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Decking and Fencing

Build the deck that's right for you

There are hundreds of reasons why adding a deck and fence to your home is a great idea. For starters they 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. If you take the time to think about each of these components before you start shopping, the process of building your deck or fence will unfold smoothly. Remember: the key to a successful project is always a good plan.

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 use the NatureWood preservative system, the main active ingredient of which is copper. 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. Quats are commonly used in household disinfectants and cleaners. ProGuard products have proven around the world to reduce demands on forest resources by greatly extending the life of wood.

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 has a lot of appealing qualities. For starters it possesses an oil preservative that makes it naturally resistant to decay and insect damage. Secondly, its beautiful grain, texture and colour make it an easy choice for one of the most aesthetically pleasing decking and fencing materials. And lastly, it's lighter than pressure-treated wood, which makes it easier to maneuver and work with. Overall, decks and fences made of cedar wood look great and age well. But as with all great products, cedar is typically more expensive than pressure-treated wood.

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.

Premium composite

Composite Decking and Fencing At The Home Depot we carry composite lumber derived from a combination of natural wood fibres and durable resin. Designed to resemble real wood; composite decking and fencing won't splinter, crack, warp or rot.

Veranda™ Composite Decking features realistic wood-grain patterns, and its brushed or embossed textures give each board a rustic look that's often missing from the uniform and repetitive finish of other decking products. As if that isn't enough, composite lumber comes in a selection of colours.

Maintenance

Cleaning your composite deck and fence will require detergent, a sponge and a garden hose. A pressure washer can be used to clean your deck but it's important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines. If the pressure washer settings are too strong or the washer is too close to the boards, there is a chance you could actually remove the colour from your deck.

Premium resin

Resin Decking and Fencing Resin decking and fencing is a fairly recent advancement in outdoor building. This innovative material is quickly becoming a popular choice for decking and fencing projects because of its lightweight yet extremely durable design. It also reduces the risk of mould and mildew, and like composite decking it won't splinter, crack, warp or rot. Resin decking also comes in a variety of colours that will have minimal fading over time.

From a building perspective, resin decking is easy to work with and can be manipulated using traditional tools.

Eon manufactures an excellent resin decking and fencing system that has a reputation for being one of the finest alternatives to wood available today.

Maintenance

Cleaning your Eon Resin Decking & Fencing System requires a simple spray and a garden hose.

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

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