If you’ve recently begun shopping around for new decking or if you’re building your first deck, then you’ve likely heard the phrase maintenance-free decking thrown around as if it were some sort of magical ingredient that makes deck building easier, cheaper, and much more environmentally friendly. But here’s the question nobody seems to be asking: is maintenance-free decking really worth it?

What does it mean for a decking to be maintenance free?

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a decking that will last for years without any maintenance, then you might want to look into Unifloor. This particular type of decking is made from recycled plastic and features an anti-slip coating that makes it incredibly durable and easy to clean. This means there is no need to worry about staining, fading or discoloration over time. The product also resists mold and mildew, which can be a huge problem when it comes to wood decks. Unifloor is available in a variety of colors, textures and patterns so you can find the perfect match for your outdoor space.

Are there any different materials for decks that are maintenance free?

There are a few different materials that offer some form of maintenance free decking. Unifloor is a composite decking material that is made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, and its 100% maintenance free. This material doesn't require staining or sealing, and it can be left outdoors year round in all types of weather conditions with no adverse effects. Unifloor is also resistant to mold, mildew, insects, rot, warping and fading. These features make it the perfect choice for those looking for a low maintenance deck surface! Another option is to go with aluminum, which won't rust over time, will never warp, crack or splinter. The biggest downside of aluminum decks is that they're not very visually appealing as they don't have any grain pattern like real wood does; however this means there's nothing for bugs and fungi to hide in. If you're looking for an alternative way to have your own private backyard paradise without ever having to worry about maintenance again then these two options might be what you're after!

Conclusion – do you need a maintenance free deck?

There are three types of maintenance free decking materials available for you to choose from. They are cedar, composite, and vinyl. Cedar is the most expensive, but it lasts the longest. Cedar also has a natural look that many people enjoy aesthetically and is often more resistant to rot than other types of wood decking. Vinyl is the least expensive option with a low initial cost, but you may need to replace it in fifteen years or less as it will deteriorate faster than any other type of material. Composite decks are made from various combinations of materials such as PVC and polyurethane that can last up to 30 years before any major repairs need to be done. The key question here is if your deck needs regular maintenance now, then you should consider a different type of wood or even an alternative material altogether. If you want something that looks natural and blends well with your outdoor space then I would recommend looking into getting a cedar deck installed.

If price point is important to you then vinyl may work best for your needs as long as it’s not going to be in direct sunlight on a regular basis. It might seem like composite boards would be the cheapest solution when considering both initial cost and upkeep costs down the line, but they are actually the most expensive of all three options by quite a bit once those costs have been considered.