What is the Best Wood for Decking in Pennsylvania?

Adding a deck is one of the best improvements you can make to your home in terms of recouping cost. Unlike other price-gaining options, though, a deck does not have to just be a vehicle for increasing the value for your home. It can also bring joy while you live there.

There are many different materials available for decking, including metal, composite, plastic, and wood. While all of these materials are viable options, if you’ve read about the advantages of wood as a building material, you will know why wood is a top contender. But which wood is the best for decking for your Pennsylvania home?

Cedar and redwood

The weather here in PA has a huge range of temperatures, humidity, and weather activity. You will want wood that can stand up to that. Cedar and redwood are great options for this kind of weather. They are both moisture, insect, and rot resistant.

Even Bob Vila recommends cedar and redwood as great all around options for outdoor decking and furniture, though getting redwood to PA is going to be a bit more expensive than other options. Both woods can offer up to 20 years of life for your deck.

Tropical hardwood

Tropical woods, such as mahogany and ipe, are naturally beautiful and durable. They are also going to be the most expensive option. Not only do these woods have to travel a long way to get to PA, but contractors need to take special care when installing them. Both will increase costs. If that is in your budget, though, tropical hardwood is a stunning option.

Tropical hardwood also boasts being more fire resistant than other woods. It can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Pressure treated wood

Pressure treated wood is the most economical option for decking. The process involves using a pressure chamber to force liquid preservative into the wood. Today’s techniques for pressure treating wood have been updated and are much safer than they used to be.

Woods that are normally offered as pressure treated options are douglas fir and southern yellow pine. These don’t naturally come in the most sought after colors, but are easily stained. Pressure treated wood provides similar durability to the types of wood already mentioned. It can be expected to last 15-20 years, but does need a little more maintenance, such as regular sanding and restaining.

The best wood for decking in Pennsylvania

The best option for decking for you is going to depend on your budget and the look you are going for. As a general recommendation for PA, cedar can’t be beat. It doesn’t have to be shipped very far. Cedar is resistant to water, bugs, and rot, and can be expected to last a couple of decades. It's also one of the lowest maintenance options available for an affordable price.

If you're looking to purchase or sell wood, look no further than the team here at Green Ridge Forest Products. Contact us today to find out how we can help with your wood needs!