Pressure Treated Wood Decking

Pressure-Treated Wood Decking: Overview

Some people simply prefer the look and feel of natural wood for their deck. Pressure-treated wood delivers that aesthetic, along with some of the toughness and durability of composite and synthetic materials. The treatment process uses pressure and vacuum technology to force protective chemicals into the wood.

Pressure-Treated Wood Decking Explained

Pressure-treated (PT) wood is far more durable than untreated wood. It also more easily repels bugs and insects. This helps gives pressure-treated wood a longer lifespan, often up to 20 years with proper care.

Pressure treated wood is also extremely versatile. It’s easy to work with and can be stained or painted pretty much any colour you like. This makes it ideal for matching the colour of your home or some of its features like the roof and eavestrough. You will, however, need to apply an annual paint or stain and penetrating sealer.

SPF (Spruce, Pine, Fir) and Hemlock/Fir are most commonly used for pressure-treated boards in Canada. For deck posts, Red Pine is popular in Eastern Canada and Hemlock/Fir in Western Canada. All of these are relatively fast-growing, which makes them a more environmentally friendly option than slower growing hardwoods. This also helps make pressure treated wood much cheaper than hardwoods and even less expensive than other popular softwoods like cedar and redwood.

Various grades of pressure-treated wood are available. Look for Premium Boards: they cost a little more but will have fewer knots, a straighter grain, and less tendency to warp. Premium PT Decking is also available with a radius edge for better appearance and performance.