Multilevel cedar deck. Photo: padeckbuilder. There are many wood species that can be used for outdoor decks, but not all offer the same benefits and maintenance requirements, and price and availability vary by region. Now that you know that where you live and how much you can afford to spend will probably be the deciding factors, here are the most common natural-wood choices for deck building:. Cedar resists moisture, rot, and insect infestation, and offers more durability than many other types of wood.
This hardiness is due to the fact that cedarwood will actually change its moisture content to closely match the atmosphere. Moisture is what commonly causes wood to warp and crack, especially in colder climates during freeze-thaw cycles.
Using cedar may cut down on maintenance issues that can come up over time and will often add years of life to a deck. What is the best wood preservative? Wood Protection Liquid By Roxil. Total Wood Preserver By Ronseal. Wood Preserver By Everbuild. Will a deck add value to my home? How long will untreated wood last on a deck? What size boards should I use for decking? Length: When possible, buy decking that can run the full length of your deck.
What size wood should I use for a deck? Any less thickness produces a springy, weak deck. Joist spacing also determines how thick your deck boards must be. Can you build a deck without pressure treated wood? Building a deck without pressure treated lumber. For the decking, you have about 3 more choices -- redwood, a composite, or vinyl. Mahogany is a tight-grained tropical hardwood that resists pests and rot. Treat it with marine oil, and it looks like teak. Or, let your mahogany deck age to a silvery hue.
You can choose from several varieties, and each has its pros and cons. Whichever type mahogany you select, make sure it has the "FSC" trademark to assure that rainforests have not been harvested irresponsibly. In Australia, this wood is sold as "Pacific Maple. The coloring and grain can differ from board-to-board to provide an interesting and rich presentation when used for decking. Some installers find this wood difficult to handle because of its inconsistent nature—one board can exhibit both hardness and softness.
Brazilian Koa Wood has been selling this product since under yet another name, Brazilian Koa. Tigerwood decking sells the product as Tigerwood. Although this exotic wood has several names, it is not Zebrawood, which is another striped-liked product. What the U. Forest Service calls Astronium graveolens, Tigerwood is also often used to carve knife handles and archery bows. When considering wood for decks and porches, place and design cannot be ignored.
Because any wood is available to order, the climate in which you live should influence your decision. Choose a contractor who has experience with these woods in your area. There are also several drawbacks to using pressure treated deck boards, including its tendency to split, warp and crack, as well as the need to provide routine maintenance to keep it looking its best for as long as possible. Extending the life and look of a deck made of PT lumber requires the application of wood preservative or stain every couple of years, plus an annual power washing to keep it clean.
For those who consider themselves purists, you might opt for western softwoods like cedar or redwood. These species of lumber are prized for their natural beauty and rich color. If you prefer cedar, the four best grades are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty, listed here from most expensive to least expensive. These species of lumber also have drawbacks.
In most parts of the country, the cost for cedar and redwood is close to triple the price of PT lumber, making them the more expensive option. In addition to cost, cedar and redwood need an annual power wash and to be treated with a coat of finish every few years. This might sound like a tremendous expense and a lot of upkeep, but the results will be an amazing deck that you can enjoy for many years to come.
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