STL Restoration Pros
Deck Builders

The classic. For decades, ALL decks were built of simple pressure treated lumber, because vinyl and composite hadn't been invented yet. Depending on the type of wood, the initial cost could be significantly lower than composite if you choose a pressure treated wood, or if you go with an exotic hardwood such as Ipe, the initial cost could be higher than composite. However, wooden decks are susceptible to rot, mold, insect damage, and splintering.

In order to keep those problems at bay, you'll need to re-paint or re-stain your wooden deck every summer.

To keep your wood deck looking like new routine maintenance is required. Pressure treated wood needs annual maintenance such as power washing, sanding, and re-staining, while hardwood is more resistant to insects and rotting there is still annual maintenance required. At STL Restoration Pros we can set up an annual or semi-annual inspection and maintenance schedule to help keep your deck looking its best.

Quite possibly the best decking material on the market, vinyl boasts all of the maintenance-free advantages of composite with a distinct luxury look and feel. Vinyl decking comes in a variety of color shades, including a beautiful wood-grain pattern for rustic designs.

When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards. Plus, while any material left in the sun will show fading, vinyl is also better protected against color fading than composite. All of these advantages do come at a price though — vinyl is the most expensive of the deck material options on the market.

One of the most commonly used railing systems for a composite deck is composite material. These are made from a mixture of wood particles and plastic and are extremely weather-resistant and maintenance-free. Composite rails require zero maintenance thanks to their ability to repel water and withstand constant exposure to the elements. It does a good job of being a convincing wood doppelganger while being more resistant to the elements.

Wooden deck railings are the most traditional style available. They are extremely customizable and come in a variety of designs such as pressure treated lumber, cedar, mahogany, and redwood. You can pick from many species of wood, each with its own defining color, hardness, and special characteristics. Pressure treated lumber is the most budget friendly choice and is also very durable despite its lower cost.

It holds up well to the outdoor elements while being easy to paint, stain, and refinish.

Other than wood species, you also have many railing design patterns to decide between. The most common choice is the traditional deck railing design. Trendier designs include more complex interlocking patterns or lattice panels for a more custom look.

Aluminum/Metal rails are also a very popular option. They are most popularly manufactured from aluminum, galvanized steel, and iron. Metal rails are very customizable and can be made into many different shapes thanks to the malleable nature of metal. The balusters can be made thinner than wood because of their extra durability, allowing better viewing beyond and behind the deck railing.

Cable railing is a newer and trendy choice that allows for the clearest view from your deck. They have a sleek and modern look that can pair well with more contemporary houses. Cables provide a sturdy barrier between the inside and outside of the deck that won't obscure the view.