Wood Options for Decks
When it comes to wood decks, there are a few different options. One of the most popular is pressure treated lumber. This less expensive wood has been injected with preservative and is durable enough to last for decades.
Cedar is a beautiful option that feels good under your feet and resists rot and insect infestation better than other types of wood. However, it does require annual cleaning and staining.
Pressure Treated
Pressure treated wood is made of softwoods (most often southern yellow pine) that have undergone a chemical preservation treatment. This process makes it resistant to moisture and insect damage, making it a good choice for decking boards.
While it does need yearly washing, sanding and sealing, it can last for over 30 years with proper maintenance. It is also highly versatile, and can be stained or painted in any color you wish to match your home’s exterior.
Some pressure treated lumber is manufactured with a built-in water repellent, which can save you time and money on staining in the future. Look for brands like Ecolife, which use a less-toxic preservative called micronized copper azole, and have no added metals which could leach from the treated wood over time.
It is important to keep in mind that any time you work with a new or existing wood deck, the sawdust can be a respiratory irritant so wearing a dust mask and eye protection is recommended. You should also avoid prolonged skin contact with the wood, as it can be irritating.
Redwood
Redwood is a durable, weather-resistant softwood that resists decay and insect damage. It is a natural choice that will age to a stunning silver-gray color and feels great under your feet, but it also requires annual maintenance to keep it looking its best. Like all woods, it can rot or splinter without proper care.
Like Cedar, Redwood has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and can withstand heavy loads. It is also easy to work with and accepts stains well. It is more expensive than other natural woods, but less than tropical hardwoods and pressure treated pine.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider the cost of your project and the environmental impact of the deck before selecting your materials. It is important to use a reliable source that sources their timber from forests managed in a sustainable and responsible manner. Otherwise, you may be contributing to deforestation and habitat loss that will take years to reverse. It is also worth considering the option of a synthetic deck made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. This durable, low-maintenance decking will never splinter or need staining.
Cedar
Cedar is a fragrant wood with a unique warm aesthetic offering a variety of natural hues and tight grain patterns. It naturally resists rot and insect infestation without the need for preservative chemicals. It is also dimensionally stable, meaning it resists warping and cupping in response to changes in moisture.
Because cedar is pitch- and resin-free, it accepts a wide range of stains, bleaches and paints. It also nails and screws well. However, cedar is softer than redwood and can be easily scratched or dented by furniture or pet claws. It also requires yearly cleaning and resealing.
Like all natural woods, cedar is a sustainable resource. And unlike pressure-treated wood, it emits fewer greenhouse gases when burned. However, it’s expensive and labor-intensive to install a deck made of cedar, which can add up quickly to an overall renovation budget.
Tropical Hardwood
Beautiful tropical hardwood has a premium look and can last 30 years or more. It is extremely dense, has a dark color and unique figuring, and it resists rot and insects very well. It also has a class A fire rating, making it even more resistant than redwood and cedar.
Because it is so hard, tropical hardwood requires special care. It needs to be oiled regularly to protect it from water damage. It can dull cutting tools, so you should always use carbide-tipped saw blades when working with it. It is also very heavy, so it is best installed using screws rather than nails.
Tropical hardwoods that are good for decking include Massaranduba, Garapa and Batu. These are similar in appearance to mahogany but are less expensive. You can also choose a sustainably harvested species like FSC-certified Brazilian Teak, which limits clear-cutting and helps preserve rainforests.
Alternatives
There are many alternatives to wood decking that can save you thousands and offer a smart, modern look to your outdoor area. Resistant to rot, mildew and pests, these alternative materials will last much longer than traditional timber.
One popular option is composite decking, which is made from a combination of wood and plastics. It’s similar to plastic lumbar and is one of the most popular, fastest-growing decking materials available today.
Another option is natural stone, which offers a beautiful, elegant look. It’s also resistant to rot and insects, which makes it ideal for any backyard retreat.
While no material can be considered “maintenance-free,” modified wood comes close. It’s easy to clean, looks like natural wood and can be sanded down if necessary. It’s also eco-friendly, as it is made from a byproduct of rice processing. It also reflects heat instead of absorbing it, which keeps your back deck cooler than traditional wood decks in the summer. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want to avoid the upkeep that comes with conventional wood decks.
