Choosing the Right Deck Lumber

[Posted on Jan 25]
Written by: Aaron Presley

A new deck can provide you with a wonderful area for entertaining family and friends or relaxing on your own on a lazy day. With outdoor patio heaters, it is even possible to enjoy the use of your deck on chillier days to maximize its benefits. Whether you have decided to install a deck on your own or to hire a contractor, one of the most important decisions that you will make involves the type of Deck Lumber that will be used. There are several options that are most commonly used for decks today, and these include cedar, treated yellow pine, Brazilian hardwood, and composite decking. It is important to consider a few key factors as you make a decision that is best for your new deck.

Durability

You can choose to install a deck using almost any type of wood, but some options are most commonly used because they are all durable and weather resistant. Southern yellow pine, for example, is known for being strong and very stiff. It has been pressure-treated to resist damage from rotting and pests. Cedar may splinter fairly easily, but it will withstand damage from rain, sun and other elements. Composite Deck Lumber, which is an engineered material designed to look like real wood, is generally the most durable of all of the options.

Affordability

Of all of the popular options for deck lumber, pine is often the most affordable choice. Composite decking materials are often the most expensive, but this is a material that the homeowner will generally get the longest use out of. The other materials are most commonly priced somewhere in between these options. It is important to consider how much lumber you will need for your deck and to choose a material that is best suited for your budget.

Care and Maintenance

The care and maintenance of the deck lumber should also be carefully reviewed. Yellow pine has been treated to minimize the need for considerable maintenance. However, this would is often known for having a green tinge to it, so it may be necessary to stain it almost immediately after installation. Cedar and Brazilian hardwood are designed to hold up well to the elements, but both may require periodic sanding and staining to extend the life of the wood. Composite decking may become dirty over time, so it may need to be pressure washed once or twice per year. However, it generally will not require staining or other significant maintenance efforts.

Style

As a final note, you should consider how the look of the deck lumber options will vary. Brazilian hardwood and cedar generally will have a slightly reddish hue to them, and pine may have a yellowish hue. Pine is naturally a lighter wood, and this should be taken into consideration. However, this can be adjusted based on the stain that is used after the deck has been installed. While you would not stain a composite deck, you can select from a wide range of color options to obtain the perfect hue for your needs.

The deck lumber that you choose to use will play a major role in the cost of your project, the care and maintenance of your deck, the deck’s longevity, and even its style. Because of all of these factors, it is advisable to thoroughly review the options in more detail so that you can make an informed decision that is best for our home.