What's the Best Material to make a Deck Of?

In Denver and Colorado Springs, the right deck surface is the one that handles altitude, sun, and freeze thaw without constant upkeep.Therefore, when we evaluate materials for decks, we look at UV exposure at altitude, freeze–thaw, wind, and whether the deck sits over living space. From a Colorado contractor’s view, the right pick for a backyard platform can be very different from the right pick for a balcony or roof deck that must stay dry below. Long story short, the best material is the one that fits your site, your maintenance tolerance, and our local codes and weather. In this article, we'll navigate different factor that affect and determine what material is best to make your deck out of.

How Colorado’s Climate Shapes Materials for Decks

Before we compare products, we start with climate. The National Weather Service’s office publishes seasonal snowfall history that helps us plan footing depths, drainage, and finish durability. In addition, UV forecasts from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and local UV dashboards remind us that high-elevation sun can accelerate color fade and finish breakdown, which is one reason many homeowners move away from frequent re-staining.

What this means for you: if you want warm wood tones and you are willing to maintain them, choose a species and finish system that tolerates sun and moisture. If you want low upkeep, look at composite boards, PVC boards, or a vinyl walking-surface membrane, each used in the right context. Duradek of Colorado evaluates materials for decks against those realities on every project.

Materials for Decks: What Options Are Available?

1. Wood

Pressure-treated lumber and naturally durable species like cedar or redwood deliver a natural look and a familiar feel underfoot. However, they need care. The U.S. Forest Service explains that exterior wood, without proper maintenance, can check, crack, and support mildew, which increases decay risk. For treated wood selection and use, the Forest Service released a publication that summarizes preservative systems and service-life expectations, which is a useful reference when you are choosing species and treatments for on-grade versus elevated locations.

Pros we see locally: Wood is cost-effective to start, easy to repair, and flexible for custom details.

Cons to plan for: Periodic washing and re-coating, more frequent color change at altitude, and attention to end-grain sealing and ledger flashing to limit moisture problems. Safety organizations such as NADRA also highlight ledger attachment and water management as critical to durability and safety, which applies to any wood-framed deck.

2. Composites and PVC Boards

If you want less maintenance, composites and PVC boards are popular along the Front Range. Editorial roundups for 2025 point to continued growth in wood-alternative decking due to durability and reduced upkeep, which fits our high-UV climate.

Pros we see locally: Stable color options, simple cleaning, and good performance through freeze–thaw when installed per manufacturer instructions.

Cons to weigh: Higher initial cost, heat buildup on dark colors in full sun, and expansion space that must be detailed correctly.

3. Vinyl Membranes and Under-tile Systems

For balconies and roof decks where you need a finished walking surface and a waterproof roof in one, a fully adhered PVC membrane is often the right answer. In those scenarios, Duradek Ultra is the preferred material to install. The product has an ICC-ES evaluation report confirming compliance when installed as specified. When the design calls for a porcelain or stone finish, we specify Tiledek as the waterproof underlayment beneath the tile assembly, then coordinate with the tile contractor.

Where these shine in Colorado: Roof decks in urban Denver, walkable balconies in multifamily, or patios over garages in hilly neighborhoods. These assemblies protect the structure below while delivering a clean, slip-resistant surface above. They also reduce recurring finishing costs because the walking surface is the waterproofing. For many clients, this category of materials for decks is the best fit whenever keeping interior spaces dry is the priority.

4. Aluminum, plus Railings

Aluminum appears in two places. First, some homeowners choose aluminum deck boards. Consumer explainers note its high durability, fade resistance with modern coatings, and fire resistance, which some owners value near wildland–urban interface areas. A clear, accessible overview is available from Today’s Homeowner.

Second, aluminum is our go-to for railings because it is rigid, low maintenance, and holds color well when powder coated to recognized standards. Durarail’s powder coat process is designed to meet AAMA performance specifications for long-term durability, with options aligned to AAMA 2603 and 2604, and upgrades available to 2605. You can see Duradek coating information here.

How we apply this locally: we commonly pair low-upkeep rails with any deck surface, whether wood, composite, or a membrane. That mix keeps views open on elevated decks in places like Castle Pines or Palmer Lake while reducing repainting in high UV.

How We Help You Choose the Right Materials for Decks

Because every property is different, our recommendation starts with your site and your use case, then we narrow the choices.

• Backyard platforms on grade: Wood if you love the natural look and are comfortable with annual care, composite or PVC if you want minimal maintenance, aluminum boards if you want a highly durable, non-organic surface. We will discuss heat and color choices for full-sun exposures.

• Balconies and roof decks over living space: A fully adhered vinyl walking surface such as Duradek Ultra, or Tiledek under a porcelain or stone finish, so the space below stays dry. We design the transitions to doors and rail posts carefully and submit details with your permit to align with Denver’s current code adoption.

• Elevated decks with views: We often combine composite or PVC boards with aluminum railings for low upkeep and clean sightlines.

  
  

Bottom Line from a Colorado Contractor

The bottom line is, there's no universal champion when it comes down to materials for decks. The final decision will be based on what matches exposure, structure, and your maintenance preferences while also having the appropriate functionality for Colorado's climate. At Duradek of Colorado, we are highly experienced professionals who work across Denver and Colorado Springs helping homes create a perfect deck to fit their personal needs while maintaining quality and performance over time. If you're looking for an experienced contractor, contact us today to receive a quote and clear plan that fits your budget and how you actually live outside.