Wood decking remains the traditional option for decks, and for good reason. No other material brings the same natural beauty than wood does.
But truth be told, a wood deck aesthetic and functionally depends on the type of wood that you choose. While pressure treated wood may be extremely affordable and easy to find, it’s nothing compared to how good mahogany looks on a deck.
In this article, we’ll talk about the 5 best wooden decking options for your upcoming deck building project, so read on!
5. Pressure Treated Wood Decking
We’ll begin with pressure treated wood, as it’s the most affordable type of wooden decking, but also the least efficient. The reason for this is because the pressure treatment process sacrifices some of the wood’s natural durability in order to make it more resistant to decay and insects.
While pressure treated lumber is still a good option for wooden decking, it’s not as good as it used to be. In recent years, the process of treating lumber has changed and is not as effective at protecting the wood.
The cost of pressure treated lumber is relatively low. It’s one of the most affordable types of wood available, and it’s easy to find at most home improvement stores. Note that pressure treated lumber is also referred to as southern yellow pine.
You can find pressure treated lumber typically between $15 and $25, depending on its quality.
4. Cedar Decking
Cedar is a great middle-of-the-road option for wooden decking. It’s more affordable than mahogany or teak, but it’s still high-quality wood.
The western red cedar is also a very popular type of wood for decks because it has a natural reddish hue that compliments most homes.
When it comes to popularity, cedar can be compared to a redwood deck. Redwood decking boards are similar to cedar, which is why we’ll place both cedar and redwood in the same place.
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, so it doesn’t require any special treatment like pressure treated lumber. You can find cedar at most home improvement stores for around $30 per square foot.
3. Mahogany Decking
Mahogany is a premium hardwood that’s perfect for decks. It has a rich, red color that looks great with almost any home.
Mahogany is also one of the most durable types of wood, so it will last for many years with proper care. It’s a type of wood that brings a lot of aesthetic value to your property, making your deck feel more upscale.
Like all tropical hardwoods, the only downside to mahogany is its cost. You can expect to pay around $40 or more per square foot for this high-quality wooden decking option.
2. Teak Decking
Teak is another premium hardwood that’s perfect for decks. It has a beautiful golden color that’s perfect for summertime.
Teak is also one of the most durable types of wood, so it will last for many years with proper care. Like mahogany, teak is an incredibly tough wood species that can withstand heavy loads and can give your outdoor space a more high-end feel.
Like mahogany, teak is also quite costly. You can expect to pay around $45 or more per square foot for this high-quality wooden decking option.
1. Composite Decking
Composite decking is one of the best wooden decking options if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option. Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic, so it’s more resistant to rot and insect damage.
Composite decking is also very easy to clean, so you won’t have to spend your weekends scraping off dirt and leaves. A power wash once every year should be enough to ensure your decking is healthy and in a good state.
The only downside to composite decking is its cost. Composite decking typically costs around $30 per square foot, which is more expensive than pressure treated lumber but cheaper than mahogany or teak.
The most popular composite brands are Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon. You can check out our Trex Deck Problems article to learn about some downsides of composite decking, and Trex decking especially.
Natural Wooden Decking Or Composite?
The answer for this question depends solely on your preferences.
- Natural wood decks require more attention and maintenance, but the look they offer to your outdoor space is worth it all. Composite, on the other hand, is a low-maintenance decking option that requires little to no attention.
- From our experience, composite decks are a much better choice for older homeowners that can't keep up with the maintenance that a wood deck requires. A lot of the work we do is replacing old wood decks with composite, just because keeping up with the maintenance became a time-consuming chore.
Customers that are looking to get their first deck ever are usually going for wood, as they don’t know the implications of it. They’re attracted by the lower cost, forgetting about the maintenance cost that adds up after several years.
However, the best wooden decking options for yourself will be the ones that fit your needs and budget. A professional deck builder can help you find the perfect materials for your situation, and you’ll get a deck that’s designed exclusively for you and your family!
Conclusion
There are a lot of options for your deck, but the best wooden decking option is the one that fits your needs and preferences.
If you think you have plenty of time to stain your deck and maintain it regularly, a wood deck will be a good choice. If you think keeping up with the maintenance of a deck will quickly become too much of an effort, there are better alternatives.
We recommend composite decking to most of our customers, as ultimately, most of them will replace a wood deck with composite. It’s just a matter of time until they do.
If you’re interested in learning more about the best wooden decking you can find in MD, give us a call and we’ll be able to discuss more. We offer professional deck building services around Maryland, so you can request a free quote and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
