Cedar

• Cedar lumber lends itself to deck and other outdoor building due to several desirable characteristics. Cedar lumber is resistant to warping and splintering and boards will be reliably flat for construction. Cedar is also naturally resistant to both decay and insect damage without chemical treatment. Several varieties of cedar are available, though the most cost effective is typically the variety native to the construction area. Cedar decking can be secured using either nails or screws in galvanized, stainless steel or aluminum finishes and may be stained to prevent weathering.
  
  

Pressure Treated

• Pressure-treated lumber is a cost-effective and long-wearing alternative to untreated wood decking. Pressure-treated lumber is treated with chemicals in an air-tight chamber to produce a rot- and insect-resistant product suitable for weather exposure. However, pressure-treated wood is extremely susceptible to warping and bowing. Deck builders have the choice of either selecting the wood one piece at a time or purchasing the more expensive kiln-dried lumber if they wish to avoid purchasing unusable lumber.
  
  

Ipe

• Ipe is a hardwood native to Brazil and suitable for use as a decking material. Both fire and insect resistant, ipe is extremely strong and can carry heavier loads than other common decking materials. Ipe holds up well to weather and will outlast cedar, pressure-treated and redwood decks. Ipe will weather to gray if left untreated and requires the use of stainless-steel fasteners for installation.
  
  

Siberian Larch

• Siberian larch is imported from Russia to the United States for use in outdoor building. Siberian larch is a hardwood that is more resistant to water damage than other natural woods, but should be treated with ultraviolet-inhibiting stain to prevent warping after installation. Siberian larch is sustainable-forested certified by the Forest Stewardship Counsel and offers a more environmentally friendly product than rainforest hardwoods.
  
  

Redwood

• Redwood is is decay and insect resistant decking material that weathers to black and then to gray if left untreated. Although redwood is desirable as a decking material for its stability and fire resistance it requires the installer to drill pilot holes near the ends of boards to prevent splitting. Redwood lumber is heavily protected and many commercial logging operations have been forced to certify through the Forest Stewardship Counsel in order to protect this abused resource.