Natural Wood vs Treated Wood for Deck Construction

If you've been thinking about having a wooden deck built outside of your home, you may have been considering which is the best type of wood to use for the project.  You have one of two choices: natural wood and treated wood.  So what are the differences?

First of all, there are two serious dangers to wooden decks: insects and fungi.  Both can destroy a wood deck over time, so it's important to choose a building material that will last over time. 

Types of Natural Wood That are Best for Wooden Decks

Some trees produce wood that is more resistant to bugs and rotting than others.  The three most popular choices of natural wood are cypress, cedar, and redwood.  Not all natural wood is created equal, though.  Some are more durable than others, and some may feature a color that you would prefer for your deck.

How Treated Wood is Different than Natural Wood

When we use the term "treated," we're talking about wood that has protective chemicals added to it through the use of pressure.  This treatment is done to make the wood more resistant to termites, fungi, and rotting.

Pine is usually the most common choice for wood that is pressure-treated.  The reason why is because pine can better absorb the chemicals that are used to preserve wood.  Pine wood is also durable, and costs less than most other types of wood. 

Pressure-treated lumber for building projects usually costs about half of what a natural wood such as cedar does.  Because pressure-treated wood also lasts much longer than untreated wood, using treated lumber can be a more cost effective decision.

The real answer depends on the options that a deck construction company offers you.  Some types of natural wood are more durable and less likely to rot over time than others.  Some pressure-treated lumber comes with a warranty against rotting and insects, depending on the brand.  If you hire a contractor to build your deck, be sure to find out in advance what your choices in wood for the project are, how often the deck would need to be maintained, and the expected life of your deck before replacement is needed.

About Mullin Landscape Associates

We're a landscape design / build firm that offers a wide range of professional services in New Orleans and surrounding areas.  If you are in the Southeast Louisiana area, and want to learn more about our deck construction or other landscape architect services, please call us today at (504) 275-6617 or send us an email.