Adding a deck to your outdoor living space is the perfect way to expand and enhance your home. However, selecting the right material for that deck is crucial. The right wood will look great and function well for years to come. Keep reading to learn about the three most popular types of wood used for decking and why you should consider them for your deck.

Beautiful and Durable Cedar Wood

Cedar wood is a top choice among upper-class homeowners when it comes to decking materials. Renowned for its beautiful, natural look, cedar adds an aesthetically pleasing aspect to any outdoor living space.

It’s also more than just a pretty option. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it durable for long-term outdoor use. A cedar deck is truly an investment for your home. However, regular maintenance is necessary to preserve cedar decking’s color and prevent weather-related damage.

Affordable and Versatile Pressure-Treated Lumber

Pressure-treated lumber is another popular choice for decking due to its cost-effectiveness and availability. If you’re looking for an affordable deck, then this is a great option. Manufacturers treat this type of wood with chemicals to increase its resistance to rot, decay, and termites, so the cheaper cost doesn’t mean it’s less durable.

Although it may not have the natural beauty of cedar or other woods, you can paint or stain pressure-treated lumber to give it an enhanced, versatile appearance. It is worth noting that this type of wood requires routine maintenance to prolong its lifespan and maintain its aesthetic appeal. However, almost all deck types will require regular maintenance, so this isn’t a con specific to pressure-treated lumber.

Durable and Low-Maintenance Composite Wood

While most deck types require regular maintenance, composite wood is a unique exception. Composite wood is also known as wood-plastic composite (WPC), and because it combines wood fibers and recycled plastic, it requires less maintenance.

Composite wood is highly durable, resistant to rot and insects, and requires less maintenance compared to natural wood. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of colors and styles, providing homeowners with numerous design options. While it is typically more expensive upfront than natural wood, its durability and low maintenance requirements often make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. A composite deck is an excellent investment for your home’s outdoor space.

The three most popular types of wood used for decking, cedar, pressure-treated lumber, and composite wood, each offer unique benefits to homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces. Stellar Construction offers custom decks and patios made from many of these materials, including cedar and composite wood. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation quote.