The Home Depot>Know-How Centre>Buying Guides>Decking and Fencing

Buying Guides

Browse by Category

Browse by Space

Related Resources

Products

Projects

Buying Guides

Popular Brands

Decking and Fencing

Build the deck that's right for you

Decks and fences add additional living space, beautify your yard and add value to your home. But before you go shopping for the materials to build your deck or fence, there are four things that need to be considered: price, aesthetic, lifestyle and maintenance.

Checkmark Before you start

Before starting any building project check with your municipal office for local building codes, regulations and zoning restrictions.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-Treated Wood Lumber The majority of decks built in Canada are constructed from pressure-treated wood because it's typically the most affordable option. Unfortunately, pressure treating wood doesn't make it completely resistant to moisture, which means that you'll have to apply a water repellent to your deck on an annual basis in order to protect against moisture damage.

ProGuard Preserved Wood products are designed for outdoor construction. They contain the NatureWood preservative system, which uses copper as the main active ingredient. Copper, a naturally occurring mineral, is an effective and widely used fungicide. In NatureWood, it is coupled with a quaternary compound (or “quat”) for enhanced performance against copper-tolerant fungi and termites.

Maintenance

Decks made of pressure-treated wood can last up to 40 years. To maintain your deck, wash it annually with a detergent to remove dirt, moss, algae and mould. A pressure washer is also a fast and easy way to clean your deck.

Once your deck has completely dried, apply a clear sealant. This will help to prevent against splintering and discolouration caused by moisture.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar Lumber Cedar possesses an oil preservative that makes it naturally resistant to decay and insect damage. Its beautiful grain, texture and colour make it an easy choice for one of the most aesthetically pleasing deck and fence materials. It’s lighter than pressure-treated wood, which makes it easier to maneuver and work with, but typically more expensive as well.

Maintenance

To maintain your cedar deck, wash it annually with a mild detergent and water.

Never use a pressure washer on your cedar deck. Although cedar is durable, it's still a softwood and can be damaged by a pressure washer.

Composite Decking

Composite Decking Composite decking is made from a combination of natural wood fibres and durable resin. Designed to resemble real wood, composite decking and fencing requires no painting or staining and won’t splinter, crack, warp or rot.

Veranda composite decking features realistic wood-grain patterns and is available in a large selection of colours. Backed by a 25-year limited warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing your investment in a composite deck is protected season after season.

Maintenance

Periodic washing with soap and water is necessary to remove surface dirt and chalk that accumulate on the surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should be used for wetting and rinsing only and not to “blast off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

Price Fading Maintenance
Pressure-Treated
Wood		 Best Good Good
Western Red
Cedar		 Better Good Good
Composite Good Best Best

Deck Design Pre-Planner

Designing your new deck is as easy as 1, 2, 3 with the Home Depot's FREE in-store Deck Design computer program. Gather your information, print and complete the attached planner, then book an appointment with your local store Associate to finalize the details.

Get Started
Adorn Your Deck with Touches of Creativity
Lattices

Lattices can add visual appeal and privacy to your deck and fence. Available in pressure treated wood, cedar and low-maintenance PVC.

Railings

Add some style to your outdoor living space with railings made of pressure treated wood, western red cedar, brushed aluminum or vinyl. Or use the Stiles Railing System (exclusive to The Home Depot).

Mouldings and Handrails

Mouldings and Handrails dress up a deck or fence to make it a true reflection of your personal style.

Balls and Caps

Balls & Caps act as the perfect finishing touches.

Check out our DIY decking and fencing projects.

Write a Review
QUICK RATE:

You have rated

 out of 5 stars.

Do you want to submit this quick rating?

Yes No

Thank you!
Your quick rate has been submitted.

Please note it may take up to 8 hours for your quick rating to appear.

Sorry we are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try and resubmit your Quick Rating.

Thank you, you have already quick rated this product.  out of 5