Choosing the right materials for your new or replacement wood deck can be an overwhelming process. There are so many options available, each with their own pros and cons. As you consider factors like appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost, narrowing the choices down to find the best wood deck board materials for your needs can be challenging.
In this extensive guide, we will discuss our top 5 recommended wood deck board materials to help you select the right option for your outdoor living space. We will provide detailed information on each material’s qualities and ideal uses so you can make an informed decision when building or renovating your deck.
Cedar Deck Boards
Cedar is one of the most popular and commonly used wood types for decking. There are a few reasons why cedar has remained a first choice material for so many homeowners over the years:
Natural Durability and Weather Resistance
Cedar contains natural oils that make it resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It holds up well to exposure from sun, rain, snow, and other elements. Properly sealed and maintained cedar decking can last 20-30 years.
Attractive Appearance
The typically light reddish-brown color of cedar decking is visually appealing. It has a straight, uniform grain pattern. Cedar weathers to an elegant gray patina over time.
Stability
Cedar deck boards experience very little expansion and contraction with changes in moisture and temperature. This stability reduces instances of warping and cracking.
Workability
Cedar is relatively soft and easy to cut, drill, and fasten using common woodworking tools. It does not split easily. This makes cedar a great choice for do-it-yourself deck building.
Cedar is best suited for decks that will be stained or sealed regularly to maintain the wood’s natural oils. Though durable, unprotected cedar will weather faster than other deck board options. Cedar is affordable and provides a great overall value for many decking applications.
Pressure-Treated Pine Deck Boards
Pressure-treated pine is another very common deck board material that has been a popular choice for decades. Pine lumber is infused with chemical preservatives using pressure to help resist rot, insects, and decay:
Treated for Durability
The treatment chemicals enable pressure-treated pine to last 15-25 years with proper maintenance. Preservatives protect the softwood from moisture damage.
Know Your Options
There are different treatment types available. ACQ treated pine is one common option safe for deck use. Make sure to use decking-approved treated pine.
Cost-Effective
Compared to exotic hardwoods, pressure-treated pine is an affordable choice. It provides durability at a lower cost than cedar or other woods.
Easy to Work With
Pine is a light, softwood that is simple to cut, drill, and install using basic tools. The wood accepts nails and screws easily for fastening deck boards.
Pressure-treated pine is best for decking on a budget. It requires sealing or staining every 1-2 years to maintain its integrity and appearance. Wood stains help refresh the material while protecting it.
Ipe Hardwood Decking
Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”), also called Brazilian walnut, is an extremely dense exotic hardwood gaining popularity for decking use:
Natural Durability
Ipe contains high amounts of natural oils that make it resistant to rot, mold, insects, and weather. It can last 30-40 years with minimal maintenance.
Extreme Hardness
With a Janka hardness rating of 3,660, ipe is over 4 times harder than cedar. This exceptional density provides durability and scratch resistance.
Rich Color
Ipe has a beautiful reddish-brown to black coloration with dark grain patterning. Many homeowners appreciate ipe’s luxurious tropical appearance.
Stable Performance
Ipe experiences very little expansion and contraction with humidity changes. It is also slip resistant when wet. Excellent stability reduces cracking.
Ipe is the best low-maintenance wood option for decks. The untreated hardwood does not require sealing or staining. The main downside is the premium price, which can be 3-5 times higher than pressure-treated pine. Ipe is ideal for homeowners wanting a durable, exotic decking material.
Redwood Deck Boards
Redwood is another naturally durable softwood that makes an attractive, stable decking lumber:
Rot Resistance
Like cedar, redwood contains tannins and oils that help resist decay, insects, and moisture damage. Redwood is less prone to warping than other woods.
Distinctive Color
Redwood has a distinctive reddish-pink color with subtle grain patterns. Over time it weathers to a silver-gray hue. The wood’s color is unique and highly appealing.
Sustainably Grown
Redwood comes from renewable forests in California and is selectively harvested. Redwood decking is a sustainable choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
Lightweight
Redwood is a fairly lightweight deck board material, making it easier to handle and transport compared to tropical hardwoods like ipe.
Redwood costs a bit more than pressure-treated deck boards but less than exotic varieties. It provides natural rot resistance without chemical treatment. Redwood is an excellent choice for decks where beauty and sustainability are priorities.
Composite Deck Boards
For homeowners wanting minimal maintenance, composite decking provides extreme durability without needing regular sealing or staining. Composites like Trex are made from:
Wood + Plastic
Composite boards contain a mixture of recycled wood fiber and plastic polymers. The combination results in resistance to moisture, fading, and decay.
Stain, Mold, & Mildew Resistant
The plastic composition makes composites impervious to staining and mold growth. They retain their color consistency over many years.
No Splintering or Cracking
Unlike wood, composite deck boards do not crack or splinter with weather changes. The materials expand and contract together uniformly.
Recycled Content
Many composite boards contain recycled wood, plastic, and other materials. Using composites keeps waste out of landfills.
Composite decking costs more initially but saves money long-term with virtually no maintenance required. Composite is a top choice where durability and low maintenance are chief concerns.
Key Considerations When Selecting Deck Board Materials
There are several variables to weigh when choosing your deck board materials:
- Durability – How resistant is the wood or composite to rot, insects, moisture, and weathering in your climate? How often will it require sealing or refinishing?
- Appearance – Do you prefer natural wood grain patterns or consistent composite colors? How pronounced do you want grain variations to look?
- Cost – How much do material costs fit within your deck building budget? Consider both upfront and long-term maintenance costs.
- Maintenance – Are you willing to re-seal stained wood every 1-2 years? Or do you prefer minimal upkeep with composite boards?
- Eco-Friendliness – Do you want decking made from sustainable, renewable sources? Many composites contain recycled content.
Analyze these key factors and match them up with the qualities of each deck board option. This will help you select your ideal material.
5 Best Wood Deck Board Materials Comparison Table
Here is a helpful comparison table summarizing the key characteristics of top deck board materials:
| Material | Durability | Cost | Maintenance | Appearance |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| Cedar | 20-30 years | $$$ | Medium | Reddish brown, straight grain |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | 15-25 years | $$ | Medium | Tan, pine grain |
| Ipe | 30-40+ years | $$$$ | Low | Dark reddish-brown, exotic grain |
| Redwood | 25-30 years | $$$ | Medium | Pinkish-red, subtle grain |
| Composite | 30+ years | $$$ | Low | Mixed colors, grain-free |
This covers the five best materials available for your deck building project. All can provide an attractive, durable surface. Choose the option that best aligns with your specific needs and preferences. A well-built deck using quality boards will provide years of outdoor living enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Board Materials
Many homeowners have additional questions when selecting deck board materials. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Which is better, cedar or pressure-treated deck boards?
Both can be good options depending on your priorities. Cedar provides a more attractive natural appearance at a moderately higher cost. Pressure-treated pine is very affordable but requires more frequent staining/sealing to maintain appearance.
Do you need to seal composite decking boards?
Composite boards do not require any sealing, staining, painting, or refinishing. This ultra-low maintenance is a major benefit of composite over wood.
Should I choose redwood or cedar for my deck boards?
These two woods have similar durability, cost, and maintenance needs. Redwood has a slightly higher cost but also provides a distinct pinkish-red coloration uncommon with other woods. Select based on your color preference.
Is Ipe decking worth the extra cost?
If you want extremely low maintenance and the highest durability, ipe is worth the investment. Ipe can last up to twice as long as woods like cedar before needing replacement. It also has a luxurious, exotic look.
Do composite deck boards get hot in the sun?
Composite does absorb and hold heat on extremely hot sunny days. Newer composites are engineered to reduce heat buildup. Lighter board colors also stay cooler than darker shades.
Conclusion
When planning a new or replacement deck, carefully weigh the options to select durable, attractive deck board materials suitable for your needs. Cedar, pressure-treated pine, ipe, redwood, and composite all have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. Consider factors like longevity, maintenance, cost, sustainability, and appearance that matter most to your project. With research and planning, you can install decking that will withstand the elements and look beautiful for decades of barbecues, parties, and outdoor fun.