Common Types of Wooden Decks 5/5 (2)

This post was updated on May 1, 2024

The Types of Wooden Decks

Wood is the most accepted choice for decks. It’s gorgeous, strong, durable, and easy to work with. A downside to wood is it’s vulnerability to moisture damage. Deck boards should be checked frequently for splits, cracks, splinters, or raised nails which may point to a potential moisture problem.

The best way to prevent problems with your wooden deck is to have it stained, sealed, and maintained. The following are some different types of woods that are commonly used for decks.

Cedar Wood

Cedar Decks: The wood from this robust, coniferous evergreen tree is a common favorite for decks. Not only is it beautiful, but it also has a wonderful aroma. Cedar is also extremely resilient. For wood, cedar is actually pretty soft and has a grain that is both complex and striking.

After a thorough cleaning, a cedar deck should be sealed. Deck sealer colors that work primarily well with cedar are redwood or cedar tinted. These sealer colors permit the natural grain of the wood to show through, while still providing adequate protection.

Redwood

Redwood: Used frequently in construction, redwood is (as the name suggests) a reddish-colored wood. That is otherwise

very similar to cedar. It is also a trendy choice for constructing a wooden deck.

Pressure Treated Pine

Pressure Treated Pine: This long-needled tree provides what is probably the most widely used wood for deck construction. The phrase “pressure treated” refers to lumber that has been chemically treated to deter insects. The previously mentioned woods, cedar, and redwood are never treated due to their nature.

The downsides to pressure-treated wood are rapid staining, splitting, and inconsistent appearance due to the many chemicals that are in the wood. It’s always a good idea to have your pressure-treated deck cleaned and sealed.

Pine works well with many colors of wood sealer. Similar to cedar and redwood, there are natural colors that can enhance the natural grain and color of pine. Pine is popular due to its versatility and much lower cost compared to other deck woods.

See here for a list of Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

See Full Bio