If you’re thinking of building a deck for your home, one of the most important considerations that you are likely to encounter will be material choice. Choosing the right material for your deck is exceptionally crucial since it can affect not only your comfort and enjoyment of your deck but also the durability and longevity of your deck. In this post, we take a closer look at wood and steel, two of the most popular deck construction materials amongst homeowners, to help you decide which one is more suitable for your needs.
Using Wood for Deck Construction
Wood is one of the most popular materials when it comes to deck construction, and for good reason. It provides a great traditional feel and a rustic appearance, making you, and any guests you might have, feel comfortable and at home on the deck. Additionally, wood is typically less costly than steel, meaning that your initial capital requirement for building a wooden deck will be lower.
However, it is also crucial for you to be aware that wooden decks are typically harder to maintain than steel decks. This is because wood is a natural material and is thus susceptible to water damage and rot if not sealed properly. Wood also requires regular maintenance in the form of cleaning, sanding, staining and sealing. Without this regular maintenance, it can lose its visual appeal and end up looking dull.
Using Steel for Deck Construction
Steel is a decking material that has gained immense popularity in recent years among homeowners for its durability and longevity. As it is a much stronger material than wood, steel is able to support significantly heavier weights, making it a more suitable material if you intend to place heavy equipment on your deck. Moreover, steel is also fire-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it catching on fire, especially if you intend to use your deck for outdoor grilling or barbeques.
However, steel is not without its limitations either. Steel is significantly more expensive than wood, meaning that your upfront costs will often be much higher. Nonetheless, it is easier to maintain and typically has a longer lifespan than wood, so the initial investment is often worthwhile. Apart from that, steel is also a great conductor of heat, which may make it unsuitable as a decking material if you live in an area that receives a lot of sunlight and you want to use your deck during the day.
Get Your Steel from Reputable Suppliers
If you’ve decided to construct your deck out of steel, getting your raw materials from a reputable supplier can help you ensure that you don’t run into any quality issues during the building process. RW Steel is the number one supplier of steel in Melbourne, and our extensive catalogue includes various steel products such as galvanised steel posts, retaining wall steel and Corten steel. For more information on how we can help with your next building or construction project, contact us today!