Decking Material

As we near spring people start to build decks and porches and sometimes have a hard time deciding what material to use for the decking. In the Northwest there are three main types: Cedar, Pressure Treated and Composite (ie Trex/Azek). Of coarse all decks should be framed with Pressure Treated, witch means the posts, beams and floor joist, then what ever decking you decide will go over that.

5/4X 4 Cedar is the most popular, it is easy to use and relatively inexpensive and if properly maintained can last 20-30 years. To maintain I recommend stain every 2-3 years, you can paint them but I recommend a solid stain color you can get in any color that you can with paint but is far better on Cedar.

Some people go with pressure treated decking because they think it will last longer, this decking may get you the first 3-4 years with out staining but after that it is like the Cedar and needs done ever 2-3 years. You may also get the Pressure treated & Cedar decking in different dimensions like 2x4 and 2x6 but I find if you go 2x6 you will have problems with the wood cupping.

Composite Decking is definitely a good way to go if you don't want to do the maintenance, It is quite a bit more expensive and it can only be used for the decking and hand rail, as it is not rated for any structural use. You will have to power wash it every year if you live around trees as mildue will build up a little. Another thing to consider is if you are having this put in by a contractor the labor will be more expensive also, it takes a little longer to work with and there is a fastener less system that is an option if you don't want to see the screws, this also takes a little extra time and costs a bit more but you will have a good looking deck.

Back to Category List