When it comes to building your new deck, your choices for materials, design, and features seem endless. You’ll need to review and select your construction supplies from a long list of options. 

You’ll also want to create a deck design that blends seamlessly with the rest of your house for a sleek and finished appearance. Further, picking out the best composite deck materials will ensure a long life and a pleasing look for this essential outdoor house addition.

At Dupont Construction, we’re here to make hard things a lot easier. Our professional staff works with you, your style, and your budget to create the deck of your dreams. 

Contact us today for a free estimate to create and build a deck you’ll love for years to come.

Clarify your needs before choosing materials

Before selecting your deck material, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. Here’s how to get started:

What’s your budget?

Do a little costing before you buy. Make decisions about whether you’ll be paying cash for your deck, or financing the project to pay over time. Decide how much money you want to set aside for your deck in total.  And, select the monthly payment (if you’re financing with your home equity or an alternative line of credit) you can take on.

Your budget parameters will determine the size of your deck, the type of materials available to you, and any          special features (like decorative railings or other extras) you may want to add.

How will the weather affect your deck?

Rainfall, wind, direct sunlight, heat, and winter conditions like snow and ice will all impact your deck. Your proposed deck location will also determine your deck’s weather exposure. 

As you’re planning the location of your deck, be aware of the weather that may impact your deck surface, as that will help determine which composite deck materials are best for your situation.

What’s your style?

Is a wood-look a priority for you? Do you want an extensive variety of color options? What about hidden vs. visible fasteners? How about the size and shape of the floor planks? These are all factors to consider when putting together your deck design.

Safety and building codes first!

One of the greatest benefits of working with Dupont is that we make sure your composite deck is worry-free from the start of construction to the placement of the final board. All our materials meet building codes, and we make sure your safety concerns are our top priority. 

You’ll be able to choose a smooth or textured surface for reduced slipping, as well as making sure railings are sturdy and decorative so you and your family can relax, play, or socialize risk-free.

You’ve done your homework. Now, choose materials.

Composite deck materials ( a blend of wood and plastic) have come a long way in the last decade. The number of products on the market today have increased significantly in a short amount of time, giving you almost limitless variations in design and performance.

Though composite deck materials can be more expensive than their traditional wood counterparts, they last two to three times as long as natural alternatives. Composite decks can also be easier to maintain than wood materials as well.

Choosing by cost

If you’re on a mission to spend less and get more, keep it simple. Composite deck brands that have a smooth or combed finish and a few basic color options help you keep costs lower. Typical brands like Trex(™) decking sell for $3-$7 per square foot.

You’ll also save money by combining a composite deck floor surface with a natural wood railing. And, you can make your deck dollars stretch even more by choosing visible fasteners over hidden fasteners.

Color choice: it’s about heat

Note that the darker your composite deck material, the more heat it will absorb in direct sunlight. If your deck is in a protected area of your property, a darker material may do well. 

However, if you’ll be enjoying your deck in the sunshine for most of the day, try selecting a lighter color for better wear.  You can easily test your color choice for heat absorption by placing a sample plank in the area where you’ll be constructing your deck.

Check the board after a few hours in the sun (carefully–composite boards can absorb a lot of heat!) to see if it’s too hot for comfort. A lighter composite deck color will keep you cooler when you’re on your deck.

Adding options

A few extra dollars invested in your deck can offer you a broader list of options. A wood-grain texture may be on your list of extras, as well as a more textured surface for slip resistance.

At the highest price points, your deck planks can mimic the look and feel of wood with “weathering” to diminish the plastic sheen of the composite. Unique “grain variations” built into each plank further enhance the natural appearance of your composite deck.

These add-ons will enhance the look and feel of your deck as well as the functionality, so they could be wise investments for you and your family.

Safety matters

If your deck is near a pool or will take a lot of rain, a textured surface is a must for safety. The extra investment on non-slip deck planks is worth the stress you’ll save in wetter environments.

At Dupont Construction, we can walk you through the materials selection process so you choose precisely the materials that will fit your needs.

Decorative touches

Composite decking manufacturers like Trex(™) also offer decorative finishes in their product lines. You can have a ball with matching trim, railings, posts, post caps, balusters, skirts, and more.

Partner with Dupont–your local expert in Deck construction

We’re proud to be authorized installers of many low-maintenance synthetic and composite decking materials, such as Trex, Azek, and TimberTech. 

These products feature a robust warranty and stand up well to the elements while providing a look you’ll love.

Call us today for a free estimate, and let’s build the deck you and your family will enjoy for many sunsets to come.