Wood Deck Boards
Cedar vs Pressure Treated Deck Boards
Although wood deck boards won’t last as long, they should still be considered in some applications. Below you’ll find a brief overview and then a deeper dive into each type of board (cedar or pressure treated) below that.
Pros
Lower price point
Won’t be as hot to the touch compared to most composite deck boards
Properly maintained decks can last up to 20+ years
Longevity: 10-20 years
Price: $-$$
Maintenance: $$ (yearly wash & oil or stain treatment)
Heat Resistance: B+
Cons
Require yearly washing & treatment to get the longevity
Rot will still set in quicker than composite in some cases
Will have to deal with splinters, cracks, and other natural wood features more than the other type of boards.
Cedar
Cedar Deck Boards & Railing
Cedar deck boards have been the most common wood deck boards used in the northern midwest area of the United States, and for good reason.
They look great when newly installed
They’re naturally resistant to bugs & decay
With proper upkeep they will continue to look great for years to come
They’re less expensive than Composite and PVC boards
However in recent years, they don’t seem to be as common.
As deck builders, we’ve noticed most homeowners are unable to keep up with the maintenance. After just a few years, dry rot will set in and become unrepairable. The most common areas we see rot take hold is where the cedar is fastened to the structure.
For deck boards, it’s the structure underneath supporting it, most often referred to as the joist.
And for railings, where those boards are bolted or screwed to the structure.
If you’re able to keep up on the maintenance, cedar seems to hold up better than pressure treated wood and most composite boards (with the exception of PVC deck boards). It’s also has a nice golden brown color that goes with almost all home decor.
Pressure Treated
Brown (or often referred to as cedar tone) pressure treated wood deck with a matching pergola
Pressure treated wood, usually comes in 2 main colors: Green & Brown (often referred to as cedar tone).
This pressure treated wood has some of the same benefits as cedar, but a few pros/cons to go with it:
Does better with managing heat compared to most composites (again, with the exception of PVC deck boards)
They’re less expensive than Composite, PVC, and Cedar deck boards (this is often the most cost effective deck board available in most regions)
It doesn’t look near as nice as cedar does, but most of the time it doesn’t gray out as fast as cedar does either.
This type of deck board will be a good option where there is:
High traffic areas, especially with dogs and kids.
It needs to be a more functional space, more utilitarian, where design isn’t a concern (such as a small back deck, garage steps, or other utility purposes).
Budget is a factor.
Pressure treated wood is a great option for many households who just need a functional space for their family. And where heat management may also need to be a consideration.