Decks Create Additional Living Space
Are you building a new deck or replacing an old one? Decks create an outdoor gathering space with the bonus of fresh air and sunshine. Their many advantages inspire us to live healthier lifestyles.
It's an excellent opportunity to expand your living space outdoors, adding extra square footage and giving you more room to relax or entertain. Decks are ideal for hosting outdoor gatherings and provide a dedicated space for socializing and enjoying time with friends and family.
Decks bridge the gap between your home and the outdoors. Step outside, sink into your favorite chair, soak up the sun, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It can be your retreat - a perfect spot to unwind, breathe fresh air, and de-stress after a long day.
Decks are highly customizable. You can choose the size, material, and design to match your style and lifestyle. You can add features like pergolas or awnings for shade, outdoor kitchens, and designated lounging, eating, and play areas.
Adding a deck can also be a wise investment. Choosing a deck with durability, longevity, and natural beauty can boost your home's value and enhance your backyard’s appeal.
Decking Considerations
Deck materials vary widely in price. Consider upfront costs, long-term costs, and return on investment. In addition to the actual decking, consider the substructure costs—joists, posts, and beams. Most decks also have rails, stairs, and fascia.
Be familiar with the decking materials available in today's marketplace. Consider their benefits and drawbacks.
Your environment may be a consideration when choosing deck material. Are you in a sun-drenched environment with very little shade? Is your part of the world rainy and wet? Some decks are hotter than others underfoot. Some materials are less fade-resistant, or less tolerant of moisture, or prone to mildew and algae buildup.
Consider your maintenance comfort zone when choosing your deck. All decks require maintenance, but the type of maintenance will differ depending on the material.
Consider your lifestyle and aesthetic, and choose a deck that fits your needs.
There is a dizzying array of options in material, features, price points, and manufacturers. Comparing from brand to brand can be challenging. Narrow your choices by considering your must-have features.
Types of Decks
Bamboo Decks
Bamboo and bamboo composite decking are very new to the market, and the technology continues to improve. Most of the bamboo comes from China, where there are environmental and labor concerns.
Bamboo is a premium-priced decking material. It is heavy—more expensive to ship, harder to move around, and harder to work with, adding to the overall cost of the deck. Bamboo is actually grass, not wood, but similar to wood decking in that it needs to be sealed to protect against UV and moisture; bamboo will fade to a silver-gray without a seal coat. Oiling is recommended to prevent drying and cracking. Bamboo decks have a smooth surface and tend to be very slippery. Harsh weather and wet climates can be hard on bamboo decks.
If you’re paying premium prices, stick with proven products. Most of the premium decking on the market today required 10-20 years of evolution to produce a stable, long-lasting product.
Composite Decks
Composite decking materials emerged with fanfare in the 1990s as a low-maintenance alternative to real wood decks. Those initial products were disappointing, and manufacturers continued to refine them. Today, attractive composite decks are finding a foothold in the marketplace.
Plastic composites combine plastic with wood fibers, sawdust, or wood chips. Fiber cement decking combines cement, sand, and wood pulp. Mineral-based composite decking is made of crushed stone dust and plastic.
Composite decking is generally more expensive than real wood decking. Most composite decking is available at three price points: budget, mid-range, and premium.
Lower-price point boards are scalloped on the back or hollow to conserve material and keep the shipping weight down. They are limited in color and have minimal wood grain embossing. Each price point above budget adds features that upgrade aesthetics and ease of use, e.g., enhanced wood grain appearance, more color choices, fade-resistance, slip-resistance, and heat resistance.
Mid-range composite decking offers PVC capping that covers the wood fibers on the exposed side, helping with moisture issues.
Premium, high-end composites will get you solid boards and the best options for long life, minimal issues, and a more realistic wood look. Premium decks can be more expensive than the most costly hardwood decks. You should beware of inexpensive imports and stick with the major manufacturers.
Some composite decks can fade over time; any fading is permanent, unlike real wood decks, which can be restored to their natural wood color.
The expansion and contraction of composite decking are more significant than in real wood decking. This could cause the boards to peel, split, bend, or warp over time, especially in environments with big temperature swings.
Composite decks can be slippery. Slip-resistant additives in sealing products can help older composite decks, prevent mold and mildew, and minimize constant cleaning issues. Newer composite decks are manufactured to inhibit organic growth but they do need to be kept clean of debris that holds moisture.
Composite decks tend to be warmer underfoot than real wood. Design and materials affect heat absorption, retention, and transfer. Premium decking offers better comfort underfoot.
Buy the color you'll love forever because you shouldn't paint or stain most composite materials manufactured after 2010; it could void your warranty. Painting or staining can add more maintenance requirements to older decking.
Composite decking is durable but not 100% stain—and scratch-proof. Foods and liquids with deep colors can stain. Hot coals can mar the surface, and rough use can cause scratches. The question isn’t if any of these might happen, but when they will happen. With proper cleaning tools and techniques, many of these issues can be minimized or repaired.
Composite decking can be eco-friendly if manufactured with recycled materials and reclaimed wood products. However, the carbon footprint of manufacturing composite decking material does impact the environment.
Composite decking should be cleaned yearly to remove dirt, grime, dust, and debris buildup and give the deck a fresh look. Leaves and lawn debris should be continually removed to prevent moisture and organic buildup that makes the deck slippery.
PVC Decks
PVC decks are made of 100% plastic. They have evolved over the last twenty years, and as the technology has developed, the decking has come into its own. High-end PVC decking is now available, and most are very attractive. PVC decking is a premium product; you won't find PVC in budget decking and only PVC capping in the mid-range.
PVC decks are not as strong as wood decks and can sag over time, which might be a consideration if you host large gatherings. They are also susceptible to fading and discoloration. Unlike real wood siding, faded PVC deck color cannot be restored. PVC decks are hot underfoot in direct sunlight. Manufacturers have developed technology to overcome these issues, but it does increase the cost of the deck.
PVC decking has a higher environmental impact than wood or composite decking because it uses fossil fuels, contributes to water and air pollution, and requires more manufacturing energy. Eco-friendly disposal of PVC decking can be more challenging as it isn't biodegradable.
PVC decking can be scratched, or stained by foods and liquids. Minor issues can be repaired with proper techniques and tools, but deep scratches and stains may require boards be replaced.
Marketed as low-maintenance, PVC decking should be cleaned yearly to remove dirt buildup and airborne debris and freshen the deck's appearance. You always want to keep lawn debris and leaves from collecting on the deck. They hold moisture and promote algae, mold, mildew, or moss growth. A wet deck is a slippery deck.
Choose a color you can live with. Painting or staining PVC decking is not recommended and doing so could void the warranty.
Real Wood Decks
The first backyard wood decks started appearing in the early 1900s. They were plain in style and a simple, easy way to expand living and entertaining space.
Real wood is still the most popular deck material in the U.S. The choice of hardwood, softwood, or treated wood decking will be based on aesthetics and budget—for most of us, a compromise between the two.
Building with real wood is an eco-friendly choice, as it has the lowest impact on air and water quality of all building materials.
Real wood deck surfaces are cooler underfoot than composite and PVC decking, and warmer to the touch in winter.
Hardwood Decks
Hardwood decks are expensive and considered a luxury. They are more expensive than softwood decks for several reasons. Exotic hardwoods most popular for decking, e.g., Ipe, Teak, Tigerwood, Garape, and Cumaru, are slow-growing woods imported from tropical countries, creating higher upfront costs. Hardwoods are dense and heavy and more challenging to cut, move around, and install, adding to the overall price. Hardwood decking can be more expensive than some composite decks.
Hardwood decks are naturally weather-resistant, durable, and beautiful. They can last decades without a protective finish. However, a finish coat is recommended to maintain the wood's natural color and keep it conditioned to prevent drying, cupping, or checking issues and prevent the deck from turning silver-gray.
Hardwood decks are exotic, expensive, and finicky. Because they are so dense, they don’t take stain well; they just don’t penetrate into the wood. To maintain the wood’s natural color, the deck may have to be finished twice a year. We’ve talked with hardwood deck owners who didn’t have any luck with maintaining the natural color and just gave up and let it silver. Oil-based sealants specifically for hardwoods or exotics should be used.
Hardwood decks can be marred by foods and liquids or scratched and gouged. With proper tools and techniques, the boards can be restored.
Annual cleaning is also essential for hardwood decking. Removing dirt and grime extends the life of the protective finish and the deck. Keeping the deck clear of leaf buildup and lawn debris controls moisture and helps to inhibit mold, mildew, and algae growth.
Not all foreign countries participate in sustainable forestry practices, so not all hardwoods are eco-friendly building materials. You'll need to check the source of the wood used for the decking. In addition, the environmental impact is more significant than that of softwood decking because of transport from foreign countries. If eco-friendly is on your list of must-haves, these may be a consideration.
Domestic hardwoods, like white oak, poplar, and maple, aren't typically used for decking. Except for white oak, most domestic hardwoods lack the strength, durability, or rot resistance needed for good decking material.
Softwood Decks
Softwood decking includes western red cedar, redwood, and treated pine. These domestic woods are less expensive than hardwoods and most man-made decking materials. Softwoods are lightweight, easy to work with, and easy to cut and shape to fit any outdoor space.
Softwood decks, like all decks, need regular cleaning. In addition, a protective coating should be used to retain the natural wood tones, keep the wood conditioned, and enhance longevity.
Softwood decks can be scratched or stained by foods or liquids and are easy to restore. Simply sand out any scratches or gouges, then refinish the boards. Most stains can be removed with oxygen bleach and a soft-bristled brush. Use a spot treatment of oxalic acid on a stubborn stain, then refinish the board.
Softwood decks need regular maintenance to keep them clean and looking their best. Once a year, use a garden hose, a soft-bristled brush, and a weak solution (1/2 of the package recommendation) of oxygen bleach to clean dirt, grime, stains, and airborne dust and debris off the wood, refreshing your deck's appearance. This will also help with the wear-life of your finish; dust and debris are natural enemies of wood finish products.
Moisture is the main reason for a slippery wood deck. Keeping the deck free of leaves, twigs, and plant debris keeps moisture off the deck and inhibits mildew, mold, and algae growth. While real wood’s natural grain and texture enhance traction, a dry deck is a safe deck.
Pressure Treated Wood Decks
Pressure treated wood decking is the least expensive decking available and is popular for modest budget restrictions. SPF (spruce, pine, fir) is light in color, lacking the tonal variety and color depth you’ll find in cedar, and will have the shortest lifespan. SPF must be treated to enhance insect and rot resistance for durability and longevity. Pressure-treated wood has chemical preservatives infused into it to prolong its life. The chemical preservatives are EPA-registered pesticides and are generally considered safe.
A sensitivity to the chemicals used to treat the wood may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, or throat. The chemicals corrode steel screws and nails, so specially coated fasteners must be used for treated wood decks.
You don't burn, mulch, or compost treated wood. It should be discarded in a landfill.
Pressure treated wood decks can last 20-25 years, depending on the environment and the aggressiveness of your maintenance schedule.
Pressure treated wood is touted as eco-friendly because it will last many more years than the same species of untreated wood. However, there are still many questions about the effects of pressure-treated wood on humans and the environment. These issues may be a consideration when considering decking.
A treated wood deck is still vulnerable to moisture and UV. An aggressive maintenance schedule will help to preserve the wood. Wood stain finishes will add color and depth to otherwise bland wood and protect it from sun and weather, preserving it and preventing graying. Painting your deck is also an option.
Clean your deck yearly to brighten and freshen it. The deck should be free of leaves and yard debris to prevent mold, mildew, and algae growth that stain the wood and make it slippery.
Western Red Cedar Decks and Redwood Decks
Western red cedar decking and redwood decking are premium decking materials historically popular in the U.S. These eco-friendly, traditional materials have a proven track record of lasting decades, offering competitive pricing, and have a warm, natural look that cannot be imitated.
Both species grow in North America and require minimal remanufacturing, keeping deck prices lower than hardwood decks and most composite decks. WRCedar and redwood are lightweight and easy to work with. They add value to your home and enhance your backyard living space.
WRCedar and redwood are eco-friendly decking materials. They are a sustainably grown and harvested renewable resource. They can be repurposed or recycled, and are biodegradable—decomposing naturally and not contributing to environmental pollution.
Redwood is milled in northern California in limited quantities, which keeps the price point higher than WRCedar. Fewer lumber yards outside of the West Coast carry it, so shipping can be more expensive. Redwood decking is requested throughout the U.S., but it is definitely a West Coast favorite—as that is redwood country.
Its popularity is based on a reputation earned when 2000-year-old trees were milled. Today’s redwood is primarily second-growth trees, and its resistance factor has dropped from excellent to moderate. You want to keep a protective finish of clear coat, stain, or paint on your redwood deck for the longest lifespan.
Redwood heartwood and sapwood decking are available in clear, near clear, and select tight knot grades. All-heart clear grade offers the best durability and longevity. It’s a beautiful architectural-grade wood that will last decades with a protective finish.
Western red cedar for decks are a steadfast U.S. favorite. They have pride of place in many backyards throughout the country. WRCedar’s natural rot—and insect resistance offers the highest durability and longevity rating of all softwoods. With a consistent maintenance schedule, Western Red Cedar decks can last 30 to 50 years.
Western Red Cedar decking material is available in clear grade —virtually no knot, near clear grade —some knots with a lot of clear wood, and rustic tight knot grade.
WRCedar is dimensionally stable and has the lowest shrinkage of any North American softwood. This means the cedar decking boards stay flat and straight with minimal warping, checking, or cupping.
A protective finish, such as a clear coat, stain, or paint, on your cedar decking or redwood deck will guard against UV and moisture damage, protecting your deck from turning silvery-grey and retaining the wood's natural color.
Protective finishes add to your deck's durability and longevity. WRCedar and redwood are free of resin and pitch and take stain beautifully. WRCedar has more tonal variation and wood stain finishes showcase its’ natural beauty and luster.
In Our Opinion
Choosing a deck that is durable, beautiful, and adds character and charm to your outdoor living space will be an asset to your home.
Narrow your deck choices considering your budget, lifestyle, maintenance tolerance, environment, and must-have features.
In today's marketplace, you can purchase composite or PVC decking that looks similar to a real wood deck, and some of them are very attractive. Imitation wood doesn't have the beautiful grain, texture, character, and luster of real Western Red Cedar decking, which is the gold standard for decks.
Wood lovers appreciate all the characteristics of real wood. They understand the aesthetic and investment value of real wood decking and don't settle for anything less.
All decks, no matter the material, require maintenance. Over the years, we've talked with thousands of wood lovers who consider keeping real wood beautiful and healthy a labor of love.
The hands-down favorite, all-natural, eco-friendly choice is Western Red Cedar decking.
If you're interested in a real WRCedar or redwood deck, contact our in-house mill specialist for information or a quote.
Ciao Wood Lovers!
