Types of Wood for Decks in Dallas

The type of wood used for your deck will have a significant impact on its lifetime and durability. Generally speaking, you want to look for wood that has resistance to moisture that can cause mold and rot and also insects.

Cedar and redwood are popular choices for wood decks. Both are durable, beautiful, and relatively inexpensive. They both also resist warping.

Cedar

Cedar is a beautiful wood that adds an elegant look to your deck. It offers a rich warm aesthetic with tight grain patterns and a soft texture. It also resists rot and insect infestation without the use of preservative chemicals. Cedar is dimensionally stable, so it resists warping or cupping and is easy to work with. Additionally, cedar can easily withstand changing weather conditions and high humidity without losing its stability.

A properly maintained cedar deck can last for decades. However, it is essential to stain the cedar at least once every three years to keep it in great condition. Staining keeps organic growth, like mildew and mold, from forming in the pores of the wood fibers. In addition, it keeps moisture out and the sun’s UV rays off. This prevents the wood from turning gray, and it allows the natural wood to remain attractive for longer.

Redwood

Redwood is a great choice for wood decks because it’s naturally weather-resistant. It also deters bugs and pests better than many other types of woods. Unlike synthetic options, it is able to withstand moisture and decay and still look good — a crucial feature for decks in Dallas.

When properly cared for, a redwood deck can last 30 years or more. It is also a very environmentally friendly building material when sourced from sustainable forests. In fact, as redwoods grow they absorb carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and thereby helping to reduce greenhouse gases.

To get the most out of your redwood deck, choose a semi-transparent penetrating stain that provides UV protection and mildewcide. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for application. Clear finishes tend to fade faster than slightly tinted stains. If you prefer to leave your deck natural, use a preservative that does not contain solvents. Using a product that contains solvents can cause the redwood to break down over time.

Pressure Treated

Whether your budget doesn’t stretch quite far enough to afford cedar or you just prefer the look of a treated wood deck, this option is an affordable way to enjoy your backyard. Generally, this type of lumber is made from southern yellow pine or Douglas fir. It undergoes a chemical treatment process that increases its durability against the elements, including water, insects and sun’s UV rays.

In the past, most residential lumber was impregnated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Today, it is more likely to be treated with an ammonia-based preservative such as ammonia copper quaternary (ACQ) or micronized copper azole. These newer treatments reduce corrosion potential to fasteners and minimize the release of toxins into the environment.

Like all wood, treated lumber must be regularly stained or coated with penetrating sealers to maintain its beauty and durability. This is particularly important in regions with heavy snowfall or rainstorms. Aside from protecting the wood against moisture damage, these chemicals also keep termites and fungus at bay.

Alternatives

Wood is still the most popular decking material for homeowners. However, not all wood is created equal and the type of wood can greatly impact your home’s care needs, longevity and lifecycle costs.

Look for cedar with a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification, which assures that the wood was harvested from a sustainable source. If cedar or redwood aren’t available in your area, check out western red pine and other rot-resistant natural woods such as hemlock and tamarack.

Another option for your wood deck is modified wood, such as Kebony, which uses a non-toxic liquid that changes the tree cell structure to make the wood super dense. The result is a durable and beautiful decking material that is comparable to tropical hardwoods, but without the exotic price tag. It is also less expensive than pressure-treated southern yellow pine and requires no chemical preservatives. However, it does not age as beautifully as cedar and must be stained and sealed annually.

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