Kelli Rosen is a freelance writer based in Monkton, Maryland.

There’s no better way to expand your outdoor living space and soak in the fresh air and water views than to build a deck. But coastal conditions can be harsh, what with the blistering sun, windy downpours and ocean sprays. It’s critical, therefore, to choose the right materials when constructing a deck in order to reap the most benefit from your investment. So we’ve asked a few experts to offer their advice on deck construction and make a tough decision a little easier before another season passes you by.

Select the right wood

Today, the hot-ticket materials when it comes to building an authentic wood deck are exotics, especially mahogany and its hardwood cousin, ipe. “In this Mid-Atlantic area, people have ramped up to these more expensive materials because they want something that will last longer,” says David Baldwin, a consultant at American Cedar and Millwork in Millersville, Maryland. This is especially true for many folks living near the coast, as mahogany and ipe are extremely durable and rot-resistant, which make them wise choices for waterfront properties.

Because they are dense woods, these exotics absorb less water than softer woods and are less likely to bow or twist. In fact, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, is constructed of ipe, and, according to Baldwin, it is the material of choice for his clients on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, especially in Ocean City and Kent Island. Exotics are also a good choice for those homes with young children or pets, as the woods are tightly grained and less likely to splinter.

Both ipe and mahogany can be pricey and difficult to find, as their cost varies depending on the world market. Most of the ipe supply comes from Brazil, but according to Baldwin, suppliers are currently looking for other suitable species in places like Malaysia and the Philippines. As for mahogany, the most popular species being utilized for today’s decks is red balau from Indonesia. Once these exotic woods are in place, you must apply a protective coating annually to maintain the rich red color or simply allow them to weather naturally to a silvery gray.

When it was time for Dan Law, a landscape design architect at Garden Gate Landscaping in Silver Spring, Maryland, to choose the decking materials for his home, he made an unconventional decision—one that aptly illustrates the importance of assessing both the appearance of your deck and the amount of effort required to maintain it, even if your choice means bucking the trend. “I could have used any material—cost was not an issue,” admits Law. Instead of picking an exotic, he selected western red cedar with knots for its low maintenance and because he didn’t want “a monochromatic, perfect-looking deck.”

Other rot-resistant wood choices for decking include redwood, which can be difficult to find; cypress, a popular choice for coastal areas because of its ability to withstand salt sprays; and pressure-treated yellow pine, which is the most readily available and the most economical. Even if you select a more expensive exotic for your deck, the contractor is likely to use pressure-treated lumber for the supporting posts and beams. Fortunately, today’s pressure-treated products are free of chromated copper arsenate (CCA), thanks to a 2004 federal law banning the substance. These newer products are safer for you and your family, and friendlier to the environment.

Regardless of the type of wood you choose, Law suggests insisting on an under-the-deck fastening system—-one in which no nails or screws can be seen on the surface. “That way, your deck will look as nice as the hardwood floors inside your home,” he says.

Consider composites

If the look of authentic wood is not crucial, or if your town’s building codes do not prohibit wood substitutes, you may want to think about composite decking material for your waterfront home. Composite decking is generally made of a combination of recycled wood and some sort of synthetic material, most commonly plastic. According to Jim Klingbail, owner of Archadeck in Virginia Beach, 80 percent of his business is now composite decking. “Composite materials lend themselves nicely to the waterfront,” he says. “They stand up to the elements and won’t warp, split or crack like most woods.”

There are more than 100 composite products on the market, so be sure to do a little research before making a final decision. Baldwin recommends ProCell, a composite made of a flaxseed byproduct and an expanded cellular vinyl, because it doesn’t absorb water and has a low rate of expansion and contraction. He also likes Evergreen composite-decking products for their wood-grain appearance. Klingbail recommends TimberTek and Oasis, made of reclaimed wood fibers and plastic, for their low maintenance and resemblance to wood.

Composites never splinter and certain elements of their design can actually make them feel cooler on your feet. If your deck gets lots of direct sun, Baldwin suggests finding a brand with hollow chambers within the planks, or one that is ribbed on the surface.

Although composites may require less maintenance, they still don’t entirely look like the real thing. “Composites look like composites; they are not wood replacements,” says Law. “They’re getting closer but they’re not there yet. Nevertheless, if I had a property on the water, from a maintenance standpoint, I would probably choose a composite. They just seem to stand up better to seaside conditions.”

But don’t confuse the oft-touted benefit of low maintenance with no maintenance, say the experts. “All of these products can support algae life,” explains Baldwin, “so it is important to rinse off your deck with mild soap at least once a year [to eliminate mold and mildew].” Also, each brand varies when it comes to its ability to withstand power-washing, so check with a salesperson or a manufacturer rep before spraying.

Research the railings

Selecting the type of railing to install on your new deck is an important decision, especially when it’s part of a waterfront home. “If you’ve got a view to maintain, think about choosing a railing that won’t obstruct it,” advises Law. Standard two-by-two wood pickets can be obtrusive, he says, whereas sleeker balusters of stainless steel and cabling, installed either horizontally or vertically, are not. Metal pipe railings also suit coastal settings because they exude a nautical feel, but be sure to apply a high-quality exterior paint, or opt for higher-grade stainless-steel components capable of weathering the exposure.

For the look of painted wood, Law suggests vinyl railings, which are actually made of vinyl sheathing wrapped around a wood core for added strength. “Vinyl has come a long way,” he says. “It’s very nice looking, especially with a wood deck. Plus, there’s virtually no maintenance, just clean off the mildew.” There are also composite railings, which, according to Baldwin, comprise a majority of the systems he sells, even when it comes to real wood decks. He estimates that 70 percent of customers who choose wood opt for a composite railing system because composites are so much easier to maintain.

Whatever railing system you choose, make sure it coordinates with the style of your home. “If you’ve got a contemporary home, you should not choose a colonial-style railing,” Law says. “The architecture of the house should drive the railing system.”

Size for function and furniture

When deciding how big the deck should be, consider the size of the home as well as how you plan to use the deck. “Think of the end use and work your way backwards from there,” says Law, who suggests asking yourself the following questions: How many people do I hope to fit on this deck? How will the deck be used—lounging for two or entertaining two dozen? What type of furniture would look good? It may also be wise to draw a floor plan of the space and pencil in the pieces of furniture.

A few final considerations are whether to include built-in lighting, which can be conveniently concealed in the base of the posts, or wind blocks made of transparent or opaque plastic or glass, installed between the posts—a wise amenity for a deck near the waterfront. Built-in benches and planters are also popular; however, Law offers the following caveat: “You will be locked into the arrangement of the space by building in furniture,” he says. He recommends living with the deck without benches for a period of time and adding them later if you still feel they’re necessary.