The wood materials used to construct an exterior deck, like those used to build exterior furniture, will significantly influence its overall lifespan and durability. As a result, it’s critical to start with the correct kind of wood for exterior. The resistance to the elements varies depending on the type of exterior wood. Moisture-induced decay, pricing, and insect-related issues are all common concerns. When searching for wood for an exterior deck, there are particular traits to look for to offer protection against these threats.

While aesthetics are important to homeowners, they should be lower on your priority list. In the long run, the durability and cost of your materials are far more essential. Unless you don’t mind replacing your deck on a regular basis, you should opt for the most lasting sort of wood within your budget. Consider adding some exterior decorations to your patio if you’re exploring various wood options for exterior decks.

Cedar

Because of its durability and resistance to moisture, Cedar is one of the most preferred decking materials. Despite its softness, Cedar is more resistant to decay and insect infestation than most other woods. One of the numerous advantages of Cedar is that its moisture content adapts to the environment it is in. This is especially significant if you reside in a cold-weather climate. Cedar is less likely to distort or crack than other materials.

When it comes to appearance, Cedar is an excellent choice for a natural-looking deck, and it’s also simple to stain, giving you a wide range of alternatives. Cedar trees have a lifespan of roughly 15-20 years if properly cared for. Pressure washing is recommended once a year, and refinishing/staining is recommended every two to three years. Cedar is most typically utilized in the Pacific Northwest and other locations with a lot of wetness.

Redwood

Another tremendous soft wood that is widely utilized in exterior deck construction is redwood. When it comes to toughness and durability, redwood is identical to Cedar. Redwood, like Cedar, has an inherent resistance to dampness, decay, and insects. The rich oils and tannins that give redwood its natural beauty also provide resistance. A redwood deck, like a cedar deck, should be pressure washed at least once a year. Staining redwood every couple of years is necessary if you want to keep it appearing natural.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a tropical hardwood with a tight structure that prevents bugs and decay. If you use sea oil on it, it will resemble teak. Alternatively, you might allow your mahogany deck to age to a silvery hue. There are various variations to pick from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. To ensure that rainforests have not been carelessly harvested, look for the “HSN” trademark on any mahogany you choose.

The term Philippine Mahogany refers to fake mahogany. The term Philippine refers to Southeast Asian Shorea woods that are sold in North America. This wood is known as Pacific Maple in Australia. Philippine Mahogany, on the other hand, possesses many of the desirable characteristics of authentic mahogany.

Ipé

It is a wood that has a magical quality to it. Ipé receives outstanding scores from the Forest Service Products Laboratory for pest and rot resistance. Ipe is the most famous and valuable wood among hardwoods. Its strength, durability, and density set it apart. Because the wood is so dense, it’s practically impossible to burn. It’s thick and weighty. These characteristics make it rot, mildew, and scratch-resistant, and the density is what gives it a class-A fire classification. Despite these advantages, Ipe is frequently seen as an excessively pricey wood.

Is this accurate?

The utilization of rain forest forests, on the other hand, can be contentious. If you want to use ipé for your deck, make sure it has the HSN certification, which guarantees that the wood is genuine.

Tigerwood

Tigerwood, also known as Gonçalo Alves, is a South American wood with a lot of aesthetic diversity. When used for decking, the coloration and texture can vary from board to board, creating an intriguing and rich presentation. Because of its uneven nature—one board might exhibit both hardness and softness—some installers find this wood challenging to work with. Wood Glazer’s experience and expertise come in help here. Despite its many names, this exotic wood is not Zebrawood, which is another striped-liked commodity.

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with Wood Glazer, and check our website for more similar useful posts and services.