Pressure Treated Lumber is the strongest and least expensive choice for deck lumber. Pressure- treated Pine resists rot, decay, and insects and is an excellent building material for outdoor use. Treated lumber is created by forcing chemical preservatives into it under high pressure. The preservative usually gives the wood a green color, which fades with time. Or, you can stain pressure treated wood in a variety of colors.

There is no substitute for the look and feel of real wood. Pine decking provides a warm, natural look that blends beautifully with the landscape. Pressure-treated Pine is safe for people, pets and the environment. Pine pressure-treated lumber conforms to uniform quality controls established by the American Softwood Lumber Standard and the American Wood-Preservers' Association. Pine wood is one softwood lumber that is in plentiful supply and is therefore commonly used for home decks. It is easy to nail into and has a soft feel to the foot compared to harder composites and concrete. Warping, spitting, cracking and shrinkage are all common characteristics for pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated lumber takes stain very well and will last against rot & decay for many years. We recommended Pressure-treated pine for a deck. It is most common for decks and is used about 95% of the time versus cedar.

Cedar is a wood of exceptional beauty, however is more expensive than the common pressure- treated decks. It can costs anywhere from 20%- 40% more than a similar pressure treated deck. Cedar has a light brown appearance, with an attractive grain. Because it ages to a uniform silver- gray, cedar is often used where a weathered appearance is desired. As a natural product, cedar is fully biodegradable. Cedar does not readily absorb moisture and, since moisture is what creates twisting and splitting, cedar decking tends to lie flatter and straighter compared to pressure treated lumber. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage. Its unique "grown-in-the-wood" preservative oil means that no further chemical treatment is needed, unless the lumber is in direct contact with the ground. Nature favors Cedar. With less than half the swelling and shrinking tendency of other domestic softwoods, cedar provides a firm base for paints and stains. Cedar projects age gracefully through decades of Western weather. Cedar will not absorb stain as well as pine pressure-treated due to the naturally oily nature of the wood. Cedar also has about half the life span as pine pressure-treated wood when it comes to rot & decay.

A deck built with cedar will have the structural parts (ex. the post, beams and joists) built with pressure- treated lumber. The visible surfaces like the decking boards, railings, and borders will use the cedar wood. We recommended cedar for a fence. Cedar is used on a fence about 50% of the time versus pressure-treated pine. Since fence boards are not supported from 2 sides like most deck boards, it will warp and twist more than a deck. Cedar will help keep the fence straighter and looking better. The posts are recommended to be pressure-treated pine to better resist rot & decay due to ground contact.

Composite Decking features the beauty of a real wood appearance without the fading and warping that can ruin wood over time. And unlike wood, Composite Decking is a low-maintenance decking surface that never requires staining or sealing, giving you more time to enjoy your deck patio. As a result, you can enjoy the beauty of a wood look without all the hassles. And, you can rest assured you are adding beauty, durability and real value to your home. You have different color choices also. Composite decking however is more expensive than a pressure treated or a cedar deck. It can costs anywhere from 1.5 times (top boards only) to 2.5 times (all visible parts) more than a similar pressure treated deck depending on style and type of composite chosen. Click Here to see a cost comparison chart of Composite vs Wood.

We can use any Composite Decking, however we commonly and most often use TREX. Trex brings together some of the best properties of wood and plastic. Compared to conventional decking lumber, Trex decking offers so much more: outstanding durability without preservatives or sealants, workability that wood can't match, and an elegant natural coloring that stays looking great year after year. No rotting, cracking or splintering. No need for sealants. No water, sun or insect damage. All backed by a 25 year limited warranty. The Trex warranty also has a 25 year guarantee against fading & stains.

We are an approved Trex Pro installer. This means you can be assured that your Trex deck will be installed correctly and as a Trex Pro installer, you can be assured that all your warranties from Trex will be honored. We will automatically register your warranties with Trex for you giving you more time to just enjoy you deck.

Trex Composite Upgrade Information
We are a Approved Trex Pro Installer. Trex Decking & Railing Brochure Trex Consumer Brochure How Much More Does Trex Cost Than Wood?

To educate yourself and learn more about Trex, visit http://www.trex.com