Redwood – A light type of wood with a (true to it’s name) distinctive red color that is resistant to decay as well as easy to work with, making it a popular choice. We suggest the clear heart grade redwood, which has fewer knots in it. Redwood decks should be sealed once per year to keep its color vivid.
Douglas Fir – A sturdy and durable that is resistant to dings and footprints. Naturally resistant to moisture which makes it less likely to warp or buckle after years of use. Vertical grain is what we recommend for decks. Douglas Fir is more widely available than Redwood, making it more affordable as well.
Ipe – A Brazilian hardwood that is resistant to scratches, weathering, mold, and fire. Ipe is grown sustainably, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious home owners.
Tigerwood – An African/Brazilian hardwood with a rich color and stripes that lasts more than 25 years. It does need regular sealing to maintain its deep color from fading, and requires all fasteners to be stainless steel in order to avoid any oxidation.
Bamboo – Fairly new to the decking industry, bamboo’s sustainability and durability along with an affordable price is sure to make it popular choice in the future.
It is harder than both maple and oak, with very few imperfections or knots and is easy to seal. Bamboo absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at about 4 times the rate of hardwoods, which makes the environment happy. San Diego is a perfect place for bamboo, as it doesn’t do well in snow and ice.
Pressure-Treated Wood – This budget friendly wood deck material has it’s drawbacks, but recent developments in the industry have lessened some of the negatives. It is very affordable, at just $3/ft on average, is resistant to dents, and can be used on ground level decks or balcony decks. It is processed with chemicals, which lend to its long life span, but also make it less attractive to some consumers.