User Guide

Consider price, maintenance, durability, and
long-term costs of ownership.
WOOD
OVERVIEW
Wood offers a warm, natural beauty initially,
but the look can fade quickly without regular, diligent maintenance.
Most pressure-treated (P/T) lumber is Southern Pine.
Cedar and Redwood are also popular but more costly.
Exotic hardwoods such as Ipe and Jatoba are harder
to get and expensive.
PROS
Pressure-treated is inexpensive and plentiful.
Can be stained/painted any color.
Cedar and Redwood are naturally resistant to insects.
Exotics are much longer lasting than P/T lumber and feature dramatic
natural streaking.
CONS
Quality of P/T varies considerably.
Can be difficult to know what you’re getting.
Wood, especially exotics, is not always sourced sustainably.
Wood cracks, twists, splinters, and warps.
Nail pops are common.
Most species are highly susceptible to insect infestation, mold, and decay.
Wood will fade. It needs to be re-stained or resealed periodically
to preserve appearance.
Food and drink can stain the surface easily.
Cedar, redwood, and exotics are much more difficult to cut and install.
Special drill bits and pre-drilling are required.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Wood is not warranted against staining or fading.
No performance warranties.
Needs regular maintenance.
Maintenance costs can easily reach into the thousands over a relatively short
amount of time.
P/T decking has an average lifespan of 10-15 years, even with regular maintenance.
More expensive species will last longer but still need periodic re-staining
or refinishing.
PRODUCT OPTIONS
DECKING MATERIALS
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