Top Decking Materials for Nantucket Homes: A Comprehensive Guide
Building or replacing a deck on Nantucket involves more than just selecting an attractive material—it’s about choosing one that can endure the island’s salty air, humid summers, cold winters, and strong winds. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best (and most commonly used) decking materials on Nantucket, ranging from tropical hardwoods to local favorites and modern composites.
1. Kayu Batu Mahogany
Why It’s a Nantucket Favorite:
• Rich, deep reddish-brown color
• Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and decay
• More affordable than other hardwoods (ipe or teak)
• Tight grain offers a smooth, high-end appearance
Considerations:
• Requires regular oiling to maintain its color
• Will fade to a silver-gray if left untreated
• Price: $$
• Lifespan: 25-30 years with proper maintenance
Verdict: Kayu Batu is a strong contender for Nantucket decks. It’s durable, attractive, and more budget-friendly than some exotic woods.
2. Genuine Mahogany
Why It’s a Nantucket Classic:
• Elegant appearance with a classic reddish tone
• Moderate resistance to weather and insects
• Easy to work with and install
Considerations:
• Less durable than tropical hardwoods like ipe or garapa
• Requires sealing or oiling to protect from moisture and sun
• Price: $$
• Lifespan: 20-40 years depending on exposure and maintenance
Verdict: A good option for covered porches or low-exposure areas; not ideal for high-traffic or fully exposed decks unless maintained rigorously.
3. Ipe (Brazilian Walnut) Decking
Why Nantucket Homeowners Choose Ipe:
• One of the hardest woods available. Extremely dense and long-lasting
• Naturally resistant to rot, mold, insects, and fire
• Minimal maintenance required (though oiling helps retain its color)
Considerations:
• Expensive
• Very heavy and challenging to work with resulting in a more expensive installation.
• Price: $$$$
• Lifespan: 50-75 years with minimal maintenance
Verdict: Ipe is one of the best performers in Nantucket’s climate. If your budget allows, it’s hard to beat for strength and longevity.
4. Garapa (Brazilian Ash) Decking
Why It’s Gaining Popularity in Nantucket:
• Lighter color (honey blonde) for a fresh coastal look
• High resistance to decay and insects
• Less expensive than ipe
Considerations:
• Not as hard or dense as ipe (but still tougher than softwoods)
• Will fade to gray without UV protection
• Price: $$$
• Lifespan: 25-30 years with proper maintenance
Verdict: A solid middle ground between cost and performance, garapa is great for achieving a warm, beachy feel.
5. Teak Decking
Why Teak is a Premium Choice in Nantucket:
• Premium appearance with golden tones
• Naturally oily—resists moisture, insects, and decay
• Ages beautifully if left to gray
Considerations:
• Extremely expensive
• Limited availability in wider boards
• Price: $$$$
• Lifespan: 40-50+ with regular maintenance
Verdict: Teak is luxurious and durable, but its cost makes it better suited to smaller decks, accents, or high-end applications.
6. Pressure-Treated (PT) Pine Decking in Nantucket
Why Some Nantucket Projects Use PT Pine:
• Budget-friendly
• Readily available
• Treated to resist rot and insects
Considerations:
• Prone to warping, cracking, and splintering
• Not as attractive as hardwoods
• Shorter lifespan without frequent maintenance
• Price: $
• Lifespan: 15-20 years on average. Up to 30 with diligent maintenance
Verdict: Suitable for budget projects or short-term use, but not ideal for Nantucket’s coastal exposure in the long run.
7. Douglas Fir Decking
Why It’s Used in Nantucket’s Covered Areas:
• Affordable and easy to source in New England
• Attractive grain
• Can be stained or painted easily
Considerations:
• Not naturally resistant to moisture or insects
• Prone to rot in exposed coastal environments
• Best used in covered or indoor applications
• Price: $$
• Lifespan: 10-20 years depending on exposure and maintenance
Verdict: Not recommended for open decks on Nantucket. It is better suited for covered porches or indoor/outdoor transitions.
8. Composite Decking (Trex, TimberTech, Azek)
Why Composite Decking is Popular in Nantucket:
• Low maintenance. No sealing or staining
• Highly resistant to moisture, insects, and warping
• Available in many colors and textures, including wood-look options
• Long warranty periods
Considerations:
• More expensive upfront than most other options
• Doesn’t have the natural feel of real wood
• Price: $$$
• Lifespan: 50+ years with minimal maintenance (proper cleaning)
Verdict: Composite is increasingly popular on Nantucket, especially for homeowners who want a hassle-free deck that lasts. It’s ideal for exposed areas and high-traffic spaces.
Final Thoughts on Nantucket Decking Choices
When building or replacing a deck on Nantucket, your best options depend on budget, aesthetics, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Here’s our final thoughts:
• Top performance: Ipe, Composite
• Best value: Kayu Batu, Garapa
• Low maintenance: Composite
• Classic look: Genuine Mahogany
• Budget pick: PT Pine
• Luxury choice: Teak
Whatever you choose for your Nantucket deck, ensure it’s installed correctly, sealed appropriately, and well-ventilated underneath. Nantucket’s salty air doesn’t forgive shortcuts. If you need assistance selecting the right material or designing a deck layout that complements your home, feel free to contact us.