Looking to add a deck to your home? If so, the toughest part of the project may not be deciding what size or where to put your deck, but what material to use. Until recently, pressure-treated lumber has been the standard material for deck builders. Wood has always been relatively easy to repair and work with, but now more than ever, homeowners have a growing choice when they visit their local home center.

The decking materials that have seen the most rapid growth in sales among consumers are composites. Composites are a combination of polymer resins and premium recycled wood fibers that offer the best of both materials. The resins shield the wood from insect and moisture damage, while the wood protects the resin from UV damage and adds stability and traction.

Maintenance is another key factor in the decking material decision. Some homeowners may opt for pressure-treated wood that they can stain a color to their liking and seal. Homeowners who choose composites can choose from several different colors but never have to stain, seal or treat. For both options, a good pressure-washing at least two times per year is a good habit to get into.

Veranda is a leader in composite decking and railing systems that offer all the beauty of wood without time-consuming upkeep. By minimizing maintenance, it gives you more time to enjoy the season. The composite looks, installs and works like wood, with added protection against shrinking, rotting, decaying, splintering and termite damage. No special tools are needed for installation; conventional woodworking tools will do the job.

If you do choose to go with a composite decking material, experts recommend purchasing all the material at one time, as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors. Like most composites, individual Veranda deck boards will have slight color variations from piece to piece. This is due to the natural variations in wood fibers and polymers.

Most importantly, whatever type of deck you build, be sure to get out and use it with family and friends; that's when all the hard work you put in really shows.