What Wood is Used for Decks?

When building a deck, there is a long list of options that are available to use as materials. Some types of wood simply will not work though, as it is either cost prohibitive or not a good building material in terms of durability. So, what wood is commonly used for decks? Let’s have a look at the most common types of wood and some of the more unique options available.

Pressure Treated Pine

Despite all the competition you will see in this list, pressure treated southern yellow pine is still one of the most commonly used types of decking wood. The main reason is that pine is cheap, and after it is pressure treated it is resistant to most everything. That said, the major downside here is pressure treated pine wood decks aren’t very durable and require quite a bit of yearly maintenance.

Redwood

A deck building purist will commonly recommend either redwood or cedar for a building material. One main reason redwood is used is because redwood decks are gorgeous. Not to mention, it is naturally resistant to weather and bugs. The major downside is that redwood will end up running you about three times more than pressure treated pine decks.

Cedar

If your Maryland decking contractor didn’t recommend redwood, then they probably suggested cedar for another great option. Much like redwood, cedar is a great choice for its looks and natural resistance to pests and weather conditions. The basic difference between cedar and redwood is your preference on looks and regional availability.

Exotic Hardwoods

Not as widely available, exotic hardwood decks offer a durable outdoor space with gorgeous results. These exotic hardwoods—such as mahogany, ipe, or teak—are extremely durable. In fact, they’re so durable that they are fairly hard to work with and require more extensive labor. In addition to that expense, exotics simply cost more per decking board due to limited availability.

If you’re on the market for a new type of wooden deck for your home, get in touch with the professional Maryland deck building contractors at North American Deck & Patio. Here at North American Deck & Patio we have the experience and skill to build you a gorgeous deck as well as help you pick out the best type of wood for your budget and preferences.

For more information, call North American Deck & Patio today at 866-535-1961 or fill out the form on our website for a free consultation, today!

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross