How to Choose Deck Lumber

Though decks can be surfaced with any number of materials, wood is the most popular choice. The wood you choose will affect the deck's appearance, strength and longevity, so it's best to keep some guidelines in mind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Decking Lumber
• Circular Saws
• Dust Masks
• Pollen/dust Masks
• Safety Goggles

1. Look for wood specifically milled for decking construction, usually labeled as patio decking.
2. Look for surfaced lumber that is straight and true and free of splits, cracks, loose knots, knotholes or other defects. Boards cut on the vertical grain (distinguished by parallel grain lines) are less likely to warp but are more expensive. Boards cut on the flat grain have more varied patterns that may be preferable.
3. Choose decay-resistant woods or pressure-treated lumber for any parts of the deck that will be subject to rain and snow.
4. Use pressure-treated lumber for areas of the structure that will sit within 6 inches of the ground or will have contact with concrete. Low-level decks should be made entirely of decay-resistant or pressure-treated wood.
5. For deck substructures, use lumber commonly called SPF (this stands for spruce pine or fir and is the industry standard), which is strong and economical. Choose dimension lumber and timbers graded at No. 2 or Better, though you can certainly use higher-graded wood.
6. Use plywood for decking under a waterproof surface or under carpeting. Choose performance-rated plywood that is graded for combination sulfuring and underlayment and rated either Exposure or Exterior. For building forms, use the cheapest plywood available.
7. Select redwood and cedar heartwood for decking and for amenities such as planters and railings. Both types of wood are naturally decay- and termite-resistant. Choose boards graded at least No. 2 or Better Common for these amenities.
8. Choose redwood labeled Heart for maximum decay-resistance. Lower grades can be used for planters and other amenities. Redwood Construction Heart and Construction Common grades are good choices for the decking itself.
9. Choose cedar boards with a high heartwood quantity, indicated by an orange color, for the best decay resistance. Cedar grades range from Architect Clear to Custom Knotty.
10. Consider non-wood products that can also be used for decking, though not for structural components. Made of vinyl or a recycled wood-polymer composite, these decking materials resembling wood are long-lasting and maintenance-free. Vinyl is available in white and off-white, while wood-polymer composite products generally come in shades of brown or gray. Feel free to paint the latter, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• When working with pressure-treated lumber, always wear safety goggles and a respirator or dust mask. Wash work clothes separately and wash hands thoroughly before eating.
• Redwood and cedar can be used green, but other woods should have a moisture content of 19 percent or less, designated as S-DRY.

Who Can Help:

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