A porch is not just a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. It's also one of the first things people see when they arrive at their home! As such, you want to pick a material that not only keeps your porch functional but also keeps it looking nice. Thankfully, there are a few good options to choose from these days. Take a look at the top materials porch contractors tend to recommend.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pressure-treated lumber is an old standby for porches. This wood has been put under high pressure and has also been treated with chemicals that make it resistant to rot, fungi, and even most wood-eating insects. It can be painted or stained almost any color, and it tends to be the most affordable option listed here. 

The downside to pressure-treated lumber as a porch material is that it can distort over time. This is especially common in areas where the temperature and humidity fluctuate a lot. After a few years, you may need to replace a few floorboards that have warped or bent. You will also have to paint or stain a pressure-treated porch every couple of years.

Cedar

If you want a more natural-looking porch rather than a painted or stained one, then cedar is a great choice. This wood does tend to be on the expensive side, but its benefits make it worth the cost. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and wood-eating insects. It stays straight and true, even when the temperature and humidity change. Cedar does need to be power washed and coated with a water protector every few years, but this is the only maintenance.

The downside to cedar as a porch material is that it can be knotty. The surface of your porch, therefore, won't be perfectly smooth.

Composite

Another modern porch material is composite, which is a material made from wood fibers and plastics. Composite does not need to be painted or stained, as the color typically is incorporated into the material. It's resistant to termites and other wood-boring insects, and it won't rot. It won't warp or bow, either.

The downside to composite is that it's expensive and heavy. It's tough to install, too, so you may pay more to have a porch built from composite boards.

Consider these three porch materials to decide on the best one for your home. Talk to your local porch builder to learn more.

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