When building a deck, you want to ensure the material it is made from is durable and can last for many years. Something that is low maintenance may also be a potential concern, as well as something that looks good to help improve the outdoor aesthetics of your home.
There are a variety of wood types that can be used for outdoor decking, though some may be better suited than others for anyone on a budget. Unlike artificial options, natural wood can provide multiple benefits when it comes to durability, insect resistance, and more.
However, with so many choices of wood, it may be difficult to determine which wood is the best to use for your particular situation. Depending on your preferences, you may be more interested in durability, or might focus on aesthetics first and foremost.
Highly Stylish Cedar
As one of the first choices for rustic cabins and luxurious lodges, cedar is extremely stylish and has some of the best natural wood grains available. Because of this, many people focusing on a very noticeable aesthetic for their decking material should look to cedar first.
In addition to being a beautiful wood, cedar is also extremely resistant to both insects and rot. In fact, it’s one of the best natural woods when it comes to outdoor durability and longevity. If your deck will be built in an area where temperatures change drastically throughout the year, cedar will stand up exceptionally well for 20 years or longer with basic maintenance.
Rugged Redwood
Comparable to cedar when it comes to moisture resistance, and the resistance to bug infestations and rot, natural redwood is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a vibrant and elegant style of wood.
Redwood is full of natural tannins and oils which help make it perfect for long term outdoor use. You won’t find warping to be an issue, even in areas where moisture levels are extremely high throughout the year. In addition, redwood is a very low maintenance wood which only needs staining every 3-5 years.
Compared to cedar, redwood can be quite a bit more expensive, especially when dealing with longer and thicker planks. However, it is just as durable and can give you 15-20 years of exceptionally usable lifespan when properly maintained every 3-5 years.
Exotic Tropical Hardwoods
For anyone that wants to step a bit further from the norm, tropical hardwoods such as mahogany are an outstanding choice for very durable decking material. The biggest downside is the cost. Mahogany can be extremely expensive, as well as difficult to source, and when you do find it, the wood may not come from properly sustainable forests.
If you do find some mahogany hardwood, it is an incredible choice for durable wood. It is extremely unlikely to suffer from warping, almost never has any insect infestations, can be fully resistant to all levels of moisture, and does exceptionally well in drastic temperature changes throughout the year.
Contact us today! One of our dedicated deck builders in Berkeley can help you choose the most durable wood for a decking.