sealing pressure treated lumber

NOT ALL WOOD IS CREATED EQUAL.

Wood is still the king of decking materials due to its economy and strength.  Natural-wood decking products can be roughly divided into three categories: pressure-treated lumber, redwood and cedar, and tropical hardwoods. Which material is best for your new deck will depend on factors including decking color, available board sizes, maintenance requirements, and price.

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Wood Decking
Pressure Treated Lumber
Lumber Ipe
Specialty Lumber
Wood Treatment and Protection

WOOD DECKING

Marine Deck is an optimal choice when only true wood will do. Formed from high-quality #1 grade dense 2X6 Southern Yellow Pine, Dense Select Structural, or #1 Prime, Marine Deck is guaranteed to be both attractive and durable.

Marine Deck boards feature a water-repellent treatment for added protection in marine environments. Each plank is treated with copper azole type C (CA-C) to lengthen lifespan and protect against rot, fungal decay, and termite damage. CA-C treatment also makes Marine Deck suitable for ground contact.

Marine Deck is an eye-catching and affordable lumber choice for decks, docks, and boardwalks. Planks are available in 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 20-ft increments. This specialty wood decking is only available at Decks & Docks. Contact us today to order and schedule delivery.

Pressure Treated Lumber

Not all wood called “pressure treated” is the same, so don’t compare boards just on price. Make sure you do your homework before buying any pressure treated wood:

Wood species: At Decks & Docks, all of our wood is Southern Yellow Pine, a sustainable, dense variety known for its longevity.

Grade: Lumber grades indicate number of knots and imperfections in the wood and the straightness of the grain.  Decks & Docks only sells the higher grades of lumber, which means fewer knots, consistent boards, and longer life.

Treatment: Chemical treatment levels affect how long wood will last in marine or other harsh environments. Always look at the tags on the end of boards.  If you are building near water or ground level you should look for a wood that is approved for Ground Contact. If you are building on or near salt water you should look for a wood that is treated for Marine Grade environments. At most big box stores the boards are not meant to be used near salt water or harsh marine environments.  Make sure your investment lasts and buy wood from Decks & Docks, the expert in marine and coastal lumber.

SPECIALTY LUMBER

HARDWOODS

Grown in tropical forests, these exotic woods are stunning with unique colors and grain. Most are imported from Brazil and easily outperform domestic wood species in every category. Extremely dense, highly durable, low maintenance and naturally resistant to rot and insects. Hardwood decking offers a 30+ year lifespan, with regular maintenance.

  • Ipe (pronounced EE-pay)
  • Cumaru
  • Tigerwood
  • Garapa
WESTERN SOFTWOODS

These species are treasured for their rich crimson color and natural beauty. In addition, their tannins and oils make them naturally resistant to rot, decay, and voracious insects. They’re stable and much more resistant to warping and splitting than PT lumber.

  • Redwood
  • Western Cedar

WOOD TREATMENT AND PROTECTION

Coastal environments are brutal on decks and docks. Sun, heat, rain, and salt can destroy wood in a matter of years, if left unprotected.  Decks & Docks has tested just about every wood treatment on the market, and we know what works in harsh waterfront conditions. For ipe and hardwoods, we recommend Penofin Hardwood Formula – an oil-based finish specially formulated to penetrate dense hardwoods while allowing the natural beauty of the wood to show through.  For pressure-treated decking, our go-to is Spa N Deck from Flood or Wood RX. This 100% acrylic finish formula allows you to clean, prep and finish your deck or dock all in one day. The end result is a durable finish that enhances the natural character of the wood.  Stop into any Decks & Docks location to pick up a gallon or two.

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