How to Protect Your Decking Flooring from Weathering and Wear: Expert Strategies for Long-Term Maintenance

  Wood, plastics, metal and composites

Decking flooring is the material used to cover an exterior deck, porch, patio or other outdoor floor. It may be made from a variety of materials, including wood, plastics, metal and composites. Composites typically have lower initial costs than wood, but require more maintenance effort and cost over the lifetime of the product. Metals have the highest initial cost, but can last much longer than other materials and require less maintenance. Wood products have a natural look that many people desire. However, it is important to note that any wood flooring will splinter, need regular cleaning and staining or dyeing to prevent the growth of mold, mildew and insects, and will eventually weather to a gray color.

 Decking flooring

There are a number of different types of wood available to use as decking flooring, but the most common is pressure-treated pine. This low-cost option will need to be stained, sanded or dyed every one to two years to maintain the wood’s appearance and protection from the elements. It is a good choice for a covered porch, but should not be used on an open-air deck that will see direct sunlight since it can deteriorate quickly in the sun.

 Be stained to a variety of colors

A more durable option for decking is ipe, an exotic hardwood. It is harder than teak and more resistant to rot and insect damage. It can be stained to a variety of colors and has a grain pattern that adds a decorative element to the floor. Ipe can be more expensive than other traditional decking options, but it will last much longer than conventional wood and is an excellent investment for a deck that will be used frequently.

The metal decking

Another durable option is metal floor decking, which is a form of precast slab. It can be formed either with composite or non-composite material and is laid and fastened to a support structure. Structural concrete is then poured over the metal decking, becoming part of the floor’s structure. This type of floor is very strong and can withstand heavier loads than a floor made solely from cement.

Wood/plastic/metal composites

Other materials that can be used for Decking flooring include plastic, aluminum and wood/plastic/metal composites. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastics are easy to install but do not look as good as traditional wood or composites. Aluminium is stronger than steel but not as flexible, so it can be difficult to form unusual designs. Wood/plastic/metal composites are more versatile and can be embossed to better resemble traditional wood. Composite deck flooring, often inlaid with natural looking wood (bottom), is available in a wide range of colours and finishes, and can be designed to meet Class A1 fire regulations.