How to Choose the Right Decking Material for Your Climate

An outdoor room, a party venue, a picnic spot, or maybe that quiet corner where you sip your morning coffee— that's your deck. Your choice of decking should be like a good handshake, firm and inviting, offering comfort to whoever lands there. 

Now, let's dig a little deeper into the business of selecting the best decking material for project. It's essential to pick material that not only makes your deck stand out but also feels comfortable according to where you live. Let's look at Hardwood decking versus Synthetic and Composite dockings. 

 

Understanding Regional Climate Factors and Your Decking Choice

Every deck is essentially at the mercy of Mother Nature. Sunlight, rain, humidity, temperature swings — they all have their say in how your deck will fare over time. Depending on where you live, some climates can be grueling for certain decking surfaces.

 

 Ipe decking and custom covered cabinets are hardy enough to last decades in an outdoor kitchen area

 

UV Exposure: The sun, though it gives us light and warmth, is also capable of damaging your deck. If you live somewhere with intense heat, say Phoenix or Atlanta, think about materials that can resist the damaging rays.

 

Temperature Fluctuations: Deck materials need to be durable when living in places with significant temperature swings, like New York. Look for decking that can handle both the blistering summers and freezing winters.

 

Humidity Levels: Deck materials should be able to tolerate high humidity and frequent rain. For people living in Seattle or Miami, this means scouting moisture-resistant options to fend off rot and mold growth.

 

Precipitation (rain, snow, ice): Rain-soaked springs? Snow-filled winters? Ice-cold days that feel like they last forever? You'll want decking material with serious fortitude — strong enough to keep mildew at bay come spring showers or hold down the fort during a winter freeze.

 

Saltwater Exposure (for coastal areas): This one gets its own category because salt can cause havoc faster than other weather elements. Corrosion and rust have never been good pals to decks. If you're spending your days beachside on the coast, decking needs to be resistant not just to water damage but also to salt damage.

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Are you interested in a comprehensive guidebook to help you select the best decking for your project and your area? Download the "Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Decking" today.

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Below, a custom Cape Cod, MA Ipe wood pool deck was created with organic curves reminiscent of waves. Ipe hardwood has extremely high fiber density making it ideal for humid climates and salt air. 

 

 

Decking Materials for Various Climates

Now that you made it through the weather science part, let's match up those climate conditions with the appropriate decking material:

Tropical Hardwood Decking 

High density tropical hardwoods like Mataverde Ipe, Jatoba, FSC Machiche, Cumaru, and Garapa are good options for all kinds of climates. These materials are dense, and they naturally battle the forces of nature, decay, and insect damage with a steely resolve.

Add their eye-catching look and we could have a decking material appropriate for blistering heat and freezing cold. Hardwood decking is also appropriate for rooftop decks which get even high exposure high UV and harsh weather.  

Here, FSC Machiche hardwood decking was chosen for a rooftop balcony deck in the foggy Bay Area of California. Hardwood Machiche was specified for its ability to thrive in the high humidity and fluctuating temperatures of the region. 

 

 

Pros of high-density hardwood decking:

• • Mataverde hardwood decking is certified sustainable, responsibly sourced, and can be reused or recycled at the end of its usable lifetime (typically 25 years and longer)

• • Naturally resistant to rot and insects and low porosity, no additional treatments are needed. 

  • High fiber density repels moisture damage and prevents rot, mold, and mildew. 

  • Dense and durable with excellent dimensional stability. 

  • A range of rich, natural colors, gorgeous grain patterns, and exotic figuring for a beautiful deck.

  • Long lifespan of decades, even when weathered gray. 

  • If you like the weathered look, skip the UV protectant and lower the maintenance – hardwoods age to a silvery-satin sheen. It loses very little of its strength when aged gray, unlike less-dense wood decking. Just clean as needed.

  • Incredibly resistant to scratches, gouges and wear and tear.

  • if there is a gouge or scratch from storm damage or heavy impact, it can be sanded out. No need to replace your deck boards.

           

Cons of Hardwood Decking:

• •  High fiber density hardwoods are a little bit more work to install. They require carbide saw blades and drill bits, which are a nominal cost and easily found in hardware stores. The tradeoff is a much stronger, long-lasting deck with a higher return on investment overall. 

• • Maintenance is low, just regular cleaning and reapplying an oil-based UV protectant for dense hardwoods, such as Penofin, as needed. This easily maintains the rich color and keep it looking new.
    
    

RELATED: Hardwood Decking Project Galleries

The durability of hardwood is a huge benefit for residential, institutional and commercial decks alike. A beautiful Garapa wood rooftop deck, below, was recently installed at the Coast Guard Academy on the Connecticut shoreline. The deck gets heavy foot traffic from students as well as the full brunt of harsh New England weather. 

 

Composite Decking

Made of wood fibers and recycled plastics, composite decking offers a weather-resistant option without the need for staining or sealing. It’s appropriate for most climates. Because of the large amount of wood fibers, uncapped composite decking is susceptible to moisture, mold growth and flaking. 

However, composite decking is still made with resins and plastics which can change shape and can get extremely warm under direct sunlight. It can also absorb moisture in humid or stormy climate. 

Pros of Composite Decking:

• • Low-maintenance, comes pre-finished in multiple colors and does not need finishing or refinishing.

  • Medium resistance to fading, staining, and scratching.

  • Appropriate if you prefer a consistent wood-look deck color without the natural variations and patterns of natural wood decking

 Cons of Composite Decking:

• It may feel hot underfoot in direct sunlight
• Sags and bends in high heat
• Shows wear and tear from foot traffic and scratching sooner than hardwood
• Scratches and gouges in composite decking cannot be sanded out
• Scratches and damage require board replacement, so repairs costs are higher
• Will expand in hot weather and shrink in cold weather extremes.
• Requires replacement if damaged in storm debris or high winds
• Not a sustainable or recyclable decking material
• Moisture damage can cause the finish to peel and fade
• It can be prone to mold growth in humid climates.
• Composite decking can be brittle and break easily, especially in cold weather after heavy UV exposure
• Not recyclable

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Below is a good example of composite decking breakage at the fastener, which can happen after high winds. 

 

Synthetic (PVC) Decking

 PVC decking has medium resistance to many weather troublemakers. It offers a consistent wood-look or painted color finish in many shades. However, its plastic-like look may not appeal to everyone. PVC decking also gets hot in sunlight.

 Pros of Plastic Decking:

• • Available in many colors

  • Medium resistance to fading, and cracking

  • Low-maintenance, comes prefinished and does not need refinishing or staining

  • Lightweight 

Cons of Plastic Decking:

• • Higher cost than most other decking options

  • Shows wear and tear like foot traffic and scratching

  • Scratches and damage require board replacement

  • Hot days can warp the boards

  • Deck boards sag in high heat

  • It lacks the natural look and feel of wood

  • It looks and feels like plastic underfoot

  • It can become very hot in direct sunlight

  • Susceptible to cracking in freezing temperatures
    

 

Below is a customer's photo of their popular brand PVC decking after 5 years of New England weather exposure. You can easily see the warping and changes to the board shape. 

 

 

High Density Hardwood versus Cedar and Redwood Decking

Light softwood options have a natural resistance against insects and can last many years, even weathered, making them good choices across varied climates. Western Red Cedar and redwood also have a natural look and feel that blends well with many landscapes. 

So, how about damp or humid climates? Without the high fiber density of hardwoods, softwoods are much more susceptible to these threats, mold, and mildew, and require additional upkeep. Cedar must be refinished or repainted regularly to prevent rotting.

In areas where wet weather is common, these woods require frequent staining or sealing to keep moisture out. Snowy conditions will also require additional maintenance since they aren't heavily dense like tropical hardwoods. If you want your deck to gray, consider that weathered softwoods have increased maintenance needs and a can check and split more easily. 

 

 

High density, tropical hardwoods are also less costly than similar grades of Redwood or Cedar decking, which will have much a higher upfront investment. 

Pros of Cedar softwood decking:

• • Natural resistance to rot and insects

  • Beautiful, natural appearance

  • Relatively lightweight 

Cons of Cedar softwood decking:

• • Expect high prices for the upper grades of cedar

  • Low fiber density gives it a lower resistance to rot, decay, mold and mildew

  • Requires regular maintenance to prevent decay

  • It may be prone to splintering and warping over time 

  • Weathered Cedar and Redwood require additional maintenance

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Looking for more information about comparing decking materials?

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Other Things to Keep in Mind When Designing A Deck

 

An Ipe deck that has weathered to its' naturally satiny-silver patina

 

The weather might be the main factor affecting your choice of decking materials, but there are still other things to keep in mind: 

Always Safety First 

Remember that some decking can get hotter under direct UV? The hotter certain materials get under the sun, the more dangerous they become for bare feet. While you might think it’s ok to brave the burn, kids and pets might not be as prepared for scorched feet. 

If you live somewhere that receives intense sunlight throughout most of the year, keep this in mind when comparing wood decking to composite and synthetic materials. 

Hardwoods are also a safe choice since they have incredibly high bending strength and are excellent when designing decks with high-weight items like hot tubs, benches, furniture, or planters. 

Mind the Upkeep 

It's true; some materials require more attention than others. You may be okay with a practice of staining or sealing when needed if you have a natural wood aesthetic in mind. Or you may want to weather your deck to natural gray. Hardwoods are perfect for these options. 

Do composite and synthetics win points for needing little more than a regular cleaning?

Yes and no.

While wood-look options can save time with refinishing, they could easily require more annual repairs. This includes storm damage and impact from flying debris in high winds. 

Composites and synthetics can last many years, but will show wear and tear, chips, cracks and damage much sooner than hardwoods and may “ugly out” before it wears out and needs replacement. 

Functionality Matters 

Surely, your deck must boast good looks to impress neighbors and guests alike, but don't forget what functionality gets you: a long-lasting gathering spot for everybody. You should also consider how much foot traffic your deck will have before making the call on materials. 

Cost Considerations 

Building a deck is an investment. Everyone has a budget to meet, and the cost of building a deck will certainly affect what kind of decking material you end up choosing. While some materials may have a lower initial cost, they may require more frequent maintenance over the years. This adds up to potential costs in the long run. 

Options like tropical hardwoods are comparable in price to many composites and synthetic decking but will save you from spending additional money on maintenance and repairs year-over-year and offer a longer, more sustainable, lifespan. You're investing in many fruitful years of use, after all.

 

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Climate-Specific Traits 

It's not just about “what works” but also “what works best” for your specific climate requirements. Here are some recommendations for common climates: 

Hot and Dry Climates

For those in desert-like climates such as Arizona or Southern California, a hardwood can endure prolonged UV exposure without warping or fading, while composite materials are less resistant to intense heat.

To fully enjoy the time spent on your deck, FSC Machiche wood, shown below, gives you rich color and stays beautiful in hot, dry weather. Minimum maintenance lets you spend more time on the deck relaxing. 

 

 

Hot and Humid Climates 

In moisture-rich environments like Florida or Louisiana, beating the heat and humidity are key. Tropical hardwoods stand strong against swampy air because they're less prone to water absorption, and less water means fewer chances for mold and mildew to creep in. They also hold well against insects and rot, making them quite a good addition.

A Garapa wood deck on a beach house rooftop, below mid-installation, on the island of Jupiter, Florida. The high moisture content, strong UV, insects, and harsh storms in the region are significant considerations when selecting wood decking material. Garapa had the look of teak at a more cost effective price and very high damage resistance against all of these factors. It was used for the rainscreen wood siding, too. 

 

Cold Climates 

If you're calling places like Minnesota or Idaho home, where the thermometer reading sometimes disappears into deep negatives, hardwood is ideal, too. The high fiber density of hardwood lets it withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without bending, splitting or warping.

Consider the second floor deck below, used in all seasons with the hot tub. To take advantage of a hot tub or outdoor fireplace in any weather your decking should be up to the job. Hardwood can handle heavy snow and ice without splitting or checking. 

 

 

Coastal Areas

When living by the coast, in places like Cape Cod or Malibu, you've got to deal with salt air and sea spray. Again, tropical hardwoods can save the day with their impressive resistance not just to moisture damage but also to salt damage. Always use stainless steel fasteners in salt water environments.

Ipe hardwood was selected for this Malibu rooftop deck, below on a beachside event center, with high UV and salt air in mind.

 

 

For the Love of Your Deck 

Maybe the deck is more an idea than an actual structure at this point. Or maybe you're looking to replace an old deck that's clearly had better days. Either way, remember that where your deck stands, weather-wise and use-wise, matters most when choosing the perfect material. 

With a lifespan of decades, the right deck not only adds a visual appeal to your home but can also serve as the backdrop for countless memories. Take your time in making this decision, do your research, and pick the material that not only complements your landscape but also thrives in your particular climate conditions.