WHAT IS IT?
Pressure-treated wood is injected with chemicals to prevent rot. Generally speaking, whichever surface material you choose, pressure treated wood is always used for the framing structure.
DURABILITY
It's a little harder than cedar. Can be prone to splintering. Not as resistant to termites as you may be lead to believe. But it will last good long time.
COST
Inexpensive.
APPEARANCE
Pressure Treated wood gets a bit of bad rep. Yes it's green when it comes from the yard. But it dries to a nice amber colour within a month.
Pressure-treated wood is injected with chemicals to prevent rot. Generally speaking, whichever surface material you choose, pressure treated wood is always used for the framing structure.
DURABILITY
It's a little harder than cedar. Can be prone to splintering. Not as resistant to termites as you may be lead to believe. But it will last good long time.
COST
Inexpensive.
APPEARANCE
Pressure Treated wood gets a bit of bad rep. Yes it's green when it comes from the yard. But it dries to a nice amber colour within a month.
WHAT IS IT?
You live in Canada and you have to ask?
DURABILITY
It's soft, so expect dents and nicks in high traffic areas. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, but given enough time and neglect it will decay.
COST
About twice the price of pressure treated lumber.
APPEARANCE
It's a beautiful golden brown when it's new, but it will turn grey within a year or two unless it's treated with a UV protecting preservative.
There are also some beautiful, (but expensive) clear grades without knots that can be used for railings and other high visibility areas.
You live in Canada and you have to ask?
DURABILITY
It's soft, so expect dents and nicks in high traffic areas. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, but given enough time and neglect it will decay.
COST
About twice the price of pressure treated lumber.
APPEARANCE
It's a beautiful golden brown when it's new, but it will turn grey within a year or two unless it's treated with a UV protecting preservative.
There are also some beautiful, (but expensive) clear grades without knots that can be used for railings and other high visibility areas.
WHAT IS IT?
Ipe, (pronounced "ee-pay") is a brazilian walnut that is without a doubt the best decking material avaialble.
DURABILITY
It's twice as hard as Oak. Termites are as likely to chew through it as they are steel. It carries the same fire rating as concrete. Its natural oils prohibit rot. It will last a long, long, time.
COST
If you have to ask...
Seriously though, it's about 4 times the price of pressure treated lumber. And there are also increased costs with installation. Every board has to pre-drilled. And screws must be made of stainless steel.
APPEARANCE
Deep brown-red. Requires application of oil every year or so to retain new look. Will weather to silver if left untreated, but can be returned to new with power washing.
Ipe, (pronounced "ee-pay") is a brazilian walnut that is without a doubt the best decking material avaialble.
DURABILITY
It's twice as hard as Oak. Termites are as likely to chew through it as they are steel. It carries the same fire rating as concrete. Its natural oils prohibit rot. It will last a long, long, time.
COST
If you have to ask...
Seriously though, it's about 4 times the price of pressure treated lumber. And there are also increased costs with installation. Every board has to pre-drilled. And screws must be made of stainless steel.
APPEARANCE
Deep brown-red. Requires application of oil every year or so to retain new look. Will weather to silver if left untreated, but can be returned to new with power washing.
WHAT IS IT?
Tongue and groove pine is "historically correct" porch flooring.
DURABILITY
Back in 1900, porches were built with old growth timber. The wood was dense and stable. Today,
the wood is softer and more prone to expansion and contraction due to humidity fluctuations. This can cause minor buckling in some cases. If your not looking to create a glass smooth floor and can live with a few imperfections then it's a good choice for an historical look.
COST
Moderate. About the same as cedar.
APPEARANCE
Needs to be stained or painted.
Tongue and groove pine is "historically correct" porch flooring.
DURABILITY
Back in 1900, porches were built with old growth timber. The wood was dense and stable. Today,
the wood is softer and more prone to expansion and contraction due to humidity fluctuations. This can cause minor buckling in some cases. If your not looking to create a glass smooth floor and can live with a few imperfections then it's a good choice for an historical look.
COST
Moderate. About the same as cedar.
APPEARANCE
Needs to be stained or painted.
