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All the noted materials are suitable for exterior use and are resistant to decay and bug
infestation.Unless specified, all materials are fastened with galvanized nails. Ring shank
nails (flooring nails) are used for the surface and spindles (they hold much better than
regular nails). Screws and hidden fasteners are available as an option.
PRESSURE TREATED (PT) SOUTHERN YELLOW PINE
The most commonly used decking material in the Northeast area · Least expensive of
the material choices · Very strong and durable · Always used for deck frame regardless
of the surface, rail or stair material · Tendency to split, check and warp · Starts out
greenish/grown, turns brownish/gray.
RED CEDAR (STK) SOUND TIGHT KNOTS ALLOWED
25% More expensive than a PT deck · Relatively soft wood (scratches and gauges more
easily) · Contains many knots - has a "rustic" look · Less likely to spilt, check or warp ·
Starts out reddish/brown, turns brownish/gray.
PORT ORFORD WHITE CEDAR
Priced the same as STK Red Cedar · generally less knots than STK · Harder and stronger
than Red Cedar · less likely to splinter, split or warp · Aromatic fruity scent · starts out
yellowish/white, turns light gray.
RED CEDAR - D&BETTER (ALMOST CLEAR)
60% more expensive than pressure treated wood. Same as STK, but almost no knots.
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MAHOGANY
Approximately 60% expensive more than PT · A furniture quality hardwood · Virtually no
knots · Less likely to splinter, spilt or warp · Very strong and stable · All connections are
predrilled and screwed together · Starts out golden/brown turns light brown.
IPE
Approximately 70% more expensive than PT · The best decking lumber available · Very
little tendency to splinter, split or warp · Virtually flawless · Strongest and hardest of all
the materials · All connections are predrilled and screwed · Starts out reddish/brown
and turns silver grey.
COMPOSITE DECKING:
TREX™ / WEATHERBEST / TIMBERTECH / FIBERON/CORRECTDECK TO NAME A FEW
40-60% more expensive than PT · Composite material made from wood and plastic ·
Will NOT splinter spilt or warp · Very little maintenance required! · Will hold up better
than any of the woods over time · Deck frame needs to be wood · Many, many brands,
colors and wood grains to choose from.
EON
65% more expensive than P.T. · Plastic decking · Top rating by Consumer Reports ·
Several wood grain colors · Will NOT splinter, split or warp · NO maintenance required.
NOTE: Price comparisons are approximations and refer to Total Job Cost for a deck with
railings and stairs. Prices can fluctuate with the lumber market. All wood exposed to the
sun will turn grey if not maintained.
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