Decks
Decks can be constructed from a variety of materials.
Railings and Planks
- Cedar - Very good looking when new, unsealed will weather to the same look as Treated Wood
- Treated Wood - Least expensive choice, looks good (Southern Yellow Pine in this area, a strong material)
- Composite Materials - Looks excellent, better weathering than woods, scuffing is a problem, very expensive (brands like Trex or Veranda)
Posts
Posts should be made from Treated Wood. This is the strongest choice and is long lasting.
Posts can be of Cedar, but we recommend a faux Cedar look. This consists of a Treated Wood post covered with Cedar materials. Doing this gives the look of Cedar, but the excellent strength of Treated Wood.
Posts for Composite decks must be Treated Wood covered as above, but with composite sheath for matching look.
Structural Members
One surprise to many customers is the fact that ALL of the structural portions (the portion of the deck underneath and under parts of any stairs) MUST be made from Treated Wood!!
I will repeat this, the top and railings can be of many materials, but the support materials CANNOT be of Cedar or Composite.
Cedar and Composite planks and railings have a very long life, but the full life of a deck is determined by the life of the Treated Wood structure.
Images of some Decks.
Cedar Deck with Railing
(Follow link to see more photos of this project.)
This deck is shown unstained. It is preferable to wait a week or two before staining a new deck to allow the wood to dry out. New wood is often slightly damp and poorly compatible with oil-based stains and sealers.
We highly recommend using oil-based products. They are easier to apply and always produce good results.
We have heard several bad reports from customers that have used water-based stains themselves and have also found these products are very difficult to apply without making a big mess from our own experience.
Cleaning, Staining, and Sealing a Fence and Deck
(Follow link to see more photos of this project.)
This shows very weathered deck before cleaning.
This shows weathered deck before cleaning and one plank after cleaning but before staining/sealing.
This shows rejuvenated deck after cleaning and applying sealing stain.
Not new, but much better looking!
Two Second-Story Decks
(Follow link to see more photos of this project.)
This shows one second-story deck.
Both decks are only accesed from inside of home.
This shows other second-story deck.
This shows both decks.
Not all decks need to be large or exotic.
This deck serves as a platform to allow easy and safe access to this building.
Last Updated: July 15, 2009