Choosing the Right Decking Material for Your Outdoor Living Space
When planning a new deck or remodeling an existing one, one of the first and most important choices you’ll make is selecting the best decking material. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to decide which one suits your style, budget, and long-term needs. At Shur-way Building Center, we’ve spent over 40 years helping homeowners and contractors choose quality deck supplies in Portland, OR that enhance outdoor living spaces and stand the test of time.
From the natural beauty of cedar to the modern durability of composite decking, each material has its own strengths. Understanding their differences helps you create a deck that not only looks stunning but performs well for years to come. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular types of deck materials, explain their benefits, and help you make an informed decision for your next outdoor project.
Understanding the Options: What Deck Materials Are Available?
Decking materials generally fall into two main categories: natural wood and composite materials. Each type offers distinct characteristics, from appearance and maintenance requirements to longevity and cost.
Natural Wood Decking
For those who love the warmth and authenticity of real wood, traditional decking remains a timeless favorite. At Shur-way Building Center, we’ve worked with premium woods for decades, offering a wide selection of high-quality lumber products that bring character and natural beauty to your outdoor space.
- Cedar: One of the most popular deck materials in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to its rich color, natural resistance to insects, and pleasant aroma. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and offers a rustic, classic appearance. However, cedar requires periodic staining or sealing to maintain its color and prevent moisture damage.
- Pressure-Treated Douglas Fir: This material combines affordability with durability. Treated to resist rot, mold, and insects, it’s ideal for structural framing or decks that need long-lasting strength.
- Exotic Hardwoods (like Ipe or Tigerwood): For those seeking a luxurious and durable option, tropical hardwoods are robust and weather-resistant. They provide a rich finish and can last for decades with proper care.
Wood decks are unmatched in their natural feel and aesthetic appeal. Many homeowners love the tactile warmth of real lumber and the satisfaction of a surface that can be sanded, refinished, or stained to match changing preferences.
Composite Decking
Composite materials are a modern alternative to natural wood, offering the look of timber with less maintenance. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and synthetic polymers, composite decks are engineered to withstand years of outdoor exposure without fading, warping, or rotting.
At Shur-way Building Center, we carry leading composite brands such as Trex, TimberTech, and Tamko—known for their durability, beauty, and low-maintenance performance. Composite boards are available in a variety of finishes and colors that mimic natural wood grains, allowing homeowners to achieve the desired look without the upkeep.
Key benefits of composite decking include:
- Exceptional resistance to moisture and weather damage
- Minimal maintenance—no annual staining or sealing required
- A smooth, splinter-free surface ideal for families and pets
- Long-term color retention and structural integrity
Composite decking has become the go-to choice for many homeowners who value convenience and longevity. It’s a wise investment that maintains its beauty with minimal effort.
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Why Choosing the Right Deck Material Matters
Your choice of deck material affects much more than just the look of your outdoor space. It impacts durability, maintenance, comfort, and even long-term value.
Durability and Longevity
In the Pacific Northwest, decks must withstand rain, humidity, and seasonal temperature changes. Selecting the right material ensures your structure holds up under these conditions. Composite materials, for example, excel in moisture resistance, while cedar naturally resists decay and insects when properly maintained.
Maintenance Requirements
Think about how much time you want to spend maintaining your deck. Wood decks require periodic sealing, staining, or refinishing, while composite materials need only occasional cleaning with soap and water. Both can last for decades when properly cared for—it simply depends on how hands-on you want to be.
Aesthetic Appeal
The deck is often an extension of your living space. Whether you prefer the timeless look of natural wood or the sleek modern appearance of composite boards, the material you choose sets the tone for your entire outdoor area. Shur-way Building Center offers a broad range of colors, textures, and finishes, ensuring you find the right look for your home.
Cost and Value
Initial costs can vary significantly between materials. While natural wood is generally more affordable upfront, composite decking may save money over time through reduced maintenance costs. At Shur-way Building Center, we help customers compare both short-term and long-term costs to find a solution that fits their budget. Prices can vary based on economic conditions and material sourcing, but our team consistently provides transparent quotes and honest advice.
How to Choose the Best Deck Material for Your Home
When selecting your decking, consider these critical factors to guide your decision:
1. Evaluate Your Lifestyle and Maintenance Preferences
If you enjoy the traditional look and feel of real wood and don’t mind periodic maintenance, cedar or hardwood might be your perfect choice. However, if you’d rather spend more time relaxing on your deck than maintaining it, composite materials may be the better fit.
2. Consider Local Climate Conditions
Portland’s wet weather means moisture resistance is key when selecting your decking materials. At Shur-way Building Center, we provide the reliable deck supplies in Portland OR designed to handle the region’s unique climate. Composite decking performs exceptionally well in damp environments, while certain natural woods—like cedar—can also hold up beautifully when properly sealed and maintained.
3. Match the Deck to Your Home’s Architecture
Your deck should complement your home’s design. Traditional homes pair well with the warm tones of natural wood, while contemporary properties often look stunning with modern composite finishes.
4. Plan for Long-Term Use
Think about how you’ll use your deck in the years ahead. If it will host frequent gatherings, durability and low maintenance might take priority. If it’s meant as a quiet retreat, aesthetics and feel may matter more.
5. Visit a Trusted Local Supplier
At Shur-way Building Center, we encourage our customers to visit our location to see and feel materials in person. We’ll walk you through every option, explain the pros and cons, and help you choose the best fit for your space.
Bringing It All Together: Choosing the Best Deck Materials with Shur-way
Building a deck is more than just a construction project—it’s an investment in your home and lifestyle. The right decking material will bring beauty, functionality, and enjoyment for years to come. Whether you prefer the natural appeal of wood or the lasting convenience of composite, Shur-way Building Center offers the highest-quality deck supplies in Portland, OR, to bring your outdoor vision to life.
We take pride in helping every customer make confident, informed decisions. With over four decades of industry experience, a large in-stock selection, and a reputation built on honesty and reliability, we’re your trusted partner from planning to completion. Visit or call us today to explore our full range of decking materials and start designing the outdoor living space you’ve always dreamed of.
Other Building Supplies We Provide
- Building Materials in Portland, OR: From framing lumber to finish materials, we stock a complete line of quality building products for any construction project.
- Building Supplies in Portland, OR: Tools, hardware, and accessories to make your project seamless from start to finish.
- Deck Materials in Portland, OR: The region’s largest selection of composite and natural wood decking from trusted brands like Trex and TimberTech.
- Fence Materials in Portland, OR: Durable wood, metal, and vinyl fencing materials to suit both residential and commercial needs.
- Lumber Yards in Portland, OR: Locally sourced, high-quality lumber for every stage of your building or remodeling project.
- Raised Garden Bed Materials in Portland, OR: Eco-friendly lumber and materials for garden beds and outdoor landscaping projects.
- Roofing Materials in Portland, OR: Weather-resistant shingles and roofing products designed for long-lasting protection.
- Siding Materials in Portland, OR: Attractive and durable siding options to improve your home’s curb appeal and energy efficiency.
Do You Need Deck Supplies?
Don’t wait—Call us and start designing your dream outdoor living space!