If you are thinking about installing a new deck for your home, you should consider various deck wood types. Choosing the right kind of wood depends on different exterior factors, so you need to look for a material that meets the needs of your home.

Keep reading this blog to find each wood type’s different facts, pros, and cons for your new outdoor deck.

Deck Wood Types

If you don’t know which wood material to pick when installing a new deck in your home, you should take into account the deck location, the external environment, and other factors. Here are 4 deck wood types you should consider:

1. Redwood Deck
2. Hardwood Deck
3. Pressure-Treated Deck
4. Cedar Deck

Redwood Deck

Redwood is one of the common deck materials due to its outstanding characteristics. The deck can last more than 35 years with good maintenance because it resists rot and insects. Also, one of the significant advantages is its power to resist fire.

Redwood is less likely to warp or fade, and more importantly, its natural color gives an aesthetic appearance to your patio or where the deck is. Besides, you can even make the redwood last more years with some finishes and sealants. Compared with other types of wood, this is stronger.

One of its cons is the price because redwood tends to be expensive due to the type of wood.

Hardwood Deck

Ash and Oak are two of the most common hardwood materials for your deck. Homeowners like hardwood decks due to their aesthetic appeal and their durability. Its lifespan goes from 40 to 60 years with annual maintenance.

Hardwood decks tend to be the most expensive decks, but the good part is that they add value to your home if you want to sell it. Also, its appearance of natural wood remains for many years without color fading or warping.

As redwood, hardwood decks are fire and moisture-resistant. Despite its price, another drawback is that it is difficult to install, so it is not a DIY installation process.

Pressure-Treated Deck

Pressure-treated wood is called that way because it contains a specific and unique process that makes it resistant to water damage and less susceptible to decay. Practically, the process enhances the timber’s protection, making the material more durable.

One of the most significant advantages of pressure-treated wood decks is that they are the cheaper ones to install. The cons are premature shrinking and warping, and constant maintenance. Its lifespan goes from 15 to 20 years, depending on the care.

Cedar Deck

It is softwood with a classic appearance, great for exteriors. Cedar decks also resist moisture, insects, and external weather conditions. Usually, cedar decks last from 15 to 30 years, depending on the maintenance, and if you stain the deck, it can last even more (this is optional since they don’t need to be stained).

Cedar is available in different colors and textures, so you can choose as you want. The price can vary according to deck size, but cedar decks tend to be less expensive than other types of wood. One of the drawbacks is that cedar is more likely to be scratched or dented easily since it is softwood.

Get Assisted by Deck Experts

If you are thinking of installing a deck but don’t know what deck wood type to pick, we can help you decide.

We count on the best remodeling contractor and deck builders. Don’t hesitate to contact us!