Wood Composites
Decking made from a mix of plastic and wood--such as Trex, ChoiceDek,
and TimberTech--is an excellent alternative to wood because it won't
warp, rot, or splinter. Plus, these products withstand termites and
other bugs, offer a uniform color, and won't fade, so you don't need to
fuss with stains or sealers. Because wood composites are water
resistant, they're perfect for docks and other surfaces near the water.
The composites do have a couple of drawbacks. They are somewhat more
expensive than pressure-treated wood and aren't as structurally sound.
Use them only for the decking surface or as handrails; never use wood
composites to frame a deck or as structural supports. This material
falls in the price range of $4 to $5 per square foot.
Keeping Your Deck in Shape
- Rinse your deck's surface with a hose twice a year to keep it in good
condition. Then, using either a cleaner made specifically for decks or
diluted bleach, scrub the surface of the deck with a long-handled,
stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the surface again. If you must pressure
wash, do so carefully and on a low setting. A high-power pressure washer
used close to the boards could raise the wood grain and damage the
surface.
- Periodically check the decking for any nails or screws that have
pulled free. Reset them with a hammer or screwdriver. It's a good idea
to use screws instead of nails; although this is more labor intensive,
as wood dries out, nails can pull free.
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Cedar and Redwood
These woods are known for their natural resistance to disease and rot.
They're both durable and easy to cut, but because they are soft, cedar
and redwood can split. Predrilling holes is a good idea. They can also
be scratched or gouged by sliding furniture across the surfaces. Both
woods are quick to weather and gray, so applying a sealer with UV
protection is a must. Some sizes may also be difficult to find. Cedar
and redwood fall in the price range of $4 to $6 per square foot.
Exotic Woods
Mahogany and ipe are high-end options. Mahogany has a tight grain and is
naturally a beautiful red color. Only purchase mahogany that's been
harvested from a managed forest because certain species are endangered.
A great material for the floor of a covered porch, it should be sealed
to keep it from cracking and splintering. Mahogany is the most
reasonably priced of the exotic woods at around $4 per square foot.
Ipe is incredibly dense, which means it only needs to be sealed once.
It's virtually knot- and splinter-free, weathers beautifully, and is
impervious to bugs and rot. It's an expensive option at $5 to $6 per
square foot and must be predrilled, which drives up labor costs.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Several years ago, concerns surfaced about this material being a health
risk because certain chemicals used to treat the wood could leach into
soil. After exhaustive testing by the EPA, pine industry, and other
organizations, it was determined that the amount of arsenic in soil was
miniscule and really posed no human health risks. However, the wood
industry has changed its pressure-treating process. For residential use,
all chromated copper arsenate (CCA) lumber should be pulled from the
shelves and replaced with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) by this
spring.
There's no need to pull out your existing lumber to replace it, but this
process should remove any doubt or concern about pressure-treated wood.
The new lumber will perform in the exact same way as the
pressure-treated pine you're used to--perhaps even better. You can place
nails or screws in it, stain it, and seal it like you always have. Some
retailers have raised the price, but it's still the most affordable
option at $2 to $3 per square foot.
It's a good idea to seal pressure-treated wood annually. Also, always
let new wood dry for at least six months prior to staining or sealing it.
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