Deck Wood Options

There are various options for wood deck materials.

A wooden deck can look good in almost any garden. They offer the benefits of outdoor living, such as in sunbathing and picnics, and are easier to build than a patio. Even those with little do-it-yourself experience can assemble a timber deck. The choice of materials is important when constructing your deck. Some kinds of lumber may seem attractive for reasons of cost, but the extra maintenance can quickly offset any initial savings.

Treated Wood

Wood can be impregnated with preservative chemicals to make it last longer. Using a combination of vacuum and high pressure techniques, preservative chemicals are forced deep into the wood. These chemicals protect the timber from insects and fungi that cause rotting. Pine is often treated in this way as it is porous and easily absorbs the treatment. Some treated wood is green in color. You can find various brands of treated wood at home improvement stores.

Naturally Resistant Timber

Some timber is naturally resistant to attack from rot or insect infestation, even without chemical treatments. A familiar example is cedar wood, which is noted for its insecticidal properties. Other naturally durable woods include redwood and cypress. Remember when selecting timber for your deck that it's only the heartwood of the tree that has these preservative chemical properties. The sapwood is not naturally durable.

Wood/Plastic Composite Lumber

Wood/plastic composite lumber (WPC) is a lower-cost choice. Strictly speaking, WPC isn't wood but a mixture of plastics and wood fibers or wood flour. It is sometimes made from recycled materials, making it attractive from a green-living perspective.

Considerations

Naturally durable wood is harder to find in stores than treated wood, and can be more expensive. Both naturally durable wood and treated wood will benefit if sealed with water-resistant finish once the deck is built. This will help prevent cracking and warping, and should be reapplied every two years. The appearance of all timber changes over time; you can help prevent fading with UV-resistant varnishes or other treatments. Faded or discolored wood can also be stained to make it more attractive.

WPC is promoted as low-maintenance, but it will still need to be cleaned and can fade over time. Concerns have also been expressed regarding the flammability of WPC. In tests conducted by the University of California Berkeley Center for Fire Research, WPC performed poorly against treated wood and naturally durable wood.

References

• University of Tennessee Extension: Decking Lumber Options
• University of California Berkeley Center for Fire Research and Outreach: Decks-Fire Safe or Not?