Wood decking remains the most popular choice for outdoor living spaces, and for good reason. Natural wood offers warmth, character, and a timeless look that composite materials still struggle to replicate. But not all wood decking is the same, and choosing the wrong species or skipping proper maintenance can turn your dream deck into an expensive headache. This guide covers the best wood options, realistic costs, installation basics, and maintenance schedules to keep your deck looking great for decades.
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Best Wood Species for Decking
Pressure-Treated Pine
Pressure-treated lumber is the workhorse of residential decking. Southern yellow pine treated with micronized copper azole (MCA) resists rot, insects, and fungal decay for 15-20 years with proper maintenance. It costs $2.00-$3.50 per linear foot for standard 5/4 x 6 boards, making it the most affordable decking option. The downside is that it warps, checks, and splinters more than premium woods, especially if not sealed within 6 months of installation.
Western Red Cedar
Cedar contains natural oils that resist rot and insects without chemical treatment. It has a tight, straight grain and weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left unsealed. Cedar decking runs $4.00-$7.00 per linear foot and lasts 15-25 years depending on climate and maintenance. It is softer than other options at a Janka hardness of 350, so it dents and scratches more easily.
Redwood
Redwood is the premium domestic softwood for decking. The heartwood is naturally resistant to decay, dimensionally stable, and has a rich reddish-brown color. Expect to pay $6.00-$10.00 per linear foot for construction heart grade. Redwood lasts 20-30 years and is most commonly used on the West Coast where it is readily available. Supply is limited in other regions, which drives up price.
Exotic Hardwoods
Ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood are tropical hardwoods that offer extreme density and durability. Ipe has a Janka hardness of 3,680, making it nearly as hard as steel. These woods resist rot, insects, and UV damage with minimal maintenance and last 40-75 years. The cost is significant at $8.00-$15.00 per linear foot, and the density makes cutting and fastening more labor-intensive. Pre-drilling every screw hole is mandatory.
Wood Decking Costs Breakdown
A 300 square foot deck is a common size for most backyards. Here is what you can expect to spend on materials and labor:
- Pressure-treated pine: $4,500-$7,500 total ($15-$25 per sq ft installed)
- Cedar: $7,500-$12,000 total ($25-$40 per sq ft installed)
- Redwood: $9,000-$15,000 total ($30-$50 per sq ft installed)
- Ipe/exotic hardwood: $13,500-$22,500 total ($45-$75 per sq ft installed)
These figures include framing lumber, fasteners, post footings, and basic railing. Stairs, built-in benches, pergolas, and lighting add to the total. Permits typically run $200-$500 depending on your municipality.
Framing and Structural Considerations
Every wood decking project starts with a solid frame. Use pressure-treated lumber for all structural components regardless of your decking surface material, since the frame sits close to the ground where moisture exposure is highest.
Standard joist spacing is 16 inches on center for most decking boards. Exotic hardwoods and thinner boards may require 12-inch spacing. Ledger boards must be properly flashed and bolted to the house framing with lag screws or through-bolts, never nails. Improper ledger attachment is the leading cause of deck collapses.
Post footings should extend below the frost line in your area, typically 36-48 inches deep in northern climates. Use concrete footings poured into sono tubes with post brackets, not posts buried directly in concrete.
Installation Tips
Allow new lumber to acclimate on-site for 3-5 days before installation. Stack boards flat with spacers between each layer to allow air circulation. This reduces warping after installation.
Leave a 1/8-inch gap between deck boards for drainage and expansion. Use a 16d nail as a spacer for consistent gaps. For a cleaner look, consider hidden fastener systems like Camo or Tiger Claw that secure boards from the edge rather than the face. These systems add $0.50-$1.00 per square foot but eliminate visible screw heads.
Stainless steel or coated deck screws are essential. Standard zinc-plated screws corrode within 2-3 years when exposed to treated lumber chemicals and weather, causing ugly rust stains and weakened connections.
Maintenance Schedule
Annual maintenance keeps wood decking looking good and structurally sound. Follow this schedule:
- Spring: Power wash at 1,500-2,000 PSI to remove winter grime, mildew, and debris. Keep the nozzle 8-12 inches from the surface to avoid damaging wood fibers.
- Spring/Early summer: Apply a penetrating wood stain or sealer with UV protection. Semi-transparent stains offer the best balance of color and grain visibility. Plan for dry weather with temperatures between 50-90 degrees F for 48 hours after application.
- Fall: Clear leaves and debris that trap moisture. Inspect for loose boards, popped fasteners, and signs of rot, especially where boards meet the frame.
- As needed: Sand rough spots or splinters with 80-grit sandpaper. Replace any boards showing structural decay.
Wood vs. Composite Decking
Composite decking costs $6-$12 per linear foot for boards alone and advertises low maintenance. However, it fades, scratches, stains from grease and tannins, and retains heat on sunny days, reaching surface temperatures 20-40 degrees F hotter than wood. Composite cannot be sanded or refinished, so surface damage is permanent.
Wood costs less upfront, feels cooler underfoot, and can be sanded and restained to look new again. The trade-off is annual maintenance that takes a weekend of work. For homeowners who enjoy outdoor projects and want the authentic look and feel of real wood, natural decking is the superior choice.
Permits and Building Codes
Most municipalities require a building permit for any deck over 200 square feet or elevated more than 30 inches above grade. The permit process typically requires a site plan, structural drawings, and an inspection at the footing, framing, and completion stages. Building without a permit can result in fines, forced removal, or complications when selling your home. Contact your local building department before starting any deck project to understand specific requirements in your area.
