How to Choose Lumber for Building a Deck

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Options for decking material abound these days, with a range of wood species--and wood alternatives--available at just about every home center and lumber yard. If you're sure you want wood, but not sure which wood, here's some information to help you make your choice.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Southern pine is still the most popular--and least expensive--wood decking material. This product is pressure treated to aid durability, and no longer includes the arsenic previously used as a preservative. Because of the move away from arsenic, make sure bolts, screws and other fasteners are stainless steel, or labeled for use with the preservatives now in use. Also, you'll have to periodically re-stain and re-seal pine decking to keep it in shape.

Step2

Cedar and redwood are popular steps up from basic pine. Cedar can cost twice as much as pine, and redwood can run four times higher. However, these materials are naturally resistant to rot and insects, so ongoing maintenance can be significantly reduced.

Step3

Ipe, also called "ironwood" is extremely durable, and may cost less than redwood, depending on your location. This material is so dense it doesn't even float in water, and it can last up to 50 years without treating, but you'll have to pre-drill all your nail holes using carbide drill tips because it's just so darned hard.

Step4

Mahogany and teak are regaining popularity they once lost, for fear their production resulted in rainforest destruction. Now you can find plantation-grown timbers with documentation showing they've been sustainably harvested. The Forest Stewardship Council is one organization providing this certification. These tropical woods fade to a silver gray if left unfinished and do not require any re-staining or re-sealing.