Treated pine
Pressure-treated pine is the economical choice and resists rot and insects. It should dry before staining and needs regular sealing.
It can crack and cup with sun and rain.
Cedar and redwood
Cedar is naturally rot resistant, lightweight and beautiful. It weathers to silver unless sealed.
It costs more than pine and needs sealing for color.
Tropical hardwoods
Ipe and similar woods are dense and long lasting but heavy, expensive and hard to cut. They are excellent in the right budget.
Oil keeps their color.
Composite
Composite boards mix wood fiber and plastic and need little upkeep. They resist rot and splinters but can get hot and may fade.
Quality varies by brand.
Framing matters most
The frame underneath decides how long the deck lasts. Footings, flashing and hardware should be built to last whatever the surface.
Do not skimp underneath.
Choosing for your yard
Think about sun, trees, budget and how much upkeep you want. Many owners mix materials, such as treated framing with cedar or composite boards.
We bring samples.
Build a strong frame first, then choose the surface that fits your style, budget and patience for upkeep.
