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Wood Decking

By Ben Shabat

Choosing the right materials for your deck often makes the different between long lasting, durable decks, and decks that need replacement after 8-10 years. Many home owners today replace their pine decks with cedar, redwood, and mahogany decks.

These types of wood are stable and shrinkage resistant. And if you will put enough effort into choosing the right materials at the right costs, you will soon find out that quality decking is worth the investment.

Decking lumber is graded for appearance and strength, so when it comes to selecting your new decks materials, be sure to select quality woods such as cedar, redwood, or mahogany.

You probably want to choose the best grade of lumber. Heartwood is rot-resistant and, with proper maintenance, will last longer while faster-growing, light-colored has less natural rot resistance and durability. Although dense wood is more difficult to cut it is better in terms of durability and can handle traffic and weather much better.

Keep in mind that choosing high end wood for your deck will not replace the need to be treated with a synthetic sealant that is water repellant every other year. These sealants contain UV-blockers, mildew ides, and algaecides to promote graceful aging of the wood.

Cedar Decks

Cedar is extremely durable and can last for 30 years when properly maintained. It has many rich colors and is a great choice for your deck. Top grades for cedar decking include Architect Clear or Custom Clear deck grade. Port Orford cedar is has lighter colors, providing more staining options

Ipe Decks

Ipe is very durable and resists cupping, splintering and twisting. It is very strong and heavy and therefore extremely difficult to cut and usually more expensive to install. On the other hand, it is very low- maintenance and requires only sealant on the ends.

Redwood Decks

Named after its deep red-brown color, redwood is tight-grained and knot-free, lightweight yet strong. Redwood is splintering resistant and is not easily damaged by weathering making it very durable for more than 30 years. Redwood is a good choice for decks, installed above living spaces as it is a good insulator. To grades include Heart and Construction Heart grades.

Ben Shabat is a senior project manager for Remodeling California Inc., a leader in the Home Improvement industry. For more information about House Remodeling, feel free to Email Ben Shabat or call (800) 724-9946.