Guide to Decking Products and Equipment

Choose wood decking for a warm, inviting look

When it comes to decking materials, you have several options. If you want to use wood decking for your outdoor deck, consider traditional wooden planks or wooden tiles. Composite wood decking typically costs less than natural wood.

I recommend: Hardwood Home sells four types of eco-friendly wooden tiles, including these durable Grapia decking tiles, which will withstand harsh winters. EverGrain Composite Decking sells deck boards in three colors that emulate the natural color variations of real wood. For more wood decking suppliers, check the listings at Business.com.

Choose aluminum decking for easy maintenance

Aluminum decking is virtually maintenance free and is both waterproof and fireproof.

I recommend: LockDry aluminum decking is available in four colors and won’t rot or rust. Xccent’s DryDeck aluminum decking is watertight and comes in three neutral shades. A number of aluminum decking vendors can be found in Business.com’s steel decking listings.

Find the right decking equipment

Building an outdoor deck requires a great deal of decking equipment. Stock up on all necessary decking equipment before beginning your project.

I recommend: For a good list of decking equipment you may need, consult this decking tools and materials checklist. If you’re working with wood, this Bowrench deck tool from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware will allow you to bend several boards simultaneously. At Home Depot you can find this heavy duty deck screwdriver with high torque for deck building.

Use software to create your outdoor deck

Whether you're building your first outdoor deck or you're a seasoned pro, using software can help you visualize the project.

I recommend: Do-it-Yourself Deck Designer Software allows you to create complete plans and shopping lists to simplify the process. If you can’t visualize what you want your outdoor deck to look like, Decks USA offers a CD-ROM that contains photos of more than 360 deck designs to help get you started. 

Protect your outdoor deck and your customers

Sealants and stains are some of the most important decking products and equipment and are necessary to preserve the look and quality of your masterpiece. Deck stains and sealers can help repel water, resist mildew and prevent fading in high traffic areas. Oil-based finishes tend to hold their color a bit longer, but water-based finishes tend to be more durable. To keep an outdoor deck from becoming a slip hazard for customers, consider using non-skid deck coating.

I recommend: Lowe's offers a wide variety of decking materials, such as deck stains and sealants, along with how-to instructions for cleaning and sealing your outdoor deck. You can also buy a polyurethane non-skid deck coating that is suitable for all substrates.