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The three common choices when it comes to wood decks are redwood, cedar and pressure-treated wood that can be made of various types of wood species. Redwood and cedar are both naturally insect and rot resistant and have a natural look, but each has its own inherent issues.
What wood is best for decking?
Overall, our experts at Patio Productions recommend Cedar or Redwood as the best wood choice for outdoor decks. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, pressure treated wood is your next best option.
Do you need to use pressure treated wood for a deck?
It’s better to use treated lumber and know your deck will be secure in a few years than try to use untreated wood for the supports and watch them rot away rapidly. Pressure treated wood doesn’t release any gases or particulates that could harm you and your family.
What is the most durable decking material?
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
How thick should deck boards be?
NOTE: Standard boards are often called a 5/4 board when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is typically somewhere between 1” and 1 ¼”. Thicker boards are often called a 2 x 6 when referring to traditional lumber, which means the actual thickness is somewhere between 1.2” and 1.5”.
Why is pressure treated lumber cheaper?
Affordability. Pressure-treated wood is notably cheaper than cedar, redwood, and other types of wood. And, because of its durability, you’re much less likely to experience a need for costly repairs in the future. It is a great choice for those operating on a smaller budget.
Should you let deck boards dry before installing?
Yes, let treated lumber dry before you use or paint it. With this, you minimize splitting and warping.
What is the cheapest wood for decking?
The cheapest decking material is usually pressure-treated pine, which can cost as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. There are solid wood and composite options that run $4 to $5 per square foot.
How much does Trex cost?
Trex Decking Cost Trex decking costs $1,600 to $9,600, averaging about $4,800. That’s $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation. Size is the biggest price factor, with 144 square feet ranging from $1,440 to $3,900 compared to $3,000 to $8,100 for 300 square feet.
What should I use for deck boards?
Redwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the exotic species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them.
Should I use 2×4 or 2×6 for deck?
If you use 2x4s for deck joists, it may cost more money and work in the long run. The material costs more than if you purchase 2x6s because the 2x4s can’t span as far, and you must create more beams and footings for support. You also can’t include guardrails and stairs with 2x4s as your support.
Should I use 2×6 or 2×8 for deck?
For upper-level decks, 2×10 is recommended as the minimum size to use for strong guard post connections. 2×6 joists should only be used on ground-level decks that do not require, and will not provide for, any guards. Most decking is not strong enough to support longer spans than 16″.
What is the most common deck board size?
The most common or standard deck board width is 6-inch wide planks based on square-foot coverage, labor, and material cost.
How long does a pressure treated wood deck last?
It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Which is Better pressure treated or cedar?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
What is the difference between treated lumber and pressure treated lumber?
The difference between regular and pressure-treated lumber is that the treated wood has greater resistance to the elements and to pests. It, therefore, maintains its integrity not from being stronger, but from being rot resistant.
Does pressure treated wood acclimate?
It’s required that before you begin installation, you allow the decking to acclimate to your local environment. This helps prevent large expansion and contraction of the wood once it’s installed. Do not store your material for more than 30 days before installing it.
How often do you stain pressure treated wood?
As I said, it’s typically recommended that you wait six months before staining new installed pressure treated wood. But as I said, I did not. I was able to do mine sooner because of a stain I used that is specifically for new pressure treated lumbers builds that can be used much sooner than the six month wait time.
Does lumber need to acclimate?
Best Practices for Acclimating Wood Flooring Acclimation times vary by species and product, but a rule of thumb is to acclimate wood floor products for at least three days. You’re trying to reach an equilibrium between the moisture content of the wood materials and the air where the product is being installed.
