The Different Types of Wood Decks

A wood deck enhances your home’s outdoor living space. Wood is the material of choice for many homeowners because it’s beautiful and natural.

Wood is resilient to the elements, a quality that makes it durable and affordable. Choosing the right type of wood for your deck can affect maintenance needs and overall lifecycle costs.

Pressure Treated

Pressure-treated wood is a common choice for deck framing, as it has the durability to resist moisture and insect damage. During the treatment process, pressure and vacuum technology are used to force protective chemical preservatives into standard woods like spruce, fur, and pine. There are different treatments available, with water-based preservatives often used for residential construction and oil-based preservatives generally used by industrial and commercial customers (such as electric utility poles and railroad ties). It is important to know what type of treatment you are purchasing so that you can ensure it is appropriate for your project.

It is important to note that a wood deck built with pressure-treated lumber should be sealed regularly, as the chemicals in the wood can release toxins into the air that can be harmful to your family and pets. Also, if you have children who play on playground equipment made of pressure-treated wood, be sure to wash their hands thoroughly after playing and before eating to reduce the risk of exposure to arsenic. While these concerns should not discourage homeowners from using this material for their decks, they should be weighed against the benefits of working with this durable building material. In addition to its longevity and resistance to decay, PT wood is also less expensive than many other building materials.

Redwood

Redwood is a natural material that is very beautiful and durable. It’s also eco-friendly. It is harvested from forests that are managed for environmental, social, and economic benefits. The beauty of the wood is not only in the color but in the way it ages over time. It turns a silvery grey color and is easy to stain.

Because of its durability and strength, redwood is ideal for decking. It can also be used as wall trim and in furniture. It can be carved, turned, and sculpted to achieve various aesthetics. If you prefer a modern look, you can use redwood to create a sleek deck design. Alternatively, you can leave it untreated to allow the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.

When using redwood, it is important to choose the right grade. The best grades for decking are Clear All Heart and Heart Clear. These are more expensive but provide a knot-free surface. Other available grades include garden, merchantable heart, and con-heart. Garden and con-heart grades contain larger knots than clear hearts and may have splits, checks, and manufacturing flaws.

Redwood is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, but it still requires regular maintenance. Clean your deck regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. It is a good idea to power wash your deck before applying a new finish. Be sure to use non-metallic brushes. Metal will react with the wood and cause it to discolor. In addition, it is important to apply a water-repellent sealant that contains a mildewcide.

Cedar

Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and insect resistant and holds up to harsh environments, such as those with extreme temperature shifts. It also doesn’t require any preservative chemicals for protection. Cedar wood cladding and decking is a favorite for its warm color, pleasant aroma and insulating properties. Its porous cell structure absorbs and dampens sound, making it a great choice for areas where children and pets will be playing. Cedar also feels cool underfoot and acts as an air conditioner for the home.

Cedar wood is easy to work with because it cuts easily, lays flat, and isn’t brittle like other woods. Because it is a softwood, it’s also easier to nail and screw into place. This reduces installation time and costs, as well as labor costs.

Western red cedar is naturally pitch and resin-free, allowing it to accept a wide range of transparent and semi-transparent stains and paints. This allows homeowners to customize the color and style of their cedar deck.

Plastic composite decking companies spend a lot of money and effort trying to imitate the look of natural wood. No matter how hard they try, however, there is nothing that can match the beauty of real wood.

Acetylated

The acetylation process works on a molecular level, strengthening natural wood and changing its material properties. This allows for greater durability and longevity in outdoor settings, without the need for toxic preservatives. Acetylated wood is rot-proof, and can resist weathering and other environmental stresses. It is also less prone to swelling and shrinking, reducing warping and twisting. Additionally, it has improved paint retention – allowing coatings to hold on longer and need touch-ups less frequently.

This durable wood is well suited for decks, but can also be used for cladding, facades, and siding, as well as windows and doors. Its strength and long lifespan means your clients can enjoy their exterior spaces without worrying about damage or upkeep.

Acetylated wood can be carved, machined, and shaped to your client’s specifications. It can also be stained painted, or even charred (Shou Sugi Ban). Because it is stable, finishes last longer, and aren’t subject to cracking, peeling, or fading. In addition, acetylated wood is a sustainable choice that helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is sourced from FSC-certified forests, helping to support responsible forest management. It is also non-toxic and safe for people, pets, and the environment.