This post was updated on October 28, 2024
Building a deck is an excellent way to add functional outdoor space, enhance the look of your home’s exterior, and potentially increase its value. In all my years of helping people with decks and wood staining, I know the wood you choose is critical to your deck’s aesthetics and longevity.
But there is no simple answer regarding the “best” wood to use. You should evaluate them based on your unique circumstances, such as aesthetic preferences, climate, budget, maintenance requirements, and more. I’ll help guide you through understanding the various types of wood, avoiding common pitfalls, some pre-staining tips, and the best maintenance practices.
Why Choosing the Right Wood Matters for Exterior Decks
As I said, constructing a high-quality deck requires choosing good materials, and that begins with wood. The exterior wood decking option that you choose may impact the appearance and usable lifespan of your deck.
Key Considerations When Choosing Wood for Exterior Decks
Appearance
Most people prefer the appearance of cedar, redwood, or Ipe more than pressure-treated pine. To improve the appearance of pine, I recommend semi-transparent, water-based stains manufactured by Restore-A-Deck or semi-transparent oil-based stains by Armstrong-Clark and TWP.
Durability
Wood is susceptible to damage from water, UV rays, and more. The long-term durability of your deck depends on proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, staining, and checking for damage like splinters, cracks, or raised nails.
Cost
As the following table suggests, purchase prices and installation costs may vary.
Home Advisor (Retail Price Per Linear Foot) | HomeGuide (Installed Cost Per Square Foot) | |
Pressure-Treated Pine | $2 to $7 | $25 to $50 |
Cedar | $4 to $9 | $30 to $47 |
Redwood | $5 to $10 | $28 to $54 |
Ipe | $4 to $12 | $50 to $70 |
Sustainability
In today’s eco-conscious culture, choosing sustainable exterior wood decking materials is important. Sustainable characteristics may include trees that require minimal fertilizer and consume very little energy during the manufacturing process. Some of the most eco-friendly options include Douglas fir, pine, redwood, and red cedar.
Best Woods for Staining Exterior Decks
Choosing the best wood for exterior deck staining requires assessing the advantages and disadvantages.
Pressure Treated Pine
Unlike cedar, redwood, and Ipe, pine requires treatment for use in deck construction or other outdoor applications. Pressure-treating forces chemicals into the wood, heightening resistance to insects and fungi. Pine is primarily chosen because of its tremendous affordability.
The drawbacks include being prone to scratches, signs of wear and tear, and having an inconsistent natural wood appearance. Also, the U.S. EPA and similar agencies continually question the safety of the treatment chemicals used for pine, including creosote, pentachlorophenol, and arsenic, which they deem as pesticides.
Important Note: Pressure Treated Pine wood is prone to checking and cupping of the wood. It is not a very stable wood.
Cedar
Cedartone color log cabin
Cedar is among the best woods for exterior deck staining because of its attractive natural graining and pleasant aroma.
As a softer wood, cedar is susceptible to scratches and turns grey without regular maintenance. Choose a relatively thin, semi-transparent stain to penetrate and beautify the wood and defend against UV rays and moisture.
Redwood
Armstrong-Clark redwood tone
Redwood is a popular choice because of its beautiful natural color and durability. The U.S. Department of Agriculture considers redwood a sustainable option because it grows well in many climates.
The primary disadvantage of redwood is its higher price, which stems from its desirable appearance and often limited availability due to demand in the furniture market and other industries.
Exotic Hardwoods (e.g., IPE)
An Armstrong-Clark semi-transparent mahogany on IPE
Ipe wood decking, also often called Brazilian walnut, is a hardwood known for durability and natural resistance to moisture and pests. This wood has an attractive brownish or amber appearance and is very fire-resistant.
The primary disadvantages of Ipe are its higher price and the need for frequent staining. Ipe wood is very dense, making it difficult for stains to penetrate deeply. When not regularly stained, Ipe soon appears either gray or silver.
How to Choose the Best Wood Based on Your Climate
Your wood deck may face exposure to extreme temperatures, high humidity, direct sunlight, and ice. Certain woods and alternative decking materials better resist these challenges. With natural woods, such as cedar and redwood, it’s critical to regularly clean, brighten, and stain with a specifically formulated product to meet the challenges of your local climate.
The sunny, arid conditions in desert areas of Arizona or New Mexico will quickly heat up your deck. Composite decking, which may be made with synthetic polymers, plastics, and natural wood materials, offers heat-resistant properties. Ipe and similar hardwoods are very dense and also resist heat fairly well. Choose a stain with powerful ultraviolet (UV) protection.
In wet and humid climates like Louisiana and Mississippi, consider cedar, redwood, or Ipe because of their natural resistance to moisture. Pressure-treated pine and composite products are also fairly resistant to humidity and water.
The harsh winters in Michigan and Minnesota pose challenges for materials used outdoors. Composite products or pressure-treated woods are best suited for freezing temperatures and the stress caused by expanding and contracting ice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Wood for Exterior Decks
Overestimating Pressure Treated Wood
Some people mistakenly assume that pressure-treated wood provides comprehensive protection against all outdoor elements. The added chemicals generally prevent only fungi and insects. Staining pressure-treated wood is still necessary for protection from water and sunlight.
Staining New Wood Too Soon
Allow decks constructed with new wood to dry or “weather” for roughly three to six months before staining. Some retailers offer kiln-dried wood, which is labeled KDAT (Kiln-Dried After Treatment), and requires only one to two months of dry time.
How to Prepare Exterior Deck Wood for Staining
- Wet the surface and apply a deck cleaner.
- Allow the cleaner to work for a few minutes and scrub with a brush
- Pressure wash rinse using a pressure washer
- Apply a deck brightener to expand the “wood pores” and allow for better stain absorption
- Rinse the deck after brightening
Maintaining Stained Exterior Decks
Proper deck maintenance typically involves cleaning, brightening, and staining every two to three years with the proper application tools, which may include stain brushes, pads, rollers, or sprayers. Allow transparent stains time to penetrate (absorb) into the wood before removing any excess from the surface. For solid stains, allow the first coating to dry before applying a second.
Avoid applying stains when exposed to direct sunlight. Allow for 24 to 48 hours of dry time before walking on the deck or allowing contact with moisture. Always review and follow the stain manufacturer’s instructions.
I encourage you to visit my website and Deck Stain Forum for comprehensive information about staining your deck and other ongoing maintenance tips.