Not Wood: The Decking Material Most Recommended By Consumer Reports

Wood is one of the most popular materials used for decking. It's usually the most affordable option when you look at how much it costs to build a deck from scratch, and it's reasonably easy to work with. On the downside, it needs regular maintenance, and even then it may not be the most durable choice. If you're looking at alternatives, aluminum decking received Consumer Reports' highest rating, above vinyl, composite, and wood alternatives. According to Consumer Reports, aluminum decking is highly resistant to flexing, thus offering a stable platform. It is also easy to keep clean, and weather has negligible impact on the durable material.

Consumer Reports picks one brand of aluminum decking in particular, from LockDry, though a quick search will produce a number of similar alternatives. Although it's more expensive than pine, cedar, or redwood, aluminum decking is competitively priced when compared with composites or vinyl. Aluminum decking has a tremendous lifespan and requires almost no maintenance. It won't be stained by spills like wood can, and it's typically designed with surface texture to reduce the danger of slipping. Although not biodegradable like wood, some aluminum decking is made from recycled materials, and building scraps can be recycled and reused time and time again, virtually indefinitely. If your current wood deck is beyond repair, it's certainly worth considering aluminum as a long-lasting replacement. That said, each material has its pros and cons, so it's a good idea to take a closer look at all of them before making your decision.

For materials alone, aluminum decking may cost between $1.25 and $2.35 per square foot on average. When it comes to installation, it's perfectly possible to DIY aluminum decking. Some experience of working with metal will help, as will having the appropriate blades for cutting. However, you can likely find all the tools you need to build your deck at Harbor Freight, so it needn't put too big a strain on your budget. That said, if you're not confident in your building skills, it may be best to have the deck installed by a professional, and that will inevitably add to the cost. Labor fees can incur an additional $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot.

One thing that Consumer Reports didn't rate very highly was aluminum's resistance to surface damage, and unlike wood, which can be sanded and refinished, dents in aluminum can be difficult to repair. Given that grip the is only rated as "good" rather than "very good," it also may not be the best option if you're prone to falls or you have boisterous kids running around the place. There are a couple of other potential issues. Aluminum comes in a somewhat limited range of colors, and you can't repaint or stain it any color you like as you might with wood. Aluminum decking can have a natural woodgrain look, but it won't offer the same wood feel underfoot. Besides, it might get hot if it's in direct sunlight, to the extent that you may not always want to walk on it with bare feet.