Wood Decking

Choosing wood decking involves balancing aesthetics with budget. In general, pressure-treated lumber is an affordable option; it can be stained and sealed to look good and to reduce maintenance concerns. Western red cedar may be preferable for the visible deck boards. A pretty, naturally durable wood that weathers into a lovely gray color, it is more costly than most pressure-treated lumber. Tropical hardwoods such as ipe (ironwood) are beautiful, extremely strong and durable, and relatively expensive. Visiting Ring’s End decking displays can help you compare the appearance, qualities, and costs of wood decking.

If you're choosing deck boards yourself:

1. Look for pressure-treated boards stamped 'select', which means a grade with few knots or blemishes.
2. Sight down each board to avoid warped, twisted, or cupped boards; avoid wet boards.
3. Consider using pressure-treated boards for structural elements and upgrading to cedar or tropical hardwood for the deck boards proper.
4. When buying cedar boards, select boards cut from the heartwood.
5. If you choose a tropical hardwood like ipe, remember that its density makes it harder to work with and that a dark colored wood. Is not the color that will remain. With Sunlight Ipe turns a beaurtiful silver color that does not to be maintained.