tropical hardwood known for its exceptional strength and durability. It’s often used in upscale residential and commercial projects due to its high performance and beauty.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Durability: Ipe is extremely dense and hard, making it resistant to wear, insects, and decay. Its durability ensures a long lifespan even in challenging weather conditions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The wood has a rich, reddish-brown colour that deepens over time, giving it a distinctive and elegant appearance. It also features a fine grain that adds to its visual appeal.
• Low Maintenance: Ipe requires minimal maintenance compared to other woods. However, it does benefit from periodic oiling to maintain its colour and prevent drying.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this wood type to homeowners seeking an exotic, high-quality decking material that offers unparalleled durability and aesthetic appeal.

7. Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking is a modern option known for its lightweight and durable properties. It’s particularly well-suited for high-traffic areas and regions with severe weather conditions.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Durability: Aluminum decking is highly resistant to weather, rust, and corrosion. It can withstand extreme temperatures and heavy snow loads, making it ideal for Toronto’s climate.
• Low Maintenance: This material requires minimal upkeep. It doesn’t need staining or sealing, and it can be easily cleaned with a hose or mild detergent.
• Safety: Aluminum decking is fire-resistant and does not splinter, providing a safe surface for families and pets.

Deck builders in Toronto recommend this material option to homeowners in high-traffic areas or regions with extreme weather who need durable and low-maintenance deck material.

8. Concrete Decking

Concrete decking provides a modern and durable option for outdoor spaces. It can be customized with various finishes, colours, and textures to mimic other materials or create a unique look.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Longevity: Concrete is one of the most durable decking materials available. It can withstand heavy use, and harsh weather conditions, and is resistant to termites and rot.
• Customization: Concrete can be stamped, coloured, or stained to achieve different appearances. This flexibility allows homeowners to create a deck that complements their home’s design.
• Low Maintenance: Once sealed, concrete requires minimal maintenance. It is easy to clean and resistant to staining.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this material to homeowners looking for a modern, highly durable decking solution with customizable design options.

9. Deck Tiles

Deck tiles are modular, interlocking units that can be installed over various surfaces. They come in materials such as wood, composite, and even rubber.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Ease of Installation: Deck tiles are designed for easy installation and can be placed over existing surfaces without the need for extensive preparation or removal.
• Variety: They come in a range of materials and styles, allowing for customization of the deck’s look and feel. This variety also makes it possible to mix and match tiles to create unique patterns.
• Flexibility: Deck tiles can be removed or replaced individually, making them a flexible option for those who want to update their deck without a full renovation.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this option to homeowners seeking a versatile and DIY-friendly decking solution that allows for easy updates and customization.

10. Bamboo Decking

Bamboo decking is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood. It’s made from bamboo, a highly renewable resource, and offers a unique look and feel.

Characteristics and Benefits:

• Sustainability: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly choice for decking. It offers a sustainable option for eco-conscious homeowners.
• Durability: Bamboo decking is strong and durable, often treated to resist moisture, insects, and decay. It provides a long-lasting deck solution with proper maintenance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Bamboo has a distinctive look with a unique grain pattern that adds an exotic touch to any outdoor space.

Deck builders in Toronto suggest this sustainable option to environmentally conscious homeowners seeking a unique and sustainable decking material with an exotic appearance.