Among the basics of building a deck is deciding what material to use. There are multiple types of wood to choose from, as well as other artificial materials. While each has their pros and cons, some building materials might be better for your specific needs than others.
Here is a guide to the basic types of materials for deck building:
Softwood decking
Cedar and redwood are both popular softwoods used for deck construction. Both are highly resistant to moisture damage like rot and warping. They also have high resistance to insect infestation. Both cedar and redwood require regular maintenance, including refreshing the stain every few years.
Hardwood decking
Popular hardwood decking materials include mahogany and ipe (Brazilian walnut). These tropical woods are extremely resistant to moisture and insect damage. The main disadvantage of hardwood decking is the cost. Of the available materials for building a deck, tropical hardwoods are the most expensive for deck boards.
Pressure treated wood decking
Pressure treated wood is a highly affordable deck board material. There are several kinds of wood commonly used for pressure treated lumber, including Douglas fir and yellow pine. Pressure treated lumber is easily obtainable and more economical than soft or hardwoods.
Composite wood decking
Composite wood is a modern option that’s becoming more popular for decking. This type of decking is made from a combination of recycled materials and natural wood fibers. It comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes and requires practically zero maintenance.
Composite wood is another affordable and easily obtainable material, but comes with some downsides. While it’s resistant to heat and moisture, the surface can become both very slippery and very hot when exposed to the elements.
These are the most common decking materials you’ll encounter when planning your outdoor building project. Keep these options in mind to make the best decision for your deck.
About the Author
Rudden|Bobruska Team
Gary Rudden, Lisa Rudden, and Nick Bobruska
RUDDEN BOBRUSKA TEAM
What sets your team apart from other real estate teams?
There is no team out in the market that offers what we do. All of us are Realtors, but
we each have specialized roles, which make our team so unique!
After decades of living and selling real estate in the DMV, we have established
ourselves as one of the top real estate teams with our market expertise and
cutting-edge technology. Our savvy high-tech marketing is on every website
and social media source. We have a huge network with other top agents, which
helps to premarket homes and discover homes for buyers before they reach the
open market. Our services include professional in-house staging services, broker
expertise in negotiating and navigating contracts, and buyer representation in all
price ranges. Each client has different needs and we create a marketing plan based
on those needs.
Our most distinct feature is our in-house construction and renovation team. We
are literally a full-service, one-stop shop when selling or buying a home!
How does the in-house construction and renovation team work?
All work is managed and completed through our licensed and bonded construction
crew. No need to call outside contractors. We are like “HGTV,” but we just don’t
have a show! Whether it’s a small makeover or a major renovation, we do it all. Our
sellers love this aspect of our team because we make preparing your home for the
market so seamless. Our buyers love the advice and insight we can give for future
renovations and repairs.
Having a licensed Maryland Home Improvement contractor as part of our team
along with the knowledge, experience, commitment and services that we offer, truly
puts our team as a vanguard in the real estate industry.