Wood is one of the most affordable decking materials. Plus, it gives your backyard an iconic look and a warm welcoming feel. There are a variety of woods and finishes to choose from when you’re planning how you want your deck to look.
Wood Decking
Different kinds of wood have their own benefits whether it’s a hardwood like mahogany or a softer wood like cedar. You can expect a natural wood deck to last anywhere from 10-15 years when given the proper care.
Michigan weather can be humid and wet. That’s part of the reason why selecting the right kind of wood for your deck is so important. It’s important you know the pros and cons of whatever decking material you choose before buying. That way, you’ll be aware of what maintenance you’ll need to do to keep your decking boards looking nice for years to come.
Whether you choose a soft wood like cedar or a hard wood like mahogany, wood is a strong substance and this is one of the reasons why people choose it for the deck. However, for as strong and durable as it is, wood decks are vulnerable to several things like various weather conditions and insects, specifically termites.
Benefits of Hardwood & Softwood
Wood is vulnerable to rot from mold, mildew, and insects. There are a number of woods that resist rot better than others, hard and dense woods like mahogany, ipe, and teak do this the best (although the use of ipe in decks is controversial because it is a rainforest wood). Their density makes it hard for water to seep in and for termites to eat away at it.
Hardwoods may last longer than softer woods due to their density, but there are also a lot of other factors that determine a deck’s lifetime. One potential drawback of hardwoods is they tend to be significantly more expensive than softwoods, and for a building material whose big perk is its affordability, being more expensive is quite the downside.
Softer woods like cedar and redwood are common choices for deck building. These lack the density and therefore aren’t as rot-resistant, but they are more affordable and can effectively resist rot when properly sealed.
Wood Decking Maintenance
The first and likely the most important of deck maintenance is knowing if your deck needs any major repairs. Large holes and missing or broken boards need to be replaced as soon as possible so you can use and enjoy your deck safely. It’s rare for a deck to be that severely damaged, but it is important to note.
It’s good to be aware of any wood rot and insect damage so you know what parts of your deck are most vulnerable to deterioration and will likely need repairs soon. Once you’ve noted any major repairs that need to be done and fixed any minor problems, you’ll want to brush off any debris like dirt, leaves, and anything else that shouldn’t be on your deck.
After all the excess stuff is gone you will need to wash your deck, but only once a year. When you’re done make sure it’s dry before doing any staining or sealing. Stained decks need to be restrained every 3 to 4 years. If your deck was sealed it needs to be re-sealed every other year.
Request a Free Quote
Our expert Grand Rapids deck contractors can help you build the backyard wood deck you’ve always wanted. Give us a call today at (616) 608-9713 to get a free quote. All we do is deck replacement and installation.