Wood Decks

Wooden decks add natural beauty and warmth to outdoor spaces

Creating the ideal setting for relaxation and entertainment. At Decks By Murray, we design custom decks that complement your home’s style while boosting its value.

Our skilled team of local deck builders uses only top-quality wood species and materials to ensure durability and precision in every build. Let us help transform your backyard into a timeless outdoor living area tailored to your vision.

Enhance Your Outdoor Space with the Natural Beauty and Versatility of Wood Decks

Wooden decks are crafted from natural timber, creating an inviting extension of your living space that blends seamlessly with the outdoors. Valued for their rich grain patterns and natural color variations, they provide a classic, enduring aesthetic that enhances the overall appeal of any home.

Opting for wood as your decking material offers numerous benefits, including exceptional flexibility in design and finish. It can be easily shaped, stained, or painted to fit your style, making it a highly customizable choice. Additionally, sustainably sourced wood brings the beauty of nature to your backyard while supporting eco-friendly practices.

Explore the Best Wood Options for Your Custom Deck

Choosing the right wood for your deck is essential for longevity and style. Each type of wood offers unique benefits, ensuring there’s an option perfect for your needs and preferences.

• Pressure-Treated Lumber: This affordable and durable wood is treated to resist rot, moisture, and insects, making it a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. With proper care, pressure-treated lumber can last for decades, offering reliable performance at a lower cost.
• Cedar: Known for its warm, reddish tones and natural resistance to decay, cedar is a favorite for those seeking a low-maintenance, attractive deck. Its durability in various climates makes it ideal for outdoor projects that withstand the elements.
• Redwood: Redwood is prized for its rich color and long-lasting durability. Naturally resistant to insects and weather, this premium wood provides strength and beauty, though it has a higher price tag.
• Ipe: This tropical hardwood is extremely dense and durable, offering unmatched resistance to rot and insect damage. Its longevity and minimal maintenance requirements make it a high-end option for investing in a deck that will last decades.
• Mahogany: Mahogany is renowned for its deep, rich hues and fine grain. It offers a luxurious appearance while being highly resistant to moisture and insects. Though it requires regular maintenance to maintain its stunning look, its strength and classic beauty make it a top choice for elegant, long-lasting decks.

Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Wood Decking for Your Home

Wood offers a wide range of choices for outdoor decks, from pressure-treated lumber to exotic hardwoods like Ipe. However, each building material has advantages and challenges, including maintenance, durability, and cost.

• Advantages: Wood decks enhance outdoor living spaces with natural beauty, offer flexibility in design and finish, and tend to have a lower upfront cost than composite decking.
• Disadvantages: Regular maintenance, such as sealing and staining, is required to protect the wood from moisture and insects. Wood decks may deteriorate quickly without this care, and weathering can cause fading. Environmental concerns about deforestation are also a factor, especially with tropical hardwoods.

Simple Steps to Keep Your Wood Deck Looking Beautiful for Years

Maintaining a wood or tropical hardwood deck requires regular care to preserve its natural beauty and longevity. Unlike composite boards made from recycled plastic, wood decks demand routine sealing, staining, and repairs to protect against the elements.

• Regular Maintenance Requirements: Sealing or staining every 1-2 years is crucial to preserve a wood deck’s beauty and longevity. Repairs are also necessary to address weather damage or wear and tear, and regular cleaning helps prevent mold​.
• Pressure Washing: While pressure washing is effective for cleaning, high-pressure settings can damage wood surfaces, so following best practices is essential.
• Longevity Tips: Water repellents and deck sealants can significantly prolong a wood deck’s life. Regularly replacing damaged boards and ensuring nails and screws are tightened will help maintain the deck’s structure.

Wood vs. Composite Decking: Comparing Costs, Durability, and Environmental Impact

When choosing between wood and composite decking materials, it’s important to consider both initial and long-term costs. While wood may be a less expensive option upfront, composite decking often provides better durability and requires less maintenance, making it a cost-effective investment.

• Initial Costs: Wood decks, especially those made from pressure-treated lumber, offer a lower upfront cost than composite decking. Premium options like redwood and Ipe come with a higher price tag, but overall, wood tends to be more affordable at the start than composite alternatives.
• Long-Term Costs: While wood decks may be cheaper initially, they require ongoing maintenance—such as sealing, staining, and occasional repairs—which increases their long-term costs. Composite decking, though more expensive upfront, demands far less maintenance, making it a cost-efficient option over time.
• Durability: Real wood is naturally vulnerable to rot, insect damage, and weathering, which can shorten its lifespan if not regularly maintained. Composite decking, made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, is highly durable, offering superior resistance to moisture, pests, and fading. It often outlasts wood with minimal upkeep.
• Environmental Impact: Wood can be eco-friendly when sourced from responsibly managed forests. However, concerns about deforestation—especially with tropical hardwoods—highlight the need for careful selection. Composite deck boards, often made from recycled materials, offer a more sustainable alternative, though they are not biodegradable.

Considering a Wood Deck? A Composite Deck? Let Decks By Murray Help You Decide

Ready to enhance your outdoor space with a beautiful new deck? Whether you’re drawn to the classic appeal of wood or the low-maintenance benefits of composite, Decks By Murray can help you make the perfect choice for your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help you create the deck of your dreams!