There are many wood species that can be used for outdoor decks, but not all offer the same benefits and maintenance requirements, and price and availability vary by region. As Bob Mion, of the California Redwood Association, points out, “In the Southeast you’ll find lots of Southern yellow pine; in the North Central Midwest, Western red cedar; in the California-Oregon-Washington region, redwood predominantly.” You can certainly use redwood for a deck on Cape Cod—if you pay to ship it there.
Now that you know that where you live and how much you can afford to spend will probably be the deciding factors, here are the most common natural-wood choices for deck building:
Additional Insights: When picking wood for your deck, it’s worth considering local climate and weather patterns, as they can affect longevity. For example, in humid areas like the Southeast, moisture-resistant woods like cedar or pressure-treated pine are a lifesaver. I’ve seen decks in coastal regions take a beating from salt air, so choosing a wood that fights rot naturally can save you headaches down the road. Also, check local lumber yards for deals—sometimes they’ll have surplus stock of less common woods at a discount, which can stretch your budget further.
Best Types of Wood for a Deck
Cedar
Cedar resists moisture, rot, and insect infestation, and offers more durability than many other types of wood. This hardiness is due to the fact that cedarwood will actually change its moisture content to closely match the atmosphere. Moisture is what commonly causes wood to warp and crack, especially in colder climates during freeze-thaw cycles. Using cedar may cut down on maintenance issues that can come up over time and will often add years of life to a deck.
Additional Insights: Cedar’s ability to adapt its moisture content is a bit like nature’s engineering marvel—it’s got natural oils that act like a shield against water and bugs. A study from the Forest Products Laboratory shows cedar can last up to 20-25 years with proper care, which is impressive for a natural material. If you’re building in a place with wild weather swings, like the Midwest, cedar’s your friend. My neighbor’s cedar deck still looks sharp after a decade, but he swears by sealing it every couple of years to keep it vibrant. Pro tip: use a UV-protectant sealant to prevent that grayish weathering look if you want to keep the warm tones.
Redwood
Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting. Because of its open-celled structure, redwood contains little to no pitch or resins, and maintains its natural beauty and structural integrity with easy maintenance. While redwood can be left to weather naturally, it absorbs and retains all types of finishes, making it a long-lasting wood deck choice.
Additional Insights: Redwood’s open-celled structure makes it a dream for staining, as it soaks up finishes like a sponge. I’ve worked with redwood on a few projects, and it cuts like butter—great for DIYers who want clean lines without a ton of effort. Data from the California Redwood Association suggests redwood decks can hit the 20-year mark with minimal upkeep, especially if you apply a clear sealant every 2-3 years. If you’re in a dry climate, redwood’s low resin content means less cracking, which is a huge plus. Just watch out for sourcing—make sure it’s sustainably harvested, as some suppliers cut corners.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir is not only beautiful but also very strong. It responds well to hand- and power-tool use and, properly treated, is decay-, mold-, and termite-resistant.
Additional Insights: Douglas fir’s strength makes it a go-to for structural parts of a deck, like beams or joists. Its tight grain gives it a polished look, which I’ve always liked for visible decking boards. According to the Western Wood Products Association, properly treated Douglas fir can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh weather for 15-20 years. If you’re on a budget but want a sturdy, good-looking deck, this is a solid pick. Just be sure to treat it with a quality preservative—untreated fir can be prone to mold in damp climates, as I learned the hard way on a friend’s project.
Southern Yellow Pine
When pressure-treated, Southern yellow pine is durable, strong, and environmentally friendly. It’s worth noting that in 2003, when high toxicity was discovered in pressure-treated wood, new regulations were established. Manufacturers now treat wood with nontoxic chemicals that make these products safer as well as rot- and insect-repellant. Decking experts at The Home Depot state that “pressure-treated lumber provides greater strength and is less expensive than other deck materials. Use it to frame the structure, then choose another material for decking and railings.”
Additional Insights: Southern yellow pine is a budget-friendly champ, especially for framing. The nontoxic treatments used today, like micronized copper azole, make it safer for families and pets, which is a big relief. I’ve seen pine decks hold up well in humid Southern climates, where bugs and rot are relentless. The USDA Forest Service notes that pressure-treated pine can last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. One trick I’ve picked up is to double-check the treatment quality—look for boards stamped with a retention level (like 0.40 pcf for ground contact) to ensure durability.
Wood Deck Costs
Initially, wood costs significantly less than either vinyl or composite, and if properly constructed and maintained, a wood deck will last for years. And unlike petroleum-based materials, wood is renewable if sustainably harvested.
Additional Insights: Wood’s upfront cost is hard to beat—think $10-$20 per square foot for cedar or redwood, compared to $30-$50 for composites, based on recent Home Depot pricing. I built a small cedar deck last year and saved a bundle compared to composite quotes. The renewable aspect is a big draw, too; sustainably sourced wood from certified forests (look for FSC labels) eases the environmental guilt. Just factor in long-term costs—stains and sealers add up, maybe $100-$200 every few years for a medium-sized deck. Shopping around for bulk lumber can shave off some of those initial expenses.
Wood Deck Maintenance Requirements
Wood does, however, require more maintenance than other materials. A couple of times each year, it should be rinsed off, and every three or four years, it should be repainted or finished with a stain. Cedar and redwood decking may be left to weather naturally, but to make it last longer, apply a clear preservative every few years. For information on how to stain a wood deck, click here.
Additional Insights: Maintaining a wood deck isn’t rocket science, but it does take some elbow grease. I rinse mine with a garden hose twice a year to keep dirt and mildew at bay—takes maybe an hour. Staining every 3-4 years can cost $50-$150 in supplies, depending on deck size, but it’s worth it to avoid splintering or cracking. For cedar and redwood, a clear preservative works wonders; I’ve used Thompson’s WaterSeal with good results. If you’re in a rainy area, check for mildew regularly—early cleaning can prevent bigger issues. A buddy of mine skipped this and ended up with a pricey repair job.
