A deck is a great place to relax while enjoying the fresh air outside. However, some factors should be considered when picking out the perfect type of wood for your deck.
To have a successful project, it’s necessary to consider all aspects before beginning work on your new deck by researching which type of wood would best suit your needs. This article will discuss what you should look for when buying wood for your decking needs and why this decision is so important.
How To Choose
So how to choose the best wood for your new deck? When you’re looking for a material to use for your deck, the best thing to do is assess your needs and what you expect from your deck so that you can choose a type of wood perfectly suited to avoid pitfalls down the line. The most important factors when choosing a type of wood are:
- resistance to insects, rot, water damage
- price
- appearance.
- How long it lasts
Cedar
Cedar is a beautiful type of wood that resists rot and insects, has a powerful aroma, and is naturally resistant to decay. The bark of cedar trees contains high levels of tannin, which makes the tree resistant to fire damage.
This type of wood comes in many different colors ranging from yellowish browns to purplish reds. It is extremely difficult to work with, which means that installation costs will be much higher when working with this particular material.
Cedar decking boards can cost anywhere from $4 to $12 per foot, depending on its quality and characteristics. Being one of the most popular types of decking materials, cedar also adds value to your home while also increasing the resale price for your house if you ever wanted to sell.
Pine
Pine is another extremely popular type of wood used for decking purposes. It’s more resistant to insects than cedar, but it doesn’t last as long. It can come in different colors, it’s more widely available than some other types of woods, and the price tag is generally more affordable than most other materials, including cedar.
According to some, pine has a poorer appearance compared to other types of wood since the grain patterns are less distinct, which gives it an unappealing look when looking at where your feet will be walking on the boards.
The main advantage of this material is that it can be found anywhere without having to resort to paying higher prices for rarer materials like teak or ipe. The best types of pine for decking purposes are white pine and yellow pine, as long as you’re careful not to pick a softer type that will wear out faster.
