What Kind of Wood Is Needed for a Patio Deck?

Pressure Treated Wood

• Pressure treated woods are materials that have been chemically coated and preserved. These chemical will aid in keeping the wood resistant to insect activity, fungal growth and environmental damage. The additives greatly extend the life of the wood and make it so maintenance is minimal. Treated woods require only occasional resealing with a waterproof sealant to keep them in good condition. These products are widely available from most home improvement stores, are less expensive than traditional woods and are among the most widely used in deck building. The wood is paintable, but requires a thorough cleaning with soapy water before application. Latex paint will provide the best coverage and is more durable than oil-based or spray paint when used on pressure-treated wood.

Redwood

• Redwood is a material that produces a natural red tone and is highly durable for use as a deck material. It is very resistant to harsh weather, rain, snow and sun exposure and will age an ashy gray color. Additionally, it has a natural resistance to pests and termites and won’t warp or crack in rainy areas. It is a soft wood that is easy to work with and will hold paint and stain with no problem. Decks made from redwood must be sealed with a waterproof top coat to keep it in good condition, and its high cost compared to other woods or manufactured alternatives make it an unrealistic option for some budgets.

Mahogany

• There are two types of mahogany that will work well as a deck material. The first, Honduras mahogany, is a hard wood with a pale pink-brown or red-brown coloring, both shades will darken as they age. Philippine mahogany produces a red-brown color, but doesn’t age in the same manner as standard mahogany. It is also a hard wood, but has a tendency to warp more than other varieties. Both types will resist rot and damage from water or sun exposure, but are prone to damage from pests. Prior to purchasing any type of mahogany, be sure that it is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification assures that the wood was harvested in an ecologically friendly manner. Tannic acid, a naturally occurring substance within mahogany, makes painting or staining difficult, as they will eat through or stain paint that is improperly applied. Thorough cleaning and priming is key.

Western Red Cedar

• Western red cedar is a soft wood that is easily cut and formed, an ideal characteristic for deck building. It has a red-brown coloring that will age silver gray as it ages. It is easily painted or stained, resists insect damage and rot and produces its own preservative that inhibits fungal growth. This natural preservative makes cedar decks among the easiest to care for on the market, and require very little sealing or care. It is resistant to fire and requires no additional fire-resistant treatments.