If you’ve got your heart set on a new wood deck, you still have some decisions to make. There are a number of different types of wood deck materials that you can choose from. The decision will likely come down to personal preference and budget and in today’s blog we break it down to make the decision easy! Learn more, below.
The deck materials you choose will have a big impact on the final product.
The 3 Types of Wood Deck Materials and How to Choose Between Them
The budget-friendly choice: pressure treated lumber
Pressure treated lumber has been the most popular wood deck material for decades and for good reason: It’s economical to purchase and have installed and because it is pressure treated, it resist rot, warping, mildew, and splintering. At around $1/ft, it’s no wonder that pressure treated lumber reigns supreme.
A step above: cedar and redwood
Redwoods and cedar are beloved by decking purists because these woods offer a gorgeously rich color and beautiful finish, plus they don’t contain chemicals, unlike their pressure treated counterparts. Thanks to naturally occurring oils and tannins, they also resist rot and mildew well (though you will need to apply a stain to ensure they don’t turn grey as they age). Unfortunately, natural beauty comes at a price and these woods generally clock in between $2-4/ft.
The cream of the crop: tropical hardwoods
If you’re looking for decking materials that will stun guests with their beauty and uniqueness, tropical hardwoods are the best choice. There are many different types of tropical hardwoods to choose from, including cumaru, tigerwood, massaranduba, Phillipine mahogany, and ipe and each offers its own beautiful look. These woods are incredibly durable by nature and will resist insect damage and rot. As far as cost goes, it depends on which type of hardwood you choose but generally they are comparably priced to cedar and redwood and you can expect to pay around $2-4/ft.
Contact Excel Fencing and Decking Today
Excel Fencing and Decking has been proud to service Harford County since 1998, giving you the very best in custom built decks, fences, and home remodeling. If you’re interested in having a top-quality deck installed then give us a call. Our dedicated teams of deck professionals have the know-how and expertise to repair or install any kind of decking. Call us at 410-803-9499 or fill out a contact form and one of Excel’s representatives will contact you promptly.