You can opt for many wood options for your timber decks. Nonetheless, since your waterfront property deck is prone to high humidity, opt for a material resistant to rot. Other factors to consider include price, maintenance, and aesthetics, but durability should top the list. Discover the top woods to consider for your timber deck construction.
Pressure-Treated Wood
As the name suggests, pressure-treated wood is one which the manufacturers have used chemical treatment to modify a given wood under pressure. The manufacturers also add lumber to reinforce the durability and properties of the original wood. Pine, Douglas fir, and other softwood are the common woods that undergo treatment to give a long-lasting deck at a lower price.
You can select one of the different grades of treated wood based on your budget. However, as a basic rule of the thumb, the lower the grade, the more maintenance you will need. As a result, you will pay a lower initial price but constantly need to refinish, seal, and power wash your deck. So, opt for the highest grade within your budget to enjoy higher durability without frequent maintenance costs.
Cedar
Although cedar is a softwood, it boasts a long service time with proper maintenance. One of the reasons cedar comes at the top of the list for preferred woods is the ability to match the moisture content with the atmospheric conditions. As a result, cedar is less susceptible to rot, cracks, and warps.
Cedar has a natural look that you can leave as is or stain if you want to change the color. You will need to refinish your deck after some time to maintain the pleasant aesthetics. Nonetheless, if you leave the natural look, you will have a yellow color, which turns silver-gray with age. Finally, even without special treatment or insecticides, cedar decks are highly resistant to pests and insects.
Mahogany and Ipe
Mahogany and ipe are hardwoods that give you a long life but come at a higher price. However, you should not worry about cost if you look at your deck's decades of life expectancy. Also, the durability of mahogany and ipe is unmatched. For instance, ipe
ranks in the same category as concrete regarding the ease with which your deck burns.
Because many hardwoods originate from the rainforest, be careful that whichever seller you select has harvested or acquired the wood responsibly. Also, mahogany and ipe are difficult to come around. So, be cautious that you only buy genuine products — do due diligence and check for the vital signs and trademarks.
Redwood
Redwood is a rugged and durable wood that gives your deck a pleasant appearance with or without a stain. In addition, the tannins and natural oils provide redwood timber with a beautiful red look. Nonetheless, you can still choose from various colors because redwood easily absorbs different types of finishes.
Redwood makes you less susceptible to bothersome insects and other crawling creatures. Also, your maintenance work is significantly reduced because you can pressure wash the deck and be good to go. Yet, whereas your deck will resist moisture damage, long periods of exposure can turn your deck black. The good part is that you can avoid the color change with a clear sealer for protection.
Your waterfront property should have a timber deck with pleasant aesthetics and a manageable maintenance plan at an affordable price. If you are unsure which wood to use or want a deck construction at your waterfront property, look no further than
Edgewater Marine Construction, Inc. We guarantee you the highest quality services at a budget-friendly price. Our technicians have a wide range of experience to actualize your waterfront projects.
