What Type of Wood Is Used for a Front Porch?

Western Red Cedar

• Western red cedar is a soft wood with a red-brown tone that ages silver gray. It is easily cut and formed for use in building a porch, and is resistant to moisture, decay and damage done by insects. Additionally, it requires little care or sealing, as it produces natural preservatives that fight off decay-causing fungi, according to the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. A penetrating stain is sufficient for changing the color of the wood, meaning it will adapt to just about any home. The wood provides a Class II flame spread rating and a low smoke development rating, meaning it is available for use in construction without preservative treatments. Since it is a soft wood, splintering is occasionally a problem over time.

Redwood

• Redwood is a soft wood with a vibrant red hue that, like cedar, ages gray. It is highly resistant to harsh weather, including rain, snow and sun, and has some natural ability to resist termites and other pests. Additionally, redwood will resist warping, cracking and bowing in wet conditions, an ideal trait for a porch material. Its soft nature means it is easy to work with and mold, and will hold paint or stain well if desired. A sealer is usually recommended to keep redwood looking its best. On the downside, redwood costs significantly more than its man-made counterpart, so it's not ideal for all budgets.

Mahogany

• There are two types of mahogany ideal for porch construction. Honduras mahogany is a strong hardwood with a pale pink-brown or red-brown color that darkens with age. It naturally resists decay and damage by sun and rain, but occasionally suffers from insect damage. According to wood-database.com, the medium and darker tones will provide more insect resistance than lighter hues. Philippine mahogany is not a true mahogany, but will resist rotting and pests like true mahogany. It is a product that offers a wide selection of color options. Since these materials are from tropical areas, any purchase should have a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) trademark to assure it was harvested responsibly.

Pressure-Treated Wood

• Pressure-treated wood has been treated with a preservative to protect against insect, fungi or environmental damage. These products, most often manufactured from southern yellow pine, are widely available from home improvement stores and are generally less expensive than natural wood. It has a long lifespan, and requires little care except for occasional resealing to prevent weathering. Older pressure-treated products have been noted to cause serious health problems because of the chromated copper arsenic (CCA) that was historically used to treat the wood. This product is now banned by the Environmental Protection Agency, but older pressure-treated products must be resealed more frequently to prevent problems. This material comes in a wide selection of sizes and colors, making it ideal for most porch construction projects.