If you’re building a deck or replacing a tired old one, consider composite decking. This material mimics the look of natural wood but resists fading and staining much better than traditional treated lumber. Plus, its many color and width choices make it easier than ever to create the perfect outdoor space for your home.

Best Decking Boards for Durability and Aesthetics

The best decking board of this product is Trex, which offers several lines with varying hues and grain patterns. It’s made with 95 percent recycled materials, including plastic film and reclaimed sawdust, and it carries the LEED green-building designation.

Other popular choices are natural-looking softwoods. But these boards require regular upkeep to keep them looking their best. “Over time, the wood will lose its color and turn gray, so you’ll have to regularly re-stain them,” says lumber expert Josh Kou. Exotic hardwoods, such as ipe and cumaru, are also on the pricey side and must be re-oiled after treatment to keep them looking new.

Another alternative is plastic-based decking. These boards can be molded to look like natural wood grain and are available in a wide array of colors and textures. They’re less expensive than treated wood, but they do need to be scrubbed frequently to avoid mildew.

Whichever option you choose, it’s important to consider how you’ll use your deck. Will it be a quiet retreat for solitary relaxation? Or will it be a gathering spot for family and friends? It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with local weather conditions, as different regions have varying climates that can affect the performance of a deck.