Woods are popular for providing naturally classic ambiance; thus, making wood the most popular material for deck constructions. Below is a list of well-known types of woods for deck materials.



Pressure-treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is affordable and very durable deck material. Southern yellow pine is the most popular pressure-treated wood at present. It has noticeable grain patterns and greenish hue that make up a beautiful finish after sometime. Most wood manufacturers have this type of deck material.

Western Red Cedar

Western red cedar is a soft type of wood from the cypress kingdom. It is a very durable type of deck material that is decay and rot proof. Custom Clear is the toughest cedar grade there is, which with proper treatment and maintenance, can last for minimum of 9 years to 30 years at max. Port Orford cedar has a lighter shade compared to redwood cedars and has a maximum of 20 years lifespan. Pre-drilling is usually applied on the ends of the cedar to prevent them from breaking. Cedar woods contain tannic acid that is reactive to some type of deck fasteners.

Redwood

Redwood deck material offers several wood ranks to choose from. This wood ranking is based on the redwood’s appearance and quality. Construction Heart and Clear Heart are the most favorable redwood ranking. They are compact, light, yet durable. It can also resist cracking and withstand weathering. Lifespan is expected to last up to 30 years and can reduce up to 20 years if exposed to harsh deck weather conditions. You might want to consider pressure treatment if you intend to use other redwood grades. Like cedars, pre-drilling on the edge of the boards prevents the wood from splitting.

IPE

IPE is as popular as ironwood from South America with Pau Lope as its label. This type of deck material can surpass cupping caused by wood’s aging and resist possible crashing or twisting. IPE is very heavy and dense. Cutting it would be very difficult. Installation cost may become expensive when using this deck material because it will require more manpower to operate on its density and cutting issues. Expected lifespan of IPE is 25 years. Sealant is a must on this deck material.

Mahogany

Mahogany deck material has various selections of species and subspecies. The most common color of this deck material can range from white to dark red. The most popular type of mahogany from the Philippines is Meranti. This type of mahogany offers variety of colors to choose from. Each color of Meranti indicates a different weakness and level of decay-proof ability. The dimensions of this deck material are unstable. It requires water repellant maintenance to sustain its hold. While Meranti may display some durability issues, American Mahogany just simply surpasses this flaw as they are more stable in terms of dimensions and are more durable compared to Meranti. American Mahogany can come from many different countries such as Central America, Mexico, West Indies, and South America.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a mixture of wood, fibers, and plastic. This deck material can age without having to embrace the concept of disintegration. It is very durable. It can keep its shape and resist shrinkage or expansion. It also has a very long lifespan, which can typically last as long as your home’s time. It only has minimal maintenance requirements. Though composites may surpass wearing-off, it is not as strong as wood. Using this type of wood for decking may require special structural support.