How to Choose Deck Boards: Tips by Pro

Deck boards not only provide a surface for supporting things, but they are also the most visible part of our house. So, concentrate on the following tips to choose the best deck board for your place. These tips by a pro and thus can surely help you find a suitable deck board for your home.

Consider the material –

When discussing the deck’s material, you will have three types. These are:

Natural Wood –

The natural wood comes from cypress, redwood, and a western red cedar tree. It should not be treated with any chemical as it naturally contains chemicals resistant to fungi and insects. Choosing the heartwood of natural lumber is recommended as it has these chemicals.

Composite Wood –

Many manufacturers produce composite wood from recycled wood and plastic material. Its advantage is that it is highly resistant to decay.

Pressure Treated Wood –

The wood that is pressure treated is a Southern pine. The fungal and insect-resistant chemicals are forced into the wood fibers.

Consider the cost –

The cheapest among the three materials is pressure-treated lumber stocked in stores by most manufacturers. On the other hand, natural woods are costly as they are more scarce than pressure-treated wood. The most expensive is the third type, i.e., composite wood. It is so because it is manufactured and not cut. Also, it is the most durable type. Now, you can choose the one that best suits your budget.

Consider the appearance of wood –

The appearance of composite wood is similar to wood, but it does not have the characteristics of wood. Initially, cypress, redwood, and western red cedar have amazing color characteristics but turn silver-grey with time. It is just like pressure-treated pine. The wood color can be restored if you take care of the wood and indulge in periodic deep cleaning. Composite wood loses its color over time and gathers dirt like other outdoor materials.

Don’t forget the dimensions –

The wood that you will select must have a dimension of 5/4 minimum. Also, make sure that it is at least 1 inch thick. If the deck board is not wide, it will not be durable. Always purchase that board that requires minimum cutting to fit your deck. It is so because the more the cut edges, the more the water will be absorbed. This will, in turn, weaken the deck board and will reduce its durability.
Furthermore, ensure the board does not have many twists and wraps. Repairing it will become difficult otherwise. Also, buy the deck board only from a reputed manufacturer if you do not want to compromise wood quality.