For decades the default material used for decks and most porches has become
pressure treated pine. It is readily available at any big box property repair
store as well as any building supply. Virtually all low custom houses have decks
built with PT pine. It is just a cost efficient material, but has it's
issues.
All kinds decking material should be sealed to lengthen their lifespan.
Taken care of pine, especially in the more sunny areas, even when sealed can
misbehave more than any other wood. We have all seen the buckled handrails,
splits, twists, cracking and overall instability. Let alone the
splinters!
Of course , we are talking about the horizontal surface types.
In general, the vertical application of PT pine, at least when it comes to
decks, is not so bad. You will still see some bending in the rail designs. That
can usually be offset by simply carefully choosing the pieces that will be used,
trying to eliminate just about any that are showing early signs of bowing. And,
as the only option, at least cost wise, for the actual frame on the deck, PT
pine is a winner.
Other options for decking include more expensive woods
such as cedar or redwood. You will discover comparisons on Consumer Reports
regarding these woods plus the more exotic rain forest woods such as ipe
(pronounced age pay). There are still more options including metal, plastic and
the quite recent development of composites which are generally speaking, a blend
of plastics and solid wood products and are also more expensive.
Oddly,
though, one of the most durable, long-wearing, rot resistant, bug resistant and
beautiful woods is usually left out of the mix! Cypress! It could be that
cypress is not easily available in all parts of North America, but neither are
the exotic hardwoods imported from South America.
One could go on and on
about the benefits of cypress. It has been used for boat building for centuries.
Many experts have used for head"stones" in cemeteries! Though you probably won't
be able to read the exact inscriptions, you will find these wooden grave markers
in elderly cemeteries in coastal locations around the South. They are usually
around 100 years old! Do your own search for cypress and be
astounded!
Cypress grows in swamps and wet areas. It is adjusted to harsh
conditions from birth. The product that results soon after milling is smooth and
stable. Most of what can be used for deck flooring is already pressure treated
in addition to the all-natural preservatives already in the wood. If left alone,
it will weather to a light gray color. Like all decking material, however , it
is not maintenance free if you want it for you to last as long as possible. It
is recommended that it be sealed with a breaking through sealer the same as
other woods.
The best part about cypress, nonetheless is it's cost. Aside
from pressure treated pine, which has been discussed above, it is easily the
most cost efficient option. Along with, it does not cost much more than the much
less stable and much less interesting pine.
Another point about the cost
is that when figuring the complete cost of a deck, cypress only adds a few cents
each square foot because it is only the horizontal parts of the very deck where
it would be used, generally speaking.
