Low maintenance wood decking
If you don't think that wood decking can be a low maintenance decking material, please read on. Wood decking is an all natural, renewable resource and some species can definitely be a low maintenance real wood decking option. The top surface of all wood decking material oxidizes when exposed to direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays from the sun cause chemical reactions in the woods that start the natural "graying process" that all wood decking materials experience. The same ultraviolet rays cause synthetic decking surfaces (composite decking and palastic decking) to fade out and become chalky and dull in appearance.
If you are a naturalist and simply love the charm and beauty of real wood products, there are low maintenance wood decking materials available to you. Softwood decking materials (such as fir decking, cedar decking, treated pine decking) have a tendency to split, check and crack and require annual or biannual painting, sealing or staining to keep them in good repair and prevent them from rotting. Compare low maintenance Cumaru hardwood to other wood decking materials
High density hardwood decking can be a true low maintenance wood decking material. The same natural characteristics that make high density hardwood decking long lasting, stable and incredibly strong protect the surface from deterioration. With high density hardwood decking materials, the oxidation (natural silvering) is only "skin deep". To minimize this appearance, a penetrating oil can be applied to the surface of the deck boards every year or two to keep the hardwood deck looking like furniture. If you like the look of the natural silvery patina, then simply allow the high density decking to develop this mellow appearance. More information about the low maintenance hardwood decking option.
If you have a problem with your decking such as a pet scratches or furniture gouges or
oxidation or a cigar or cigarette burn, high density hardwood decking can be sanded to a "like new" finish. You just have to learn to live with these imperfections with a composite decking or plastic decking material. Many consumers are hypnotized by the "low maintenance, low fade" advertising claims of many of the composite decking material manufacturers. Please read the fine print of the limited warranties of the various brands of composite decking before making your final decision about decking material. Compare low maintenance Garapa hardwood decking to composite decking. Compare low maintenance Cumaru hardwood decking to synthetic decking.
Please don't let anyone tell you otherwise...All decking materials require some maintenance. As a bare minimum, all decking materials should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every year, or more often if needed. While there may be no "perfect decking material", there certainly are decking materials that are lower maintenance than others. High density hardwood decking species are the low maintenance wood decking materials of choice. The best high density hardwood decking materials available are Ipe decking, Cumaru decking, Garapa decking and Machiche decking.
If you would like to learn a little more about decking material options click the link- more information about choosing the right decking materials.
For a comprehensive whitepaper about selecting the decking material that is just right for you, please download "The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking Material".