Deck Boards

Yes, fall (and winter) are right around the corner, but as it stands right now, it's absolutely gorgeous outside, and I want nothing more than to be sitting outside on a deck. 

I'm not the only one, as many of our clients are building new decks or renovating their existing ones. When renovating decks, there are so many options, and narrowing it down can get a bit overwhelming, so here's a start:

1. Pressure Treated decking: ( $)
essentially, this is regular lumber that is dipped in a pressurized chamber filled with a preservative, that is forced into the wood to help it last longer.


Pros: - it is the cheapest, and lowest cost deck board available.

Cons:
        - it can "bleed" the preservative resin out for up to two years, making it hard to stain or paint

        - it is prone to cracking over time.
         - The chemicals injected in the wood are artificially created, and aren't great for the environment.




2. Cedar:  ($$)
Cedar has a naturally occuring protective resin which allows the wood to last a very long time.


Pros: - It looks beautiful, is long lasting, and natural.

Cons:
- around twice as expensive as pressure treated
- can give some nasty slivers
- fades to a dull grey over time (which isn't a bad thing if you like the look).




3. Trex, Timbertech, or other composite deck boards. ($$$-$$$$)
Trex and Timbertech (which I prefer) both offer composite decking boards which range from a wood-composite material to a pvc deck board.

Pros:
- incredibly low maintenence
- fire resistant
- 25 year warranty on most products
- easy to install



Cons:
- to get a true, wood-looking composite, you'll need to buy the higher end, pvc wrapped products.
- still doesnt look exactly like real wood.






4. Brazilian Ipe "Ironwood":  ($$$$$)


Pictured at the top of this article, this Brazilian hardwood is dense, durable and gorgeous.


Pros:
- will literally last a lifetime if cared for properly. It is dense and very tough.
-beautiful, rich grain
- rarely causes slivers, or cracks.

Cons:
- one of the more expensive decking options
- timely (costly) to install
- made of a foreign wood; not the most local or environmentally friendly product possible.



When looking at what deck boards for your decking project, consider the initial investment, but also look at the care, maintenance and longevity of the product. A pressure treated deck may be the cheapest option right now, but in 10 years, when it's time to be replaced, or requires plenty of maintenance, will you be wishing you had invested a bit more in cedar, Timbertech, or even Ironwood?
There are plenty of other types of decking out there, but I thought I'd review some of the more popular choices.

Check back later this week for tile/rock and vinyl decking options.