What is the Best Wood for a Deck in Seattle?

If you want to hire a deck builder in Seattle to build you a new deck, you will be interested to know that the most important factor is your choice of wood. Due to the wet weather typical of the region, not every wood is ideal. If you do not want your deck to be ugly in a couple of years and offer good value for your Seattle, it is essential to choose a material that is able to withstand moisture and requires concurrent levels of care. Let’s look at the best wood types for decking in the Pacific Northwest region.

1. Cedar

For many people in Seattle, cedar is perhaps one of the best types of wood to utilize in constructing decking because this type of wood is naturally rot- and moisture-resistant. The materials from this wood species include oils that serve as preservatives and enable the lumber to resist insects as well as rot even in wet conditions. Moreover, its low density makes cedar light in weight and relatively easy to work with. The material’s natural patterns make beautiful grained decks.

Nonetheless, like all other types of wood, cedar timber requires maintenance and can be stained or painted to maintain its attractive appearance. Defined as a preventative measure, the wood must be coated with a water-repellant sealer 1 to 2 years after the previous treatment. As mentioned above, a cedar deck that is well-cared for can last 30 or more years.

2. Redwood

Redwoods are other great alternatives for Seattle decks. Just like cedar, it is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects making it great for the Pacific Northwest climate. The wood’s attractive grained structure together with its color which ranges from a rich red also adds a touch to those looking to enhance the outdoor appearance.

Although redwood is not as cost effective as cedar, it could last even longer assuming the redwood is looked after properly. Staining and sealing occur regularly in order to shield it from nature and also keep colors vibrant.

3. Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure treated wood is more cost-effective and is widely preferred when it comes to building decks. Rather than the more expensive wood, pressure treated lumber is primarily pine or fir that has been infused in chemicals to prevent insect infestations as well as fungus decay. The classic instability of pressure treated wood can also be used in Seattle where it rains a lot, but a quality grade is essential in making the wood last a long time.

A major setback of pressure treated wood is the fact it lacks the aesthetic beauty which comes from naturally sourced redwood or cedar. For a wider range of applications, it also needs to be sealed often in order to include overcoming issues such as cracking, warping, and splitting.

4. Ipe (Wood from Brazil)

In any case, if homeowners wish to see how best their investments pay off, then the best bet would be Ipe. Known to many as Brazilian walnut, Ipe is among the hardest species of woods in existence. It is great for Seattle weather since it will not swell, get attacked by insects, or rot at all.

There is a great amount of satisfaction found in practicing patience when it comes to Ipe because it is expensive. Compared to most timber frames, it needs very little upkeep and has the potential to last for more than 40 seasons without serious degradation. Trouble is, its density makes it harder to engage with as compared to softer types of timber.

5. Composite Decking (Secondary Option)

Composite decking, rather than being wood, is a product that should not be ignored if you live in Seattle. A composite product, this type of decking is made from wood pulp mixed with plastic and works miracles for those who have a very demanding lifestyle. It does not need staining, sealing or painting which enables the option to those homeowners who wish to stress less about their deck.

Composite materials are terrific since you can paint them any colors and texturize them in any way and they will still look very much like real wood. The only downside is that it is initially pricier compared to the traditional wood alternatives.

Important Factors to Consider when Installing Seattle Decks:

• Moisture Resistance: As a result of Seattle’s rain all season, the material needs to be able to withstand moisture and avoid warping or disintegrating.
• Maintenance: Some purchases of wood or other material types attract a lot more maintenance to remain in their best state. If you are keen on low-maintenance maintenance, then the composite decks would come in handy.
• Cost: Some exotic wood such as Ipe tends to be expensive but has higher durability whilst pressure-treated does offer an economical option but requires regular applications of care.
• Aesthetics: While cedar, redwood, and Ipe are stunning by nature, composite decking appears to be real wood without too much efforts laid into upkeep.

Conclusion

Your deck builder will be the first to ask an opinion on what type of wood would be the best option for you. Depending on your focal point on market needs such as beauty of natural wood that is attractive as Ipe, or difficult maintenance or even dull. There is a classic appeal to the look of cedar and redwood and provides characteristic warmth with adequate maintenance. For strong appeal and amazing durability, Ipe truly is second to none. However pressure-treated wood is a good compromise between affordability and durability, composite decks are of good choice for those homeowners who would rather have hardly any maintenance.

With the uniqueness of the climate in Seattle this type of deck comes with a lot of requirements especially with maintenance and sealing of the surface. When the proper type of wood with the right maintenance is applied, the deck makes for a beautiful and functional space in the outdoors for long periods of time.