Our decks are constructed using the very best materials
available. Below are some brief descriptions of the more commonly used building materials.
PRESSURE TREATED
(Southern
Yellow Pine)
The most popular choice of materials in the US, primarily because of cost. About 80% of pressure
treated wood is Southern yellow pine. It has a very pronounced grain, with a yellow-green hue caused by the ACQ chemical treatment
of the wood. The industry has now recently switched over to ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quat) from CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate)
because of potential health problems from exposure.
The chemical preservative is forced into the wood cells under high
pressure. Pressure treated usually has a warranty against decay and insect infestation, in most cases for up to 40 years.
This material is typically used for framing purposes.
WESTERN RED CEDAR
Newly
cut cedar has a color range from light browns and tans to salmon pink. Left untreated it will eventually turn silvery gray
and then to a very dark brown. It's graded A, B, C, or D. This soft wood is more durable than most woods in common use.
It is resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Preservative treatment/sealing is recommended.
Cedar
is recommended for those who love the feel and look of natural wood. Tight knot and clear (no knots) are the two most common
choices.
IRONWOOD/IMPORTED HARDWOODS
(Ipé or Ulin)
Ipé is Portuguese for hardwood, it's installed
color ranges from red-amber hues to dark brown, turning a silvery-gray when left untreated and exposed to the sunlight.
Ulin, a new hardwood on the market, is a rich brown color - when left untreated in the sunlight it turns a dark mahogony
brown (a picture of newly installed Ulin is featured on the left). These woods are virtually clear from knots and are extremely
dense with a tight-grain.
These imported, tropical hardwoods have a very high rating for insect and decay resistance,
similar to pressure treated. Ipe will turn silver gray very fast, while Ulin will turn a rich brown-mahogany color.
Note: These hard woods require hand-screwing and nailing or they will split. Expect to pay extra for labor to install
these hard woods because you triple the time for installation.
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE
(Plastic
& Wood Mix)
These materials are usually 90%+ recycled. They are made from Polypropylene or Polyethylene
(plastic bags or milk jugs) and sawdust or fine wood particles (wood flower). It takes about ten milk jugs and eight cups
of saw dust to make one foot. It is manufactured under heat and pressure to encapsulate the wood in the plastic. These materials
tend to lighten in color over the first six months unless they have a UV inhibitor. It has a wood grain embosses into it.
We recommend Timbertech composite products, which feature unmatched good looks and
longevity, will never rot or crack and is splinter-free. Timbertech decking is extremely weather-resistant and never needs
painting or staining for protection and is available in an array of designs and colors.
