Your home’s deck is an extension of your home, adding extra space during good weather, becoming a gathering spot for parties and other fun and serving as a beautiful reminder of your style every time you look out your windows. However, decks cannot last forever, and none can last as long as your house itself can because it is greatly exposed to the elements with no protective roofs or walls around it. While your deck will not last forever, there are a few ways that you can preserve your deck to get the most use out of it as possible.

How Long Will Your Deck Last?

The length of life that your deck will have depends on several factors. Even the way it was designed can affect the deck’s lifespan directly. However, the most important thing to look at as you consider this question is what materials were used in the construction of your deck.

Composite Decks

The longest-lasting decks are those made from composite materials. Composite decks used to look a bit like plastic but are much more realistic these days. Because they are made from plastic, vinyl or PVC, these decks stand up to traffic and the elements quite well. They do not rot or warp. Not only is composite easy to care for, but also it can last a minimum of 25 years. With excellent care, some may even last up to 50 years.

Wooden Decks

Wooden decks are seen quite frequently and were always considered to be the more traditional choice. All-wood construction is often cheaper and looks very realistic. However, it may not hold up well in moist climates where rotting can be a real problem. If your wood deck is not well-maintained, it may only last 10 to 15 years. However, if you perform regular maintenance and choose quality wood, you may be able to see up to 40 years of use from your deck. Longer lifespans are particularly feasible with cedar, mahogany or pressure-treated wood. Proper maintenance will include regular cleaning and sealing of the wood and protection from the elements.

No matter what your deck is made from, it will not last forever. However, there are several steps that you can take for eking out every last bit of use from your wood or composite deck by protecting it from the elements, caring for it regularly and understanding what upkeep your particular style of deck requires.

Because your deck is a major investment to your home and one that you can enjoy for decades, we recommend that you choose your original deck design and materials thoughtfully so that you can avoid expensive repairs and replacements in the future. At Armor Fence, we offer reliable and beautiful decks in a variety of designs that can match all types of old or new houses. No matter what size or style you want, we can work with your unique needs and desires to create the deck of your dreams.