Outdoor Deck Wood Types

From an environmental standpoint wood is a great choice when it is locally sourced and sustainably harvested.

Outdoor deck wood types.

Composite deck is made of a combination of wood and plastic making it dense and durable. Wood decking boards are durable and inexpensive. Widely available lightweight and strong cedar decking makes for a beautiful deck. Talk to a landscape architect about incorporating wood into your outdoor project.

Probably the most difficult decision to make when building a wood deck is what type of decking to use. 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. Wood has an undeniable warmth and an association with woodlands and natural landscapes and one type of rot resistant wood can be used in a variety of ways. The answer depends on the type of decking wood you use.

For a low maintenance decking option choose composite decking. The types of wood decking include pressure treated native hardwoods and tropical hardwoods. Non wood alternative materials for outdoor decks patios and porches. Whether you plan to build a solid wood ground level patio or a composite multi level masterpiece selecting the right decking material is the first step in building a beautiful durable structure.

Composite decking boards are available in a range of colors and won t warp or crack. Find all types of decking materials including aluminum pvc plastic hardwood redwood fiberglass steel ipe cedar eco friendly composites and more. The wood has tannins and naturally occurring oils that are resistant to rot and insects but protecting the wood with stain and sealer helps keep the wood free of cracks and splinters. Deck tiles creates custom patterns on deck surfaces with an interlocking tile system.

Homeadvisor s deck material option guide compares wood vs. When building a deck for your home or business it is important to take time to consider the various types of wood decking to ensure your deck will not only look beautiful but that it will be able to withstand the stress of use. All three choices 5 4 x 6 in. For a safer more attractive deck or porch choose a visually pleasing yet still durable wood for the floors railings and steps.

Radius edged cedar pressure treated and composite decking share similarities. The decking dilemma wood deck material options. For aficionados of natural wood cedar is a natural choice. For decking materials always use pressure treated lumber pressure treated decking or treated deck components for any outdoor project.

Then protect your wood decking with stains and sealers. Pressure treated pine resists rot and repels pests but the green or yellow tinged lumber can be unsightly and the pesticides it contains may be unhealthy.