Best Materials for Building a Long-Lasting Deck
Best Materials for Building a Long-Lasting Deck
Because a great deck doesn’t just look good—it lasts through Calgary winters and your family’s best memories.
Close your eyes and imagine this: a sunny Saturday morning, coffee in hand, feet bare on smooth deck boards that still feel cool from the night before. You hear the soft hum of birds, the scent of BBQ wafting in from next door, and underfoot? Solid, sturdy decking that’s weathered a few years—but still looks brand new.
At Father & Son YYC, we build decks made to last. Not just through the seasons, but through birthdays, backyard parties, snowstorms, and everything in between. So if you’re looking to build something beautiful and built to endure, let’s start with the most important question: what’s the best material for your deck?
Composite Decking
Low-maintenance, modern, and nearly bulletproof
Composite boards are like the superheroes of the decking world. Made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic, they’re designed to resist fading, cracking, splinters, and pretty much everything else Calgary throws at them.
Why we love it:
- No need for sanding, sealing, or staining
- Tons of colors and textures (some look just like real wood)
- Great for families, pets, and people who’d rather relax than repaint
Good to know:
They do cost more upfront, and can heat up in full sun—so if your deck’s south-facing, we’ll talk through your options.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Reliable, budget-friendly, and tough as nails (with a little love)
You’ve seen this material everywhere—and for good reason. Treated wood is affordable, strong, and ready to stand up to Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles. But it does need some TLC to stay in shape.
Why it’s a classic:
- Easy on your wallet
- Can be stained or painted to match your style
- Great for structural framing or full decks
Heads-up:
Left on its own, it’ll warp, crack, and grey out. Seal it right, and you’ll get a good decade or two out of it.
Cedar Decking
Warm, natural beauty with just the right amount of maintenance
If you love the look and feel of real wood—and who doesn’t?—cedar’s a gorgeous choice. It’s naturally rot- and insect-resistant and smells like summer cabins and forest hikes.
Why it’s special:
- Gorgeous grain and rich color
- Soft under bare feet
- Smells amazing when it’s fresh-cut
Things to consider:
Cedar weathers over time unless you maintain it. But that patina? Some people love it.
PVC Decking (Vinyl)
Ultimate durability with next-to-no maintenance
Want a deck that shrugs off rain, sun, and snow like it’s no big deal? PVC is 100% synthetic—and practically invincible.
Pros:
- Totally waterproof
- Resists fading, staining, warping
- Ideal for shady, damp, or high-moisture areas
Tradeoffs:
It’s on the pricier side, and the plastic look doesn’t appeal to everyone.
Exotic Hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood)
Premium performance with serious wow factor
These dense tropical woods are luxury in lumber form. Ipe, in particular, is tougher than nails and jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Why choose it:
- Naturally resists rot, insects, even fire
- Deep, rich tones that scream elegance
- Can last 40+ years if cared for
But fair warning:
Installation is tough (literally—bring sharp tools), and the cost reflects its high-end status.
What’s Under the Deck Matters, Too
Don’t forget the frame! Even the best boards can fail if the foundation isn’t right. At Father & Son, we build our decks on pressure-treated or galvanized steel substructures—designed to hold strong through freeze-thaw cycles and Alberta windstorms.
Let’s Match Your Material to Your Lifestyle
| You want a deck that… | Go with… |
|---|---|
| Lasts forever with no upkeep | Composite or PVC |
| Looks rustic and real | Cedar or Hardwood |
| Won’t break the bank | Pressure-treated |
| Is a modern showstopper | Composite or Ipe |
Still not sure? We’ll walk you through samples, site plans, and even foot traffic forecasts (yes, we think of everything).
Real Decks. Real Calgary Families. Real Durability.
We don’t just build pretty decks—we build the spot where your toddler takes their first steps, your dog naps in the sun, and your friends toast to life’s best moments. And we do it right.
So whether you want composite in Auburn Bay, cedar in Crescent Heights, or just a solid platform to host your next cookout—we’ve got you.
Let’s Build Your Forever Deck. Reach out to Father & Son YYC today