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The Daily Insight

What is aluminum decking

Author

Samuel Coleman

Published Apr 22, 2026

Aluminum decking is a premium decking material that lasts indefinitely. The best products are coated to make the deck slip resistant and quiet. … This design makes the deck waterproof, meaning the area below the deck doesn’t get wet. It can be used for dry storage or, if the deck is elevated, sheltered outdoor space.

Is Aluminium decking good?

Although aluminium is metal, it is a good conductor of heat, and therefore safe and comfortable to walk on even with bare feet in hot weather. Aluminium is an excellent conductor of heat, allowing it to pass evenly through the material, and does not retain heat, unlike other deck materials such as plastic.

What are the advantages of Aluminium decking?

  • Aluminium decking is completely non-combustible.
  • It offers durability as it can withstand all climates and temperatures.
  • It is impervious to moisture, and therefore will not harbour mould.
  • Aluminium expands and contracts a lot less than other types of decking.

What are the drawbacks of Aluminium decking?

One of the biggest negatives of aluminum decking is that it is often noisy when subjected to heavy footsteps or when many people are walking across it at once. It is also more dangerous when ice forms on its surface, as it becomes more slippery than wood or even polyethylene.

Is aluminum decking waterproof?

Aluminum decking is watertight* underneath with no additional plywood or membranes required. The deck boards lock together under pressure to form a water-resistant joint.

Does aluminum decking scratch easily?

Aluminum can suffer damage over time. However, the risks of wear-and-tear are considerably lower than with wood decking. With a little care, these decks can endure for decades without so much as a scratch.

How long does aluminum decking last?

Many aluminum decking products include at least a 20-year warranty, but a modestly maintained aluminum deck could hypothetically survive for much longer than that without a structural degradation.

Is aluminium decking cheaper than wood?

Aluminium decking is typically about twice as expensive as traditional wood and composite decking. The initial outlay in price necessitates professional installation due to the tools need to cut and fix aluminium.

What are advantages and disadvantages of aluminium decking?

It’s indestructible and doesn’t rust, crack, warp, or deteriorate like weathered wood. It’s also mold-resistant, as well. No excess water. Aluminum decking also comes in watertight versions, which does not allow any drainage of water to seep through cracks or the spaces between any planking.

Does Aluminium decking get hot?

In hot, consistently sun-exposed areas, PVC and aluminium decks can also get very hot underfoot. While composite decking products can also retain heat after a long day in direct sunlight, they won’t shrink or splinter like timber.

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Can you make a deck out of aluminum?

Aluminum decking is three to four times lighter than the most popular wood decking species, but also two to three times stronger. It can be cut with the same saws used to cut wood. Many aluminum decks have interlocking edges, making them watertight. … Those are the pros of aluminum decking.

How much does composite decking cost?

Let’s get down to it: how much is composite decking? On average, a composite deck costs between $30 and $60 per square foot, including installation. Natural decks, on the other hand, cost about $23 to $42 per square foot installed, especially for high-end wood like cedar and redwood.

What is the most durable decking material?

Composite decking, from brands such as Trex and TimberTech, is made from a blend of recycled plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC) mixed with wood fibers (like wood chips or sawdust). Not only does the durable synthetic material resist warping, it also holds strong against rot and insect infestations.

How do you clean aluminum decking?

The best method to clean an aluminum deck is by regular washing using a solution of warm water and non‐abrasive, pH neutral detergent. Rinse your AridDek aluminum deck surface thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all residues. Clean your AridDek using a soft cloth or sponge or a natural bristle brush.

What is the lightest decking material?

PVC Decking Also called plastic or synthetic decking, this material is made of cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the same material that is used for plastic fencing. It is lightweight and has the same density as white pine, a softwood.

What is the coolest decking material?

While Ipe is the coolest option, Cedar decking is a close second as it maintains a temperature that is a few degrees cooler than Redwood when exposed to the sun.

What is the best composite decking in Australia?

Full disclosure here, at Demak Timber & Hardware we stock and recommend the number 1 selling composite deck in the world, Trex Transcend Decking. We also stock Modwood which is an Australian made uncapped WPC decking. (Made from recycled milk bottles and sawdust.)

Why is Trex decking so hot?

Meaning that regardless if your decking is wood or composite, it will be hot in the sun. This is mostly to do with the science of heat and reflection. Decking is a flat surface reflecting the sun’s heat more than cool grass in your yard. Making the decking hotter in the sun than elsewhere in your yard.

How much does it cost to build an aluminum deck?

Aluminum Deck Material / LaborCost Per Square FootMaterial$13.60 to $26.00Labor$4.75 to $10.50

How do you waterproof a deck floor?

The best way to waterproof under your deck is with a deck drainage system installed during construction. A drainage system diverts water away from the joists and beams. An over-the-joist deck drainage system such as Trex RainEscape provides 100% protection from the damage caused by wood repeatedly getting wet.

Are aluminum deck railings good?

Lightweight and durable, aluminum is the best porch railing material for avoiding rust and corrosion. It is highly versatile with a sleek and stylish feel like no other deck railing material offers.

Is PVC decking hot?

PVC is a little hotter than your wood decking but significantly cooler than your composites.

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

  • A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. …
  • Composites aren’t natural. …
  • Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. …
  • You’ll need to comparison shop.

Is composite decking worth the money?

There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.

How much does a 20x20 composite deck cost?

Composite Deck QualityCost Per Square Foot InstalledAverage Total CostEntry-Level Composite Deck$20$5,821National Average Cost$28$8,064Premium Composite Deck$38$10,826