ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 10 of 45
u2190 Material Comparison Pt.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Roof Material Pt.2 u2192
→ See the complete Wood Deck DIY Guide
2026 Note from DIY Dad: Choosing Deck Materials
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Pressure-Treated Deck Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is the baseline u2014 skip it and you’ll be rebuilding in 5 years.
The most important decision in wood deck planning is material selection — natural wood vs composite, which species — because it determines cost, durability, and maintenance.
Natural Wood vs Composite (WPC)
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Deck Stains & Waterproof Sealers
Stain every 2u20133 years. It’s the single cheapest way to double deck lifespan.
- Natural wood — pros: real wood feel and warmth, lower cost. Cons: regular painting required, risk of rot and termites
- Composite (WPC) — pros: does not rot, minimal maintenance, consistent quality. Cons: more expensive, gets very hot in summer, artificial appearance
I chose natural hardwood (Bangkirai) — for the real wood feel and better cost.
Structural Member Material Selection
I used aluminum tube for the structural frame — natural wood warmth for the decking, aluminum durability for the structure.
Roof Material Selection
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Deck Screws & Fasteners
Use stainless screws only u2014 standard screws rust and stain the deck within one rainy season.
Adding a roof provides: use in rainy weather, reduced decking wear, cooler summer conditions. DIY Dad built a pergola structure with polycarbonate panel roofing.
Originally published: 2017-04-17. I started by researching flat panel roofing materials — the kind used for sunroom walls and roofs:
Polycarbonate Flat Sheet
Relative price: 5 / Lifespan: 20 years. High impact resistance, heat resistance, durability, weather resistance, and transparency. Extremely tough — it bends and whitens before it breaks. Currently the standard material for carport roofing. Looks great but the price is high and it requires a proprietary aluminum frame system.
↑ Polycarbonate flat sheet
↑ Polycarbonate flat sheet — usage example
Next, corrugated roofing — many types available:
PVC Corrugated Roofing
Relative price: 1 / Lifespan: 1–3 years. Easy to use with wood substrates for DIY. Good for simple sheds, not recommended for storage buildings.
↑ PVC corrugated roofing
Glass-Fiber Reinforced PVC Corrugated Roofing
Relative price: 1.4 / Lifespan: 5 years. PVC corrugated roofing reinforced with glass fiber for improved durability. Good for garages, terraces, and balconies.
↑ Glass-fiber reinforced PVC corrugated roofing
ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 10 of 45
u2190 Material Comparison Pt.2 u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Roof Material Pt.2 u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
