wood decking material
1 Answer
Most builders choose wood as the main material for decks for several reasons. With proper treatment, wood is expected to last for years without needing any kind of repair. It is also visually appealing and easily matches different kinds of home exterior. Wood decking materials are also available in different qualities, resulting in the wide range of prices.
Wood Choices
Wood as decking material poses potential problems, such as rotting and insect damages. If you have enough resources, you can choose wood types that are naturally resistant to insect and rotting problems. Redwood and Western Red Cedar are among them, as well as other tropical hardwoods. You can expect these wood types to last longer and look better, though their high price may be another concern.
Ipe is a Southern American hardwood, included in the best wood types for use as decking material. In fact, the its very name literally means “hardwood” in Portuguese. Aside from being extremely dense, Ipe also appears dark and almost free from knots. It is particularly difficult to work with Ipe since its very hard and heavy, but the same qualities make the wood almost indestructible.
Treated Wood
If you can’t afford the abovementioned wood decking materials, you can opt to get pressure-treated wood instead. PT lumber is made from ACQ-treated Southern Yellow Pine. ACQ is a chemical that prevents insect damage and rotting. Treated wood, though, has poorer quality and is also prone to cracking and shrinking.
Wood treatments also pose potential harm to the environment. The chemicals can always end up mixing with groundwater; if not leading to air pollution when burned. The long term effects of ACQ treatment are also unknown.
In contrast, more natural, tropical hardwoods are now grown in plantations. It sure is a better option to get lumber from these sources rather than cut down a whole forest for your deck. If not for their expensive prices, all people should be encouraged to purchase natural wood decking materials only.
Wood Choices
Wood as decking material poses potential problems, such as rotting and insect damages. If you have enough resources, you can choose wood types that are naturally resistant to insect and rotting problems. Redwood and Western Red Cedar are among them, as well as other tropical hardwoods. You can expect these wood types to last longer and look better, though their high price may be another concern.
Ipe is a Southern American hardwood, included in the best wood types for use as decking material. In fact, the its very name literally means “hardwood” in Portuguese. Aside from being extremely dense, Ipe also appears dark and almost free from knots. It is particularly difficult to work with Ipe since its very hard and heavy, but the same qualities make the wood almost indestructible.
Treated Wood
If you can’t afford the abovementioned wood decking materials, you can opt to get pressure-treated wood instead. PT lumber is made from ACQ-treated Southern Yellow Pine. ACQ is a chemical that prevents insect damage and rotting. Treated wood, though, has poorer quality and is also prone to cracking and shrinking.
Wood treatments also pose potential harm to the environment. The chemicals can always end up mixing with groundwater; if not leading to air pollution when burned. The long term effects of ACQ treatment are also unknown.
In contrast, more natural, tropical hardwoods are now grown in plantations. It sure is a better option to get lumber from these sources rather than cut down a whole forest for your deck. If not for their expensive prices, all people should be encouraged to purchase natural wood decking materials only.