Theres some companies that, over the last several years, have switched almost exclusively to steel framing for decks and porches. Here are some characteristics of each material so that you can make a wise decition on which one to use.
Metal:
Porches and decks made of metal, are ussually made of steel. Its characteristics and price make it a great option for structures like this.
With a steel frame, surfaces always remain flat, it will always remain stabile, uniform & precise.Steel is also really durable,it's resistant to rot and termites as well as fire. You also have to consider it's strength An 8 inch tall, light gauge steel joist can typically cantilever 4 feet beyond its last support beam. Longer allowable spans with steel generally translate into less vertical posts and footing. And if you love the enviroment, steel framing is essentially chemical free compared to pressure treated lumber. Steel Framing is also a sustainable and recyclable resource.
Wood Composite
Wood composite decking is made of real wood fibers and man-made plastic material. It’s also known as wood-polymer composites, wood alternatives or synthetic decking. It’s weather resistant, stain resistant, and lightweight. Plus it won't splinter or rot. Composite wood is more linear, which makes it difficult to put bends and curves into your porch design. It’s possible to cut composite wood to fit rounded porch shapes, but it requires more engineering, more time and more money.
Some of the cons of composite deck material are that many brands look obviously cheap and fake. Some brands can also be slippery. Eventually the composite material will show signs of age and deterioration, especially if your deck is exposed to direct sunlight which makes composite material more likely fade. Another con is that composite tends to sag and bend more than real wood.
Wood
Lastly, let’s talk about the most popular, traditional deck material, wood. Real wood has natural warmth and beauty and many species are fairly inexpensive. However, wood is high maintenance, requiring regular sealing. If not maintained, wood can split, crack, change color, and rot. It is also prone to insect damage.
You can choose pressure treated wood which has preservatives added to it. This makes the wood more resistant to the elements, rot and insects. But pressure treated decking can have an unnatural color, it warps or bends, some folks dislike the fact that it has chemicals added it.
As with most of our choices for our new homes, we’ll have to make some compromises with whatever deck material we choose. No one material is the perfect choice for everyone, so weigh the pros and cons thoughtfully.
City Porches
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