Substitute for a Teak Deck

Mahogany

• Mahogany is an alternative to teak. The boards are also a strong hardwood, easy to work with and slow to dry out. Mahogany will weather well, turning a dull gray very similar to teak. It has a straight grain with open pores. Mahogany is not as long-lasting as teak, but less expensive.

Iroko

• Iroko is another wood from ancient forests. It is a very hard wood, often called African teak, or Afromosia, although there is no relation. The grain in Iroko wood is similar to teak and with a close match in color. Although this wood might be a suitable choice for replacing teak in a deck, iroko is high in tannins that stain objects like hardware a blue color and causes the wood to darken over time. Iroko dust often causes allergic reactions.

Redwood

• Redwood is an American wood often used for decking -- not for its hardness but for its resistance to decay. Only the high-grade lumber is suitable for decking and that increases the price. Without any sealant, the red color fades to a gray color. For projects within the growing range of the redwood trees, the costs drop without expensive shipping charges.

Cedar and Cypress

• The heartwoods of cedar and cypress are naturally decay-resistant woods. The softer outer sapwood is much softer and will not stand up to the rigors of decking. The inner heartwood of older trees is amazingly durable and lasts for decades. Cedar is not strong enough for weight-bearing loads whereas cypress will hold strong. Cypress twists if not screwed properly while cedar works great as trim work. Both dry gray without sealants.