Deck Materials
Over Fifty Choices Available In The Year 2008

Below is a listing which includes a few comments about many of the deck materials being used today. It is based on the experiences of our DIA members and what they’ve personally expressed to us. Keep in mind that some materials hold up better than others based on the environment in which they’re being used.

While treated pine can be a good choice in a shaded yard for a household with no toddlers in the Northern parts of the country - it's probably a poor choice for a family with small children who have a backyard blasted by sunshine all day in the Southern part of the U.S. The basic categories are SOFTWOODS, HARDWOODS, PLASTICS, ALUMINUM, FIBERGLASS, and COMPOSITES. As the Deck Industry Association gains new members and learns more about what’s being developed, this section will be updated. WE HOPE THAT EVERY VISITOR TO THIS SITE WILL FEEL FREE TO SEND US THEIR THOUGHTS, COMMENTS, EXPERIENCES, AND OTHER INFORMATION THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL TO US ALL.

(Clear Heart, B-Grade, Construction Heart, Construction Common, etc.) www.calredwood.org

This has been the most popular deck material for many years. Hundreds of thousands of redwood decks have been built. However, redwood use in decking is dropping off for several reasons. First, it is more expensive than ever and the cultivation rates have changed while other materials are taking its place.

Due to cut backs in cultivation, the quality of the "construction" grades has been liberalized. The old growth redwoods are being saved (and we're in support of that!) while the new growth redwoods are being harvested. These new growth trees are small, yielding materials with a higher concentration of knots and sapwood. Redwood with high levels of sapwood will decay relatively fast, ESPECIALLY when sealed with products that try to lock out the moisture. (Many sealers can actually accelerate decay because they impede the ability for the deck boards to dry out quickly and thoroughly!) Redwood has also lost its popularity because of other options now available. You can buy alternative materials that last longer, look better (long term), and cost less.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As you get your quotes and shop for a new deck, beware of the deception that redwood deck photographs create. REDWOOD MAKES FOR A BEAUTIFUL DECK PHOTO - but ask to see a redwood deck several years old or even less. That beauty, unfortunately, is only temporary.

A major advantage of redwood is its ability to stay straight with a minimal number of fasteners. We recommend careful study when looking at fastening redwood and cedar. Avoid headed nails and fasteners with electro-plate galvanizing. Consider using a good quality, double hot dipped, casing head, ring shank nail (usually 3-1/2" for 2x6’s) over the use of a screw. Most homeowners today request screws, but screws can be a bad choice for some situations. Why? Screws leave hundreds of holes all over the deck surface, they’re a little slower to install, and more expensive. Screws do allow easy removal of the flooring though. On the other hand, when shown how their deck surface will look, most homeowners seem to choose the small casing head nails over the screws. Some of the new hidden bracket systems can also be............

The paragraphs above are an actual sample of what you will find in our members section. To see the entire list, including everything listed below and their descriptions, please go to the "members only" section to log in. Or if you are ready to join, you can go straight to our membership application page