Wood Decking
Elegant and Luxurious: The Feel of a Traditional Wood Deck
People have enjoyed the warmth, colour and texture of natural wood decks for generations. The three most common type of wood used in Western Canada are Cedar, Pressure Treated Decking and Brazilian Hardwoods. Each requires a different level of care and the life of the product varies based upon whether you let it naturally age or protect it using a coating of some type. These three woods are highlighted below in the order of initial installed cost.
Pressure Treated Decking
Pressure treated decking is usually milled from a Spruce/Pine/Fir softwood, sanded and then saturated with a treating chemical in a pressure vessel to help get the treatment to penetrate the outer layers of the wood fiber. This treatment adds to the longeveity of the decking, but it does not stop splitting, checking and splintering of the wood.
Pressure treated decking is available in both green and brown tones. You can expect to have a life cycle of up to 25 years, however, the surface will degrade over this time. It is recommended that pressure treated decking be stained, however no staining should be done until 3 months after the intallation date to allow the wood to dry out from the treating process.
Cedar Decking
Cedar is a colourful softwood that has natural oils within the lumber that help lengthen the life of the wood. It can be left to naturally grey or can be stained to help protect the cedar from the elements. Stains are available to help protect the natural beauty and highlight the grain of this wood.
As a softwood decking material, it will age over time and most people will stain the cedar to help lengthen the life cycle. In Western Canada, a natural cedar deck may last up to 15 years, and this can be extended to 20-25 years through staining of the boards. New growth cedar is not as dense as the cedar harvested from the old growth trees, so the lifecycle is lower today than in previous decades.
Brazilian Hardwood
Brazilian Hardwood (IPE) decking is the most dense of these three wood types which helps extend the life for an untreated hardwood deck to 25 plus years and oiled hardwood decking to 50 or more years. It can be oiled to preserve its natural beauty, or left to naturally age to a silver colour.
The density of the board contributes to the durability and it can be installed in many applications. It has the highest initial installation cost of all the three types of deck woods, and an incremental additional cost for fastening. Most hardwoods are installed using hidden fasteners that add to the beauty of the installation and aid in the structures’ longevity.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Advantages
- Low cost
- Readily Available
- Variety of Installation Options
Disadvantages
- Chemical Treatment in Wood
- Will Eather, Spinter, Check
- Needs to be Stained to Increase Appeal
- Wait 3 Months to Dry Before Staining
Cedar
Advantages
- Mid cost
- Natural Oils in Wood
- Variety of Installation Options
- Beautiful Warm Appearance
Disadvantages
- Will Eather, Spinter, Check
- No Manufacturers Warranty
- Needs to be Stained to Increase Life Span
Brazilian Hardwood
Advantages
- High Quality
- High Durabaility
- Higher Fire Resistant
- Resistant to Warping, Splitting
Disadvantages
- Highest Cost
- Wood Needs to be Predrilled
- Longevity Requires Regular Maintenance
- Shorter Deck Board Lengths Available
RELATED DECKING BRANDS THAT WE USE
AZEK Exteriors manufactures distinctly unique trim and molding. Together the brands present homeowners, builders, architects, dealers, and contractors’ suite of first-rate products that are long-lasting.
A high-performing wood alternative, Fiberon composite decking, railing, cladding & fencing offers the warmth and appeal of natural hardwoods without the upkeep. Our products are used in homes and commercial construction around the world
Trex® eco-friendly composite decks from an innovative blend of 95% reclaimed wood and plastic film—that’s almost the whole thing. On top of that, Trex® uses some of the most earth-friendly manufacturing processes and eliminating the use of harmful chemicals.
Deckorators® deck fasteners make it easier than ever to complete an outdoor project. The Stowaway™ Hidden Fastener discreetly secures deck boards to joists with a single stainless steel, color-matched screw.
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