Types of Wood Decking Materials
Choosing your materials can be difficult. Often, it comes down to price or availability. You don’t have to rely on the big box stores for your deck products. There are specialty lumberyards in most cities that carry species of lumber that you cannot find at the big box stores.
Pressure-Treated | |||
Scale Photo | Density | Weight | Elasticity |
14,400 psi | 590 lbs. | 5.2 | |
Description & Longevity | |||
The most popular choice of deck materials in the US, primarily because it is long-lasting and the most economical. About 80 percent of pressure-treated wood is Southern yellow pine, although other plentiful local species are used in some areas. Grain patterns are prominent; its initial greenish color becomes a honey brown before fading to gray. It is available in nearly every lumber outlet – in various grades and in common lumber dimensions plus 5/4 (spoken five-quarter) decking profiles. Tags stapled on the ends of lumber indicate the intended use, e.g., above-ground or ground contact. Some dealers carry material that contains built-in water repellent or is re-dried after treatment. The chemical preservative is forced into the wood cells under pressure. Pressure-treated wood usually has a warranty against decay and termite damage, in most cases for the lifetime of the original purchaser. Preserved lumber is also used for fencing, landscaping, walkways and other backyard projects. |
Western Red Cedar | |||
Scale Photo | Density | Weight | Elasticity |
7,550 psi | 455 lbs. | 7.7 | |
Description & Longevity | |||
Newly cut cedar has a color range from light browns and tans to salmon pink. Left untreated it will eventually turn silvery gray and then to a very dark brown. It's graded A, B, C or D. This soft wood is more durable than most woods in common use. It is resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Preservative treatment/sealing is recommended. |
Redwood | |||
Scale Photo | Density | Weight | Elasticity |
9,800 psi | 485 lbs. | 9.2 | |
Description & Longevity | |||
Redwood is available in several grades which vary considerably in appearance and quality. The color will vary from a light red to a dark reddish-brown. It's graded in Clear Heart, B-Grade, Construction Heart or Construction Common. The clear heart grade is more durable than the other redwood grades because of its high-resistance to decay. This is the grade that redwood has received its reputation on. Redwood is a soft wood and weathers to a yellowish-red very quickly. |
Mahogany | |||
Scale Photo | Density | Weight | Elasticity |
11,900 psi | 775 lbs. | 11 | |
Description & Longevity | |||
Honduras mahogany is a true mahogany. There are other species like "Philippine Mahogany" that try to take the well-known name. True mahogany has a woven look to the grain with a courser texture. Not all mahogany has the resistance to decay needed for outdoor use. The medium to dark red and brown species are more resistant to decay. |
Capped Composite Decking
What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.
Waterproof Decking Materials & Options
Did you know you can ensure the space under your deck stays dry, or even waterproof your decking boards? Explore all waterproof decking options at Decks.com.
Comparing Trex Decking Lines: Signature vs Lineage vs Transcend vs Select vs Enhance
Discover the four main types of Trex decking: Transcend Lineage, Transcend, Select, and Enhance. Check out our review to learn what sets each apart.
Cutting a Concrete Pad
Learn how to use a concrete saw to cut a hole in a patio slab to install a deck footing.
Prevent Deck Sinking
Sinking deck footings can lead to serious problems. Learn what can cause concrete footings to sink. Properly installed footings will resist sinking.
Installing footings on a sloped yard
Our inspector explains how to install concrete deck footings on uneven ground.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Eco Friendly Composite & Wood Decking Options
Looking for the most environmentally friendly way to add a gorgeous deck to your home? Learn how composite decking is made from recycled materials at Decks.com.
Millennium Lumber
Millenium Lumber is a composite decking material manufactured by Millennium Decking, Inc.in Niska, Alberta, Canada.
CorrectDeck
CorrectDeck composite decking is manufactured by Correct Bldg. Products in Biddleford, ME
How many footings do I need?
Learn how to determine the number of footings and support posts you need for your deck when designing your deck frame.
Protecting From Collapse
Learn how to use cardboard sonotubes and hole covers to protect your deck footing holes from caving in and flooding before pouring concrete.
Retaining Walls
Avoid problems related to digging deck footings near retaining walls. Learn some tips from the pros for how to handle these difficult situations.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights