Wood Decks

Wood decks can be built using a variety of materials from cedar to pressure treated wood. Decks built by Woodland Deck stand the test of time, but which wooden deck material is right for you?

Cedar Wood Decks

Pros

Cedar hardwood for decks offers not only a beautiful grain and appearance, but also an inviting aroma. Using cedar as your wooden deck material is ideal for vertical applications such as privacy screens or railings. Cedar wood decks also experience limited rot resistance since it is sapwood lumber. Due to its low density, cedar is much easier to work with than a lot of the other available hardwood for decks. Cedar also resists warping and is lightweight, making it easier to handle and transport.

Cons

Cedar wood decks tend to not last as long as pressure-treated wood decks in our climate, so it is not always a great choice for horizontal surfaces. Cedar can also be resistant to proper stain adhesion; and it is easy to scratch or dent, so it requires caution when moving furniture. Cedar wood decks also tend to fade to a weathered, silvery gray over time unless you stain it every two or three years.

Pressure Treated Wood Decks

Pros

Pressure treated wood for decks is typically pine that has been treated with chemicals and preservatives to prevent weather and insect damage, rotting, and fungus. It’s the least expensive wooden deck material and it’s widely available across the U.S. Pressure treated wood decks usually last about 20-25 years with proper maintenance and installation. Since pressure treated lumber is commonly used, if you need to repair something down the road, it’s relatively easy to find the same product.

Cons

Pressure treated wood decks are more susceptible to warping and bending than cedar wood decks, especially in a wet climate like ours. And due to the chemical preservatives, a certain amount of care is necessary in cutting, trimming, or burning pressure treated wood, as toxins can be released into the air. Wood decks made of pressure treated lumber also need to be stained and sealed regularly.

Is a Wood Deck the Right Choice for You?

While wood decks have been a traditional choice, modern advancements have introduced composite decking as a superior alternative. Composite decking offers a plethora of benefits, combining the timeless appeal of wood with remarkable durability and low maintenance. Unlike wood, composite decks resist splintering, warping, and fading, ensuring they look pristine year after year with minimal effort. They're also eco-friendly, often made from recycled materials, and come in a range of colors and textures to match your aesthetic. So, if you're seeking a deck that brings beauty and resilience to your outdoor oasis, composite is the perfect choice for you.

If your content with a life span of 15-25 years, okay with staining and painting every few years, and can't compromise with the classic look, then go for a wood deck. Wood will always have a special place in the building industry and a aesthetic that can't fully be copied.

We are expert deck builders. We pride ourselves on our composite deck designs and have been building quality composite decks, pergolas, pavilions, and railing systems for more than a decade. We’ve earned a solid reputation as one of the leading high-quality crafters of custom decks in the industry.