For a safer more attractive deck or porch choose a visually pleasing yet still durable wood for the floors railings and steps.
Best wood for decks in northeast.
Decks make a beautiful addition to any home.
That being said some homeowners have projects like boat docks and ground level decks that can not meet the ideal conditions but still want a beautiful hardwood deck.
Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages so decide which wood best suits your building needs and budget.
Most carpenters figure a lifespan of 15 to 20 years for cedar wood deck boards but it can deteriorate faster when used for ground level decks and for shaded decks that are slow to dry out.
Woods for outdoor projects the three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices not treated with chemical preservatives include western red cedar redwood and cypress.
Wood also was excellent at resisting bending and sagging.
Many homeowners opt for natural wood decking whether it s cedar redwood or tropical hardwoods.
For one pt wood decks have very high maintenance needs and require power washing staining and sealing annually or biannually.
Pressure treated wood deck boards.
They are a perfect location for enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.
Choosing the best wood for decks is all about taste and priorities.
Natural wood 3 75 to 20 per square foot is durable and beautiful but costs can run high.
A few plastics and composites came close in those tests but several flexed or.
Pressure treated wood is the classic low cost deck board.
But with all the materials available it can be a challenge deciding the best material for your home and the environment you live in.
Here are some of the best woods for decks and porches.
Composite decking brands include trex fiberon.
Pt decks do last for quite a while but they aren t without issues.
Pressure treated wood in longer lengths 10 feet or greater and wider widths 6 inches or greater can work as an effective deck board but with a few limitations.
Save the pressure treated wood for the frame and supports.
In these cases even though we don t recommend it unless you can create the ideal conditions we suggest using 5 4 x 4 decking or 5 4 x 4 quarter sawn decking.
Wood composite decking cost two to three times more than pressure treated wood and pvc decking runs 10 to 15 percent more than wood composites.