If you had an alternative to using treated (AC2) pine lumber for a deck what other type of wood would you use?

Answer 1

either cedar or cypress

Answer 2

All valid answers so far. I'll just add my two cents.

First of all consider what it is you're creating. It's not a Louis the XIV writing desk. I'm in Florida, and most decking lumber is the cheapest grade possible, but treated.

Obviously there are "WOODS" most suitable to repel insects, hold up to weather conditions longer; but they are still, just a Deck. Cedar is a great choice for a wood that insects will leave alone, but is still Conifer, and subject to the environment. RedWood is great; even attractive; but another Conifer, and as subject over time to Nature. Teak or Mahogany might make a "sweet" deck, but be as expensive as any other exotics, and perhaps out of your budget range,,,if you can even find enough.

Steven Wolf
AKA (The Deck Doc)

Answer 3

My first choice would be Western Red Cedar. It's one of the best all-weather decking materials, naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, and has it's own unique preservative oil that needs no further treatment (unless the deck material is in direct contact with the ground.) Cedar swells/shrinks less than half as much as pine or other woods, and it ages beautifully with exposure to sun and rain. Plus, it smells good and looks great.

You'll spend more up front for material, but over the years you'll save on maintenance. Long term, it's quite economical.

Answer 4

I like the plastic and wood composites, have used Trex Accents on several decks lately. Still used treated lumber for structure of deck.

Answer 5

I would use the new composition decking material. There are a number of makers, and it is available at all the larger home stores.

Answer 6

Cedar

Answer 7

Would use the decking you never have to do anything with.
No maintenance and no staining ever.

Costs more, but if money is no problem then that's the way to go.

Answer 8

I used IPE it has a 40 yr warranty.unlike the composite board it wont get stringy on the cuts and screw holes.they have a nice system where the decking is secured using plastic biscuits.

http://www.ipedepot.com/
http://ipe-wood.com/faq.html#longevity

Answer 9

Redwood is a little soft, but with proper support it'll last a while because it is termite-proof.