Home Improvement
2007-08-01 11:27:00
What’s the best wood for a deck?
Answer: You have asked a lot of good questions. Let me answer what I can this month, and the rest in subsequent issues. Pressure-treated pine resists rot and repels pests, but the green-tinged lumber is unsightly and the pesticides it contains are unhealthy. To build a safer, more attractive deck, choose a prettier yet still durable lumber for the flooring, railings, and steps. Save the pressure-treated wood for the frame and supports. If you purchase a tropical rainforest wood, make sure it carries the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) trademark, which certifies that the wood has been harvested responsibly.
Here are some different choices that will make sense:
1. Western Red Cedar - Western Red Cedar is reddish brown and ages to silvery gray. The soft wood splinters easily, but holds up well in rain, sun, heat, and cold. To add beauty and durability to a deck made with Western Red Cedar, use a penetrating stain. A good site for more information is www.wrcla.org.
2. Redwood - Redwood, like Cedar, is a soft lumber that ages to a pleasing gray. Prolonged moisture will cause the wood to blacken. A redwood deck will resist rot, but will look more attractive if you use a sealer. A good site for more information is www.calredwood.org.
3. Mock Lumber - Modern alternatives for outdoor decking include plastic polymer and wood-polymer composites. Synthetic materials are virtually bug-proof and rot proof, but even the most realistic imitation will always be just that – an imitation. When shopping for composites for your deck, there are many reputable companies to look at including but not limited to Timbertech and Correct Deck. Next month, we will talk more about decks and deck plans.
