Choosing the right custom deck materials for your Colorado Springs or Monument home can feel like a challenge. Living in the Pikes Peak region means enjoying breathtaking mountain views, but it also means contending with extreme temperature swings, intense UV radiation, and heavy snow loads that can wreak havoc on the wrong decking. Your deck is an addition and investment that deserves careful consideration.
Stewart Remodeling specializes in helping homeowners navigate important material decisions, drawing on years of local experience that ensure your deck withstands Colorado’s environmental challenges. Our team specializes in building decks that look beautiful from day one through the years to come.
Understanding How Colorado’s Climate Affects Your Custom Deck Materials
In Colorado Springs, it’s not uncommon to experience temperature swings of 40-50 degrees in a single day, which can put enormous stress on your deck materials and fasteners. Constant expansion and contraction cycles can loosen fasteners, create gaps between boards, and compromise the structural integrity of your deck over time. When the weather dips into freezing temperatures, moisture is forced in through tiny cracks and then expands when it freezes, further damaging your deck materials.
UV radiation presents another major challenge for deck materials in our region, particularly at our elevation. At approximately 6,000 feet above sea level, you’re dealing with intense ultraviolet radiation that can cause premature fading, discoloration, and material degradation in many custom deck materials. The combination of intense sunshine and dry air can quickly strip protective finishes from wood and cause synthetic materials to become brittle if they’re not specifically designed for high-altitude environments.
Snow load and moisture considerations round out the trifecta of challenges for Colorado deck owners. Depending on where you live, your deck could need to support significant snow loads. Areas between 6,501-7,000 feet require a 60 psf (pounds per square foot) ground snow load capacity. When that snow melts, proper drainage systems need to be in place to prevent further damage from occurring. With the combination of heavy snow loads and hot, dry summer conditions, your deck materials must be versatile enough to withstand extreme weather without compromising their appearance and durability.
See Also: Transform Your Backyard: Start Planning Now For Your Custom Deck Project
Comparing Custom Deck Materials for Colorado Homes
When considering custom deck materials for your Colorado home, you’ll need to evaluate several options to find the best balance of durability, maintenance requirements, and overall cost:
Composite Decking
Composite decking is very popular in Colorado due to its exceptional performance in harsh conditions. Modern composite materials combine recycled plastic and wood fibers to create boards that resist warping, splitting, fading, and staining. Premium composite decking from reputable manufacturers will typically last 25-30 years, significantly outlasting wood alternatives. While the upfront cost of composite decking ranges from $8 to $18 per square foot, long-term savings often make it an economical choice for many homeowners.
PVC Decking
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is another excellent option for custom deck materials, offering even greater resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew than composite alternatives. PVC decking contains no organic materials, making it completely impervious to water damage, rot, and insect infestation. With proper installation, PVC decking can last beyond 30 years, making it the longest-lasting option available. While PVC typically costs $10 to $15 per square foot, many homeowners find it worthwhile due to its superior performance and minimal maintenance requirements.
Natural Wood Decking
Traditional wood decking, while beautiful and natural, presents significant challenges. Cedar, pine, and pressure-treated lumber typically last only 10-15 years in our harsh conditions, requiring replacement much sooner than synthetic alternatives. If you want your wooden decking to last, you’ll need to commit yourself to annual cleaning, staining, and sealing to prevent UV damage, moisture infiltration, and structural deterioration. Despite wood’s lower initial cost of $2 to $8 per square foot, the ongoing maintenance and shorter lifespan often make it more expensive in the long run.
If you’re committed to the authentic look and feel of wood for your custom deck materials, Stewart Remodeling offers premium hardwoods like Ipe, which provide greater durability in Colorado conditions, potentially lasting 25 years or more with proper care.
Installation Considerations for Colorado’s Climate
Proper installation is just as important as the right custom deck materials:
Support Structure
The foundation and support structure of your deck must be designed to withstand our region’s extreme conditions, starting with appropriate footings. In most regions, deck footings should extend to a minimum depth of 36 inches to prevent heaving and shifting during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, the structural framing should be constructed using pressure-treated lumber designed for ground contact to provide maximum resistance to moisture and insects. Proper spacing between the structural framing is vital, with closer joist spacing (12-16 inches on center rather than the standard 24 inches) recommended for areas with heavy snow loads.
Fasteners and Methods
Your choice of fasteners and fastening methods will impact your deck’s long-term durability. Stainless steel fasteners provide superior protection against corrosion and should be your go-to option. Type 304 stainless is suitable for standard applications, and Type 316 is recommended for high-altitude locations with increased UV exposure. For decks elevated more than 30 inches above ground, hidden fastener systems can create a clean appearance while providing additional protection by eliminating surface penetrations. Proper fastening includes maintaining consistent spacing between boards to allow for expansion and contraction.
Drainage Systems
Effective drainage is vital for all custom deck materials. For proper drainage, your deck should be designed with a slight slope (at least 2% or ¼ inch per foot). For elevated decks, consider installing an under-deck drainage system to protect the structural components and create a usable, dry space underneath your deck. Installing deck joist tape on ledger boards and using water-based sealants can also add to a comprehensive moisture management system that extends your deck’s useful life.
Related: Why Your Deck Turns Into a Swamp Every Time It Rains (And How to Fix It)
How to Choose The Right Deck Material For Your Home
Selecting the right custom deck materials for your Colorado Springs or Monument home requires balancing several important factors unique to our region. Your deck’s exposure to the elements significantly impacts how materials will perform over time, with south and west-facing decks receiving the most intense sun exposure and UV radiation. Your lifestyle and how you use your deck should influence your material choice. If you entertain frequently or have children and pets, more durable, scratch-resistant materials might be preferable. Your maintenance preferences play a vital role, too. Be honest about how much time you’re willing to invest in upkeep, as choosing a low-maintenance material can always help prevent disappointment and premature deterioration.
Build Your Dream Deck with Custom Deck Materials and Installation from Stewart Remodeling
Working with an experienced local contractor who understands Colorado’s unique challenges can make all the difference in your deck’s performance and longevity. At Stewart Remodeling, we’ve built countless decks throughout Colorado Springs and Monument, giving us firsthand knowledge of what works best in our unique environment. We take pride in helping our neighbors design and build custom decks that not only look beautiful but also stand the test of time in our harsh environment.Don’t settle for custom deck materials that can’t handle Colorado’s extreme weather swings. Contact Stewart Remodeling today by giving us a call or by scheduling your free consultation online. Let us help you create an outdoor living space that you’ll enjoy, with the confidence that it’ll withstand everything Mother Nature can throw at it.