Why choose wood
Natural wood decks have a warmth and feel that many people prefer. Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to decay and insects, lighter than many woods, and smell and look good. Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable option and is common for both framing and decking. Some homeowners choose tropical hardwoods for their density and durability, at a higher cost and with more difficult installation.
Cedar and redwood
- Cedar weathers to a silver gray if left unfinished, resists decay and is relatively easy to work.
- Redwood has similar natural durability and a rich color.
- Both come in different grades. Higher grades have fewer knots and more heartwood, which is the most decay-resistant part of the tree.
Even naturally durable woods last longer with good design: boards that can dry between rains, gaps for drainage, and a frame that sheds water.
Pressure-treated lumber
Treated lumber resists rot and insects because of the preservatives in it. Lumber used near the ground or for posts should be rated for ground contact. Treated lumber can check (crack) and warp as it dries, so selecting straight boards and fastening them well matters. Use fasteners and connectors rated for contact with treated lumber, since some treatments corrode ordinary steel.
Finishing and maintenance
Wood decks need regular care:
- Clean each year to remove dirt, mildew and debris.
- Finish with a penetrating stain or sealer to slow weathering and water absorption. Semi-transparent stains show the grain; solid stains hide it but can peel.
- Refinish periodically; sunny decks need it more often.
- Inspect for loose boards, popped fasteners, splinters and soft spots.
Avoid aggressive pressure washing, which raises the grain and damages the wood surface.
Ground-level decks and platforms
Low decks close to the ground have less room for air to circulate, so they stay damp longer. Use ground-contact-rated lumber for the frame, provide drainage and some ventilation, and consider whether a patio would serve better.
Patios as an alternative
If you want an outdoor space at ground level, a concrete, paver or stone patio may last longer with less maintenance than a low wood deck. Many homes combine a raised deck off the house with a patio below or beside it.
Permits
Many jurisdictions require a permit for decks above a certain height, attached to the house, or above a certain size. Ask the contractor whether yours needs one.
Questions to ask
- Which species and grade will you use for decking, and what will the frame be built from?
- What fasteners and connectors will you use?
- What finish do you recommend, and how often should it be reapplied?
- How will you ensure drainage and airflow under the deck?
- Is a permit required, and is it included?
Board spacing and drainage
Wood boards need gaps between them so water drains and debris falls through. New boards that are still wet from treatment or the mill shrink as they dry, so installers may set them tight and let the gaps open over time. Kiln-dried boards are spaced at the final gap from the start. Ask which approach the contractor will use for the lumber they're supplying.
Hardware and fasteners
Use stainless steel or coated fasteners rated for the lumber, especially with cedar and redwood, which can stain around ordinary steel. Hidden fastening systems give a clean surface on some wood decking profiles.