Congratulations! You’ve decided you want to build a deck! This is a worthwhile investment that will give you even more opportunities to enjoy your backyard, entertain friends and family, as well as enhance more value and curb appeal to your home. One of the first steps toward building a deck is deciding on which deck building materials you’ll use. From wood decking material to composite decking like Trex, to vinyl and aluminum deck boards, there are quite a few different types of deck materials to choose from — each with their own unique features and considerations. Two of the most popular types of deck materials are wood and composite. From pressure treated lumber to more exotic hardwoods, wood decking gives you a variety of styles to choose from. Depending on your location and availability of certain woods, the cost of wood decking can vary. Another popular option that affords homeowners an array of colors and styles to choose from is durable composite decking. Composite decking is made from a combination of wood pulp and synthetic materials covered with a synthetic shell. It closely resembles the natural beauty of wood, but requires less maintenance and is built to resist rot, mildew, and insect infestation. The best outdoor decking material is one that is durable, attractive, and the choice that you’re comfortable with making in terms of upkeep and cost. To help make your decision easier and better understand outdoor deck flooring materials, check out our collection of articles. You’ll learn more about the materials needed to build a deck, view deck materials comparisons to weigh the pros and cons of each material and how it may meet your needs, as well as get a better idea of deck material costs and how to plan your budget.