Wood Types for Decking

Wood Types for Decking

Looking for the right decking material? Consider these options.

When it comes to decking, many elements make up the whole. One of the choices you must make when designing your backyard deck is what material it is. As fall is in full swing in Maryland, there is no better time to get this home improvement project going. Here is an overview of the wood types for decking out there.

Pressure-Treated

Pressure-treated wood is the most common type of wood for decking. It is both the most affordable and holds up pretty well for at least 20 years. It usually consists of pine coated with chemicals that make it more resilient to moisture and insects. Like any of the wood types, it requires annual maintenance and occasional sealing. Its downside is that it will wear out sooner than other woods, leaving homeowners with rotting, warping, or splintering boards.

Cedar and Redwood

Cedar and redwood are the two species that sit on a middle tier concerning wood types for decking. Redwood decking is more common for the west coast where it grows, while cedar is more readily available on the east coast. Redwood is slightly more durable than cedar, but cedar performs excellently also and is a little less expensive. Although you will need to maintain these decking types, both will deliver a durable outdoor platform for decades.

Exotic Woods

Exotic woods include species like Ipe, Tigerwood, Teak, Camaru, Jarrah, and more. These are dense hardwoods that are highly valued and perform highly. Of course, these are the most expensive by far and are also harder to resource. Some are also concerned about how the wood is harvested, whether legally or illegally, and whether it is hurting the environment. Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence can give you further guidance on these options.

Composite

Another option is one that mixes PVC with wood fibers. Known as composite decking, this hardy substitute for natural wood gets rid of the need for rigorous maintenance while still keeping some element of the real thing. It costs more than pressure-treated wood, but is still relatively affordable. If you are still looking for the right decking material, contact Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence for more information.

Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!

Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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