Different Woods for Decking

If you’re planning to build a new deck or replace your current deck with entirely new materials, you’ll likely want to know how much each type of wood costs and what its benefits are. It can sometimes be difficult to know which wood to use considering there are so many options, which is why our team at Teak Master has put together this helpful guide. Learn how much each type of wood costs so you can make the right decision when adding a deck to your home.

Redwood

Image via Flickr by woodleywonderworks

If you’re looking for a rich, ruddy tone for your deck, redwood is a great option. Its unique color and composition have made it a popular choice among many Los Angeles and Orange County residents, as it absorbs condensation. It also doesn’t heat up nearly as quickly as other wood types, so you can reduce the chance of burning your foot on a hot summer day.

If you properly maintain redwood, it can last a long time and resist changing color or shape. When planning to install redwood decking in 2022, you can expect to pay $9 to $14 per square foot for materials.

Ipe Tropical Hardwood

Ipe is a type of hardwood commonly found in Central and South America, with a majority grown in Brazil. Since it’s so hard, it’s often known as “ironwood.” Ipe wood makes an excellent substitute for redwood and doesn’t stain nearly as easily as other wood types. 

The wood is naturally dark, with plenty of beautiful, deep brown tones to admire. Its hard surface means it’s more likely to resist dents or scratches. You can also stain ipe wood to maintain its color even longer. If you choose this material for your decking project, you can expect to pay $7.25 to $14 per square foot.

Tigerwood

Tigerwood typically grows throughout Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America. Its color ranges from orange to ruddy, similar to redwood. It may also contain streaks of black or brown, hence the name “tigerwood.” Its high resin content makes it particularly resistant to moisture and rot, helping to ensure your deck lasts a long time. While it isn’t necessary to stain or seal this type of wood, doing so may help prolong its color. If you decide to use tigerwood for your deck, you can expect to pay $8 to $15 per square foot.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood comes from cedar trees that grow in the Himalayas, countries around the Mediterranean Sea, East Asia, and the eastern U.S. Similar to tigerwood, cedarwood produces natural oils that help make the wood more resistant to rot and moisture.  Both red and white cedar  make excellent deck material and can give your deck a more rustic look and feel.  Since most growers harvest cedar from sustainably managed forests, the wood is both reusable and biodegradable. You can expect to pay $4.25 to $9 per square foot if you decide to use cedarwood for your deck.

Reclaimed Wood

This material involves recycling wood from other buildings or objects for a new project. It can be great for the environment since it requires fewer new trees to produce. As it rarely needs to be imported, reclaimed wood also has a lower carbon footprint than other types. It’s often made from old barn wood, like pine, poplar, oak, and hickory.

While reclaimed wood can be beautiful, it’s important to know the source of your wood before making a purchase. If you use reclaimed wood,  you can expect a varied range of prices, depending on the wood’s age, type, and overall quality.

Pressure-Treated Wood 

 Pressure-treated wood  describes pine wood materials treated with chemical preservatives that increase their durability and make them last longer. Well-maintained pressure-treated wood can last several years in the hot sun and withstand the occasional Los Angeles rainstorm. Since the material is so readily available, it also tends to be cheaper than many other types of wood. Should you decide to use pressure-treated wood for your deck, you can expect to pay $6.25 to $13.50 per square foot.

Teak Wood 

Like Ipe wood, Teak wood is a great option for those who desire a material with an exotic flair. Its unique color ranges from a honey brown to tawny, thick gold. It can sometimes even appear as a rich, mahogany red. Teak is indigenous to Burma, Laos, Thailand, and India, and many experts consider it a rare wood type. The wood’s natural properties make it highly resistant to light and heat, ensuring that it lasts a long time. Should you build your deck using teak wood, you can expect to pay upwards of $14 per square foot.

Iroko Wood 

Iroko wood comes from the iroko tree native to the west coast of Africa. Its color originally appears yellow but darkens to a rich copper with age. If properly maintained, this dense and durable wood that can last a very long time. Similar to cedarwood, iroko wood contains an oil that makes it resistant to fungus and pests like termites. Since it moderates heat, your deck is unlikely to get too hot during the warmer months in Southern California. Should you decide to use iroko wood, you can often expect to pay $9 to $17 per square foot from many wood retailers in the U.S.

Cumaru Wood

Cumaru is indigenous to Brazil, northern South America, and parts of Central America.  Cumaru wood  is a popular option for decking projects, as it’s both highly weather-resistant and all-around durable. Its color ranges from a golden tan to a reddish-brown, closer to a redwood. Its unique grain also gives it an appearance similar to that of teak.

With a stiff, firm roughness, cumaru wood can last a long time and resist potential decay. It can also be a more cost-effective substitute for ipe wood, as it has similar qualities. If you decide to use cumaru wood for your deck, you can expect to pay about $6.30 or more per square foot. 

Choosing the right type of wood for your deck can be tricky, but our guide has hopefully helped you better understand your options. If you need further assistance, you can contact us at Teak Master. Having specialized in wood deck refinishing and restoration for 25 years, we’re proud of our reputation as one of the premier exterior wood furnishing specialists in the Southern California area. Should you need to refinish or restore your deck, know that your investment is in excellent hands.