Lumber for Decking - Certain Species of Wood Are Better For Decks Than Others, Even Pressure Treated

There are a wide variety of decking materials available on the market today. Some will require more care and maintenance unlike synthetic or composite decking, but traditionalists still insist that the beauty of natural wood can not be matched by man made materials. Out of the several different species of wood used for decks some are more durable than others. Each, however, has their own advantages.

The most commonly utilized types of lumber for decking have been southern yellow pine and cedar for reasons of affordable pricing and the ease in which to find at home improvement centers. Most, if not all of the decking lumber stocked by these home improvement stores, has been pressure treated in order to increase the resistance to rot from rain and insect damage. Because the chemical used in pressure treating lumber does not completely penetrate through the entire piece of lumber, when the cut wood is exposed it should be treated. These types of wood, as most, when used for outside landscape projects, need to be treated annually with a sealant in order to maintain a beautiful and long lasting finish.

Chromium Copper Arsenate (CCA) was the chemical solution used to pressure treat wood. Due to serious health risks connected with arsenic, this chemical has been discontinued in the general consumer market. The alternatives, such as Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) and others, contain a much higher copper content which will accelerate the corrosion of nails or screws. For this reason special coated screws or deck fasteners need to be used.

Cypress, which grows in swamp-like conditions, is more common in the eastern half of the United States and is also a reasonably affordable type of lumber used for decking. Cypress is naturally very rot resistant. Trees and logs which have been submerged in swamps for decades have been raised and yielded perfectly decent wood. Because of this natural durability to wet conditions, cypress decking can outlast any other wood decking by decades even if left untreated.

Redwood is also a regional type of lumber common to the western U.S. One may still special order redwood lumber for building a deck; however, the cost of redwood lumber will be above what the average home owner is either willing or able to pay. One aspect of redwood, similar to cypress, is that it is also rot resistant.

Despite a large variety of species available for use, not all are considered "green" or easily sustainable. Both Cypress and Redwood are quickly becoming scarce. Imported woods from South America and Australia are available, but at premium prices and only when special ordered. The deck contractor should have all of the answers to any question regarding the selection of a type of lumber for a deck.

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of decks, sunrooms and more. One such site worth visiting is http://www.paradisedecking.com.

Dan Elliott independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. ( http://www.webdrafter.com ) for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.

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