In 2021, rather than spending hard-earned money on travel, more homeowners than ever brought vacation to them. The porch and decking industry has seen a massive surge in business as people seek a personalized outdoor space.
A deck is a personal getaway in your own backyard. It’s a quiet area to focus on personal wellness, hold family gatherings, and spend time with the people you love most.
Creating that perfect outdoor space means choosing the right materials. With so many options for porch railing, composite decking, and more, it can be easy to get lost.
That’s why we’ve put together this complete guide to porch railing and decking material trends for homeowners in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We’ll go over popular design choices and how to choose the right materials to stand up to the salt and humidity. We’ll also help you ensure that you have only the best in the business working on your deck.
People Are Choosing Composite Decking Over Wood
When it comes to decking material trends, more and more people are opting for composite over wood. This type of decking material is more durable, is lower maintenance, and typically comes with a more desirable price point.
Composite deck materials come pre-finished. They don’t require any additional painting or staining. They are also very low maintenance and easy to clean.
Composite decks are very durable and can last for decades, even under harsh conditions. This is extremely important for people who live in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC.
These areas are known for their high humidity and salty air. Humidity causes wood to swell and shrink repeatedly.
When the air is humid, wooden decks absorb moisture and their planks swell. When the air is dry, those same planks lose moisture and shrink. Excessive shrinking and swelling can warp wooden decks and cause cracking or splitting.
Exposure to salt also damages wooden decks. The wood absorbs salt water which then evaporates, leaving salt crystals behind. Over time, these salt crystals push the fibers of the wood apart, which weakens the material and makes it look fuzzy.
These are just a few of the reasons why so many people who live in coastal South Carolina are choosing composite decking. Composite decks won’t split, warp, crack, or rot under tough conditions. This is a great deck material choice for those who want a tough, sturdy, and low-maintenance deck.
Creativity and Versatility
Another feature of composite decking that makes it such a popular choice is its versatility. There are many different types of composite deck materials. Their appearance can vary greatly between different styles and manufacturing processes.
This opens up a world of creative possibilities for homeowners and deck designers. We’ve seen a growing trend towards creative deck design features. This includes double picture frames, breaker boards, and wide planks.
People are using multiple colors and unique inlays more than ever before.
Composite decking can also mimic the look and feel of a wood deck. At Contract Exteriors, we use TimberTech Composite Decking for our customers who want the aesthetic of a wood deck with the durability of a composite one.
TimberTech materials are fully encapsulated cellular PVC products. They are resistant to rotting, warping, insects, and more. These decks come with a 50-year fade and stain warranty as well as a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects.
We are a certified TimberTech Platinum Contractor. Contract Exteriors is the only contractor in the Carolinas to hold this highest level certification. We are the largest TimberTech installer in the southeast.
TimberTech materials are the perfect choice for people who want the look of a classic wood deck, but also understand that composite decks hold up much better in South Carolina weather.
Porch Railing Trends
Porch railings are one of the most visible elements of a deck. As such, thought has to be put into what kind of railings you chose so that they will complement both the deck and the landscape around it.
We’ve seen simplified, elegant railing systems start trending over the last few years. These seamless, low-maintenance options are sturdy and easy to install.
Simplified railing systems like pre-assembled aluminum railing and intuitive cable railing offer a gorgeously sleek, modern look. RDI is one of the industry’s top suppliers of these types of railing.
We’ve also seen more and more people opt for drink rails and continuous top rails. Drink rails are wide and sturdy enough to set drinks on. Continuous top rails cover the entire railing system of the deck in a classy, uniform way.
Another popular trend is leaving as much of the landscape visible behind the rails as possible. People opt for thinner rails, cable railing, and other options so that they can enjoy the view off of their deck. This is especially popular in Myrtle Beach, where homeowners love relaxing oceanside.
Work With Certified, Award-Winning Professionals
At Contract Exterior, we are industry-leading professionals with over twenty decking and railing awards and certifications. We are also a NADRA Certified Deck Inspector, which means that we are committed to using the industry’s best decking products and installation practices. We ensure that every deck we build is safe, functional, and perfect for your needs.
Now you know about the different types of decks, composite decking, and porch railing trends. With this knowledge, you can go into the deck design process with full confidence and knowledge.
If you’re ready to get started, check out our professional decking services and get a free quote today.
