3 Best Choices Of Material For Your New Wood Deck
Posted on: 25 August 2017
When building your new deck, the first and most important decision you need to make is what type of decking material you want to use on your deck. These is a variety of different decking material options you choose from for your new deck.
#1 Pressure-Treated Lumber
The classic choice for decks is pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber is a great material because it is extremely affordable option, especially when you are building a large deck. It is also really easy to get your hands on pressure treated lumber. Most building supply stores carry a variety of pressure treated lumber in different sizes that you can purchase and use for your deck.
The big downside to pressure-treated lumber is that it is more prone to cracking and splitting compared to other types of lumber. You are going to have to take better care of it if you want it to last. You will need to seal it with a stain every couple of years and you are going to want to power wash it really well at least once a year to prevent moss and algae from growing on the wood.
#2 Redwood
Another classic choice for decking material is redwood. Redwood has a great rich natural color that you don't need to stain in order to make the wood look great. Redwood doesn't have added chemicals in the wood like pressure-treated lumber does. The natural elements of redwood allows it to fight back against rot and decay. Redwood also actually tends to repel bugs and keep them away.
The best type of redwood to use on your deck is heartwood. That is the stronger wood that is pulled from the center of the tree. The sapwood on the outer side of the tree is softer and not as strong.
Make sure that you are purchasing heartwood redwood if you choose to use this material on your decks.
#3 Tropical Hardwoods.
You can also use tropical hardwoods on your deck. Tropical hardwoods tend to be really strong and sturdy. They last a long time and they are highly resistant to decay from rot or insects.
Tropical hardwoods also tend to be really heavy, making them more difficult to cut and move around. With tropical hardwood, you tend to need to use stronger tools and blades in order to shape the wood.
Tropical hardwood is also really expensive and harder to find. You often have to have it shipped to your home or custom ordered through local building supplies as they often don't carry this wood in large quantities due to its expensive nature and low-demand for it.
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