What’s the Best Wood for Building a Deck?

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted all of our lives in countless ways, but one of the most glaring effects is that many of us are spending more time at home with our families than ever before. This can be wonderful development for a number of reasons, and one of them is that we’re finally getting around to a lot of the projects we’d been neglecting. Improving our outdoor entertaining spaces like decks and patios is high on that list.

Finding a good deck building contractor in Tyler, TX is a great first step, but it’s also important to ensure they use the best materials for this specific project. Here’s a closer look at some of the top wood options.

Cedar

Cedar is one of the most common premium decking options, and for good reason. For starters, it’s relatively inexpensive when compared to some of the other top-of-the-line options, while still providing many of the same benefits. Cedar is resistant to virtually all of the variables that can damage your deck, as it protects itself against moisture, rot and insects. It’s also more durable than a lot of other woods, so a skilled general contractor in Tyler, TX can install a quality cedar deck that will last your family for many years to come.

Southern yellow pine

Yes, good old pine is still seen as a great option for decking materials, and it’s a very popular one thanks to its lower price point. This particular type of wood needs to be pressure treated to reach its true strength, but it’s important to clarify something on that point. Pressure-treating chemicals were riskier for a period of time, but major changes in 2003 led to new regulations, resulting in the use of safer, low-toxin alternatives in creating these materials.

Pressure-treated wood like southern yellow pine is well suited to stand up to the rigors a deck faces, and all for a price that’s completely affordable. Like cedar, it’s very effective at resisting moisture and pest infestation.

Redwood

Redwood is a favorite among general contractors in Tyler, TX who like to use premium woods for outdoor entertainment spaces. Redwood is one of the easiest woods to work with, so it’s easy to manipulate it into any type of style or design you’re envisioning for your deck. It has open cells, which means there’s no messy pitch or resins to worry about, and its grain gives it a natural beauty that many homeowners love. It’s also incredibly durable, so you can rest assured your deck won’t warp or split, even after years of cookouts and family gatherings.

Any quality deck building contractor in Tyler, TX will talk you through all of your wood options when you’re planning a deck, but it’s helpful to have an idea of your choices before going into that conversation. It’s important to keep in mind that there also synthetic options out there, so your choice will largely come down to your tastes and your budget. Give the team at Canfield Construction Management a call today for more information and to arrange your free project consultation!

Categorised in: Deck Builder

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