The Best Type Of Wood To Use To Bring Your DIY Deck Plans To Life
A deck can be expensive, so a lot of homeowners choose to save money by taking on renovation projects they can DIY. That means not only coming up with a design within your construction skills but choosing the right materials for the job, as well. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make on your DIY journey is the type of wood to use for your deck. After all, the average deck should last years, but it all depends on the wood you choose. So, it makes sense to choose wisely.
According to Consumer Reports, red cedar is the best wood to choose when building a deck. Cedar wood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and decay. The very specific scent of cedar comes from the phenols in the wood, which are natural oils that provide the wood protection from the elements. Properly maintained, a cedar deck can last up to 20 years.
Why choose cedar for decking
Western red cedar is a great choice for a DIY deck because it is very lightweight. This makes it easy to cut, drill, and carry. It comes in different grades that allow you to choose the grain pattern that you prefer. Because cedar is naturally free of resin, it will absorb stain and will fade less than lower-grade wood. And because it is naturally resistant to moisture, it doesn't warp or split easily.
But even with all the amazing properties of red cedar, a deck made of red cedar still needs to be properly maintained. You need to restain the surface at least every three years, and more often if you live in an area with lots of rain and snow. Most decks just need a good cleaning with a stiff brush and a homemade deck cleaner or a commercial cleaner you can get at any home improvement store. After the cleaning, give your deck time to dry, then apply one to three coats of new stain with a wide brush. Wipe off immediately with a cloth. Do not stain your deck in direct sunlight, or you may get bubbles and blotches of stain where the color dries too quickly.
The problem with cheaper alternatives
If cedar is too expensive for your budget, pressure-treated wood is a less expensive option for building your DIY deck. This type of material is usually soft pine that is treated with chemicals to help prevent rot and insects from damaging the deck boards and frame. It will not last as long as cedar and is more prone to splitting. It also doesn't have the beautiful wood character that red cedar does.
One of the biggest problems with pressure-treated wood is that the chemicals they use to protect it tend to be toxic. It is recommended that you wear a mask and use gloves when cutting pressure-treated wood. Sealing the decking surface with a stain or other finishes provides some protection from those chemicals but doesn't eliminate the risk. And while it is a less expensive choice, because it only lasts an average of 15 years, a higher-quality wood may still be the best wood to build your deck.