Alternatives to Wooden Decking in Boston, Massachusetts

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Traditional wood decking, while unique in many aspects, often leads homeowners to explore alternatives to wooden decking. It has a distinct pattern and color palette unmatched by synthetic materials, yet many seek materials that still provide the pleasant feel of natural wood without its maintenance demands.

However, its organic origin is a source of attractive features and weakening points, such as vulnerability to moisture and insects. If you don’t have enough time, money, or skills to invest in maintaining the deck’s appearance, you should consider alternatives to wooden decking. Due to the continuous technological progress, you can choose from multiple options.

Decking Options with Boards

If you search for alternative decking materials that at least resemble natural wood in style and pattern, you should explore different types of deck boards. Not all of them are eco-friendly or look like authentic timber. Still, each of them will decrease your expenses on maintenance and aftercare.

Alternatives to Wooden Decking: Bamboo Decking

Definition & Brief Description

Although bamboo is technically a grass, decking boards made of this material are the closest to lumber in their defining traits. There are woven and non-woven boards. The first one shows more strength, while the latter will cost you less.

Its longevity is approximately equal to the lifespan of hardwood, which is 15 years. Yet, it is more resilient, lightweight, and resistant to moisture.

Price

Timber prices tend to display significant fluctuations over recent years. However, in most cases, you will spend more on bamboo decking than on wood, and premium wood can be expensive. Therefore, if you are on a budget, review other options.

Lifespan

When taken care of properly, this material can withstand deteriorating factors, such as moisture, UV light, mold, or insects, for a long time. Still, stain and seal it regularly if you want it to last longer than 10–15 years and preserve its eye-pleasing appearance.

Advantages & Shortcomings

Perks	Inconveniences
It displays enhanced resilience.	It still requires regular staining and sealing.
It is 100% recyclable, natural, and lightweight.	Its price is slightly higher.

Alternatives to Wooden Decking: Composite Decking

Definition & Brief Description

Composite decking is a combination of plastic and wood. As a result, it is not 100% recyclable. Still, a substantial part of it consists of natural material.

Price

Its price is substantially higher, but for a valid reason. Composite boards need almost no maintenance due to their impressive resilience and durability. Thus, with this material, you can take costs to preserve your deck’s appearance out of the equation.

Lifespan

This alternative to traditional wood decking is known for its longevity. Uncapped composite will serve you at least five extra years, compared to a timber deck. Sunlight, pests, rot, and even moisture can’t damage capped composite. So, you can expect its lifespan to be 25–30 years.

Advantages & Shortcomings

Perks	Inconveniences
Durability and longevity	Higher price
You can style it similarly to timber texture.	It is partly recyclable, but in some cases, it can look artificial.
This deck calls for almost no maintenance.	To avoid issues like bowing or sagging, you have to make sure that you have the instruments and expertise to install them correctly.

Alternatives to Wooden Decking: PVC Decking

Definition & Brief Description

It is an example of a 100% plastic alternative to wooden decking. Usually, it consists of polymers (polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride). Therefore, this variant is perfect for those who wish to trade a natural feel for simple installation and minimal maintenance.

Price

PVC decking prices can fluctuate significantly, depending on the quality of the material. Some options cost as much as a premium hardwood. Yet, you can also select one of many budget-friendly variants.

Lifespan

PVC decking can survive almost anything. Therefore, it reduces your chances of encountering rot, mold, bugs, or other form of decay in the foreseeable future. Moreover, capped PVC boards can last up to 50 years.

Advantages & Shortcomings

Perks	Inconveniences
Unprecedented longevity	It is not environmentally friendly.
Maintenance-free and easy-to-install technology	Its lifespan largely depends on the plastic’s quality. Thus, the financial benefits can be not as substantial as you expect.
Noise-free & barefoot-friendly

Aluminum Decking

Definition & Brief Description

If you want something eco-friendly, durable, and maintenance-free, aluminum decking should be a viable option. These boards consist of recycled aluminum that can be finished or colored. However, it’s hard to say that the final product does a decent job of imitating lumber texture.

Price

Of course, metal is not a low-price option. Yet, it’s not an expensive one either. Still, you risk facing challenges finding a place that offers this decking material.

Lifespan

Generally, you can count on 40 years of service. Even if you completely abandon your aluminum deck during this time, you won’t see any termites, mold, rust, or rot.

Advantages & Shortcomings

Perks	Inconveniences
Maintenance-free	It is a rare guest on the market.
This material is lightweight, resilient, and resistant to damaging factors.	Usually, it has a protective coating against water. Still, it can be very noisy during rain (plus, it is noisy in other circumstances too).
Eco-friendly	Other alternatives can be more affordable.

Vinyl Decking

Definition & Brief Description

Vinyl decking means you will have a waterproof membrane over your boards. Furthermore, some coatings can absorb impact, resist stains, scratches, and sunlight, or remain barefoot-friendly.

Price

Vinyl is in the middle of the price range compared with other alternative options. However, additional coating upgrades can be expensive.

Lifespan

If you choose your contractor with the gravity the matter deserves, your deck will serve you for up to 30 years.

Advantages & Shortcomings

Perks	Inconveniences
Longevity, resistance to multiple deteriorating factors	Extra coatings can be costly.

Concrete Decking

Definition & Brief Description

This method implies that you put a print on poured concrete to create a deck design that will be durable and aesthetically pleasing. Hence, you can select the pattern of any wood that suits your taste.

Of course, walking on a concrete surface is comfortable, but not to the same extent as on a wooden one. Yet, this material is invincible to many enemies of timber, such as water, insects, mold, rot, or UV rays. Issues like splinters, stains, cracks, and creaks won’t bother you either.

Price

You might not witness huge profits immediately after replacing timber decking with concrete. Yet, from a distant perspective, you will benefit significantly from keeping your maintenance costs to a minimum.

Lifespan

It will last 25–50 years, depending on the climate and weather in your area.

Advantages & Shortcomings

Perks	Inconveniences
Durable and easy to install (you can add extra elements, such as fire pits or stairs, without breaking a sweat)	This deck is impossible to reshape or remodel after you complete the installation.
This deck needs almost zero maintenance.	Climate with harsh winters can significantly shorten your deck’s lifespan.
You can imprint the pattern of any wood on a concrete surface.

Decking Surfaces from Tiles

Interlocking Deck Tiles

Definition & Brief Description

This is not an alternative decking material. It is more of an alternative installation method. You can use any material you like, including vinyl, rubber paver tiles (they consist of high-density rubber), PVC, composite, or even grass.

Price

Generally, they cost more than traditional board materials. Yet, they compensate for it with interchangeable puzzle pieces and a simple installation process.

Alternative Patio Formats

If you want a patio that doesn’t require regular maintenance or a complex installation process and also incorporates natural materials, there are alternative patio formats that deserve your attention:

• Pallet decking. All its parts are from lumber, but, as a unit, it’s more affordable and easy to deal with.
• Gravel. But you need to install a gravel grid system to compact the particles. Otherwise, you won’t be able to walk or place furniture on this surface.
• Concrete or natural stone paving. It is an easy-to-build, relatively low-price, long-lasting, and organic solution for your patio project.

Choosing Alternative Decking Materials in Boston, Massachusetts

With fluctuating timber prices and occasional intense amounts of rain or snow, Boston calls for a deck out of more resilient material. Concrete, vinyl, PVC, aluminum, and even capped composite decking boards will suit this requirement. In other aspects, you should choose the variant that matches your aesthetic and other preferences.

To ensure the best choice and proper installation, it’s advisable to consult with professionals with expertise in selecting and installing various decking materials, especially in Boston’s unique climate.

Conclusion

Some available deck alternatives are more affordable, while others will substantially increase your budget. Many of them have lower maintenance requirements. For other ones, you will need advanced skills and special tools. Overall, the contemporary market provides access to various alternatives to wooden decking, and you shall find the one that fits your dream project.