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What Are the Best Alternatives to Pressure Treated Wood For Decks & Patios?

by Dianne Drinkwater 03/20/2022

Many homeowners choose pressure-treated pine to build decks based on its price and longevity. While the material ranks as the undisputed go-to lumber for decks and patios, it may not be a perfect fit for every homeowner. That's largely because pressure-treated pine brings a few negatives to the table.

About Pressure-Treated Lumber

Originally, pressure-treated lumber used to contain a tiny amount of arsenic added to deter insects such as carpenter ants and termites. More modern decking material no longer contains arsenic but may include a mix of chromium, copper, and other chemicals. Using pressure-treated pine means coming into contact with chemicals.

Beyond health and wellness concerns, pressure-treated material can be subpar in appearance. The boards often arrive moist and have a tendency to shrink during the drying process, which leaves inconsistent spacing between planks. The damp lumber takes months to dry, and that aspect postpones a homeowner's ability to stain or paint a deck and patio. It's not uncommon for many people to embrace the graying deck rather than wait it out.

Alternatives to Consider

Those are reasons property owners looking to invest in an attractive deck or patio may want to consider alternatives to pressure-treated lumber. The following options can help you build an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting outdoor asset.

      • Tigerwood: For those that consider a new patio or deck a valuable investment, tigerwood ranks among the more awe-inspiring materials on the market today. The exotic South American material presents different colorations, grains, and densities. The cost of a tigerwood deck can be substantial as it is considered a luxury material.
    • Redwood or Cedar: Grouping these types of lumber together may make sense because of availability. Redwood is generally more readily available in the Western U.S., while cedar is prevalent in the East. That being said, both gorgeous natural wood materials offer rich color and stand up to the elements well. The planks usually come kiln-dried which allows homeowners or contractors to apply treatments and stains right away.
    • Concrete: Improvements in technology have made it possible to transform concrete into one of the more creative and good-looking surfaces. Concrete can be infused with exciting colors, polished to a fine sheen and coated with products that make it glow. Aside from the expense of manicuring the material, concrete ranks among the most cost-effective and long-lasting options.
    • Bamboo: In most cases, bamboo decking is either a composite product or comprised of laminated strips of the hardwood. Considered a durable and insect-resistant option, bamboo decking offers homeowners a deep red luster. Like other harder-to-find options, the cost may exceed pressure-treated pine.
    • Composites: Many composite products blend wood, plastic and other commercially generated materials. These materials deter pests, stand up to severe weather and have considerable longevity. The popularity of composites prompted the industry to create new and interesting textures, colors, and patterns in recent years. Along with wide-reaching product choices, homeowners need only sweep and occasionally wash low-maintenance composite decks.

    Decks and patios remain a key element to the peaceful enjoyment of your property. Homeowners who invest in decks and patios typically earn a huge return in terms of resale value. Selecting high-quality and luxury materials can also make your property increasingly attractive. That's why it may be worthwhile to explore alternatives to common pressure-treated pine.

About the Author
Author

Dianne Drinkwater

Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.

She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida. 

Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson. 

So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you? 

So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you. 

What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market? 

Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater