Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure Treated wood is still the most popular option when it comes to building a deck. There are many reasons that explain why pressure-treated wood (usually pine or spruce) is such a popular choice.  Besides being shock-resistant and really sturdy, pressure-treated wood is quite workable, like any other soft wood.

Pressure-treated wood is natural, has a warm appeal and grows in a controlled environment.  Since weathering changes the colour of pressure-treated wood to silver-grey, it is recommended to coat it with a finishing product.  The chemical treatment given to the wood makes it rot resistant, but it doesn’t provide any special protection against ageing.  A paint, a stain or a sealant must be applied or the boards will crack and splinter after only a few years.  Such products also provide an additional protective coat against stains and dirt.  Many options are available, and there are even finishes specially designed for pressure-treated wood.

Cedar

The natural beauty of cedar, its rich colour and its nice texture make it a highly prized material. Also, cedar culture usually takes place in managed forests where reforestation programs ensure a perpetual harvest, making it an ecological choice especially since it is not treated with any chemical agent.

The oils contained in cedar provide a natural decay and insect resistance, so there is no need to stain or paint it. However, in order to keep its rich texture and beautiful look, it is recommended to treat it periodically. That way, a cedar deck can last over 25 years.  As mentioned, stains and paints adhere better to cedar than to treated wood, which translates into fewer treatments needed.