When it comes to building a deck, choosing the right type of wood is crucial for ensuring durability, beauty, and low maintenance. Different types of wood offer different benefits, from resistance to moisture and pests to their aesthetic appeal. Whether you want a natural, rustic look or a sleek, modern design, there are several wood options to consider. Let’s dive into some of the best wood choices for long-lasting decking that will stand the test of time.
1. Pressure-Treated Pine
Pressure-treated pine is one of the most affordable and commonly used wood options for decking. It’s treated with chemicals to resist rot, decay, and insect damage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor spaces.
- Why It’s Great: Pressure-treated pine is widely available and cost-effective, offering good durability at an affordable price. It’s also easy to work with, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.
- Maintenance: While pressure-treated pine is resistant to pests and rot, it still requires regular sealing and staining to maintain its appearance and prevent weathering.
- Longevity: With proper maintenance, pressure-treated pine can last between 10 to 20 years.
Pressure-treated pine is a great choice for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly option with reliable durability.

2. Cedar
Cedar is a popular softwood known for its natural beauty and resistance to the elements. It’s a lightweight wood that has a pleasant aroma and a rich, warm color that deepens over time.
- Why It’s Great: Cedar is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its rich grain and natural color provide a beautiful, rustic look.
- Maintenance: Cedar requires regular sealing and staining to maintain its color and protect it from the sun’s UV rays. Without proper treatment, it can weather to a silver-gray patina.
- Longevity: Cedar decks can last between 15 to 30 years with proper care, though they may need refinishing every few years.
Cedar is perfect for those looking for a naturally beautiful deck that requires moderate maintenance.
3. Redwood
Redwood is another premium softwood that’s highly valued for its rich color and natural resistance to decay and insects. It has a distinct red hue that makes it a standout choice for high-end decks.
- Why It’s Great: Redwood contains natural oils that protect it from rot, insects, and moisture. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a durable and visually striking deck.
- Maintenance: Like cedar, redwood requires sealing and staining to preserve its rich color and prevent weathering. It’s important to reapply treatments every few years.
- Longevity: A redwood deck can last up to 25 years or more with proper care, offering a long lifespan.
Redwood is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a beautiful and durable deck with a distinctive look.
4. Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Ipe is a dense, tropical hardwood that’s renowned for its strength, durability, and resistance to the elements. It’s one of the most durable wood options for decking, often used in commercial applications due to its performance.
- Why It’s Great: Ipe is incredibly dense and resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. It’s also known for its rich brown color and smooth texture, making it a luxurious choice for high-end decks.
- Maintenance: Although Ipe requires minimal maintenance, regular cleaning and oiling can help maintain its rich color. Without proper treatment, it will naturally weather to a silvery gray.
- Longevity: Ipe can last 40 years or more, making it one of the longest-lasting decking materials available.
If you want a deck that can withstand the elements for decades while maintaining its beauty, Ipe is an excellent choice.
5. Mahogany
Mahogany is a tropical hardwood known for its deep, reddish-brown color and fine grain. It’s durable, strong, and highly resistant to moisture and pests, making it ideal for decking.
- Why It’s Great: Mahogany is resistant to decay, rot, and insects, providing both beauty and functionality. Its elegant appearance and rich color make it a standout option for high-end decks.
- Maintenance: Mahogany requires periodic sealing to maintain its color and prevent sun damage. Left untreated, it will eventually weather to a silvery-gray hue.
- Longevity: With proper maintenance, mahogany can last between 25 to 40 years, providing long-lasting performance and beauty.
Mahogany is a top choice for those seeking a durable, attractive, and luxurious wood for their deck.
6. Teak
Teak is another tropical hardwood that’s known for its exceptional strength, durability, and natural resistance to water, rot, and insects. It’s a top choice for marine applications and high-end decks.
- Why It’s Great: Teak’s natural oils and tight grain make it highly resistant to moisture, pests, and decay. It also has a beautiful golden-brown color that deepens to a silvery-gray as it ages.
- Maintenance: Teak requires minimal maintenance. If you prefer to keep its golden color, it should be oiled periodically. However, it will naturally weather to a silvery gray over time if left untreated.
- Longevity: Teak can last over 50 years when properly maintained, making it one of the longest-lasting wood options for decking.
Teak is a premium option for those who want a high-quality, low-maintenance deck with exceptional durability.
7. Tigerwood
Tigerwood is a tropical hardwood known for its striking appearance and durability. It features a unique pattern of dark stripes, resembling a tiger’s fur, which makes it a visually stunning option for decking.
- Why It’s Great: Tigerwood is extremely durable and resistant to decay, rot, and insects. It also has a distinctive, exotic look that adds a touch of luxury to any deck.
- Maintenance: Tigerwood requires regular cleaning and oiling to maintain its color and prevent weathering. Without maintenance, it will weather to a silvery-gray color over time.
- Longevity: With proper care, tigerwood can last up to 30 years, offering both durability and beauty.
If you want a deck with a unique, exotic appearance and long-lasting performance, tigerwood is an excellent choice.
8. Cumaru (Brazilian Teak)
Cumaru, often referred to as Brazilian teak, is another durable tropical hardwood that’s known for its strength and resistance to the elements. It has a golden-brown color with dark brown streaks, making it an attractive decking material.
- Why It’s Great: Cumaru is highly resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. It’s a tough and dense wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for decks in areas with heavy rainfall or humidity.
- Maintenance: Like other hardwoods, Cumaru requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance. It can be oiled to maintain its golden color or left to naturally weather to a silvery-gray.
- Longevity: Cumaru can last 25 to 40 years with proper care, offering excellent durability and beauty.
Cumaru is a great option for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, tropical hardwood that adds elegance to their deck.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wood for your deck depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance tolerance. Pressure-treated pine is an affordable and widely available option, while premium woods like Ipe, mahogany, and teak offer exceptional durability and stunning looks. For those looking for a natural aesthetic, cedar and redwood provide beauty and resistance to decay. No matter which wood you choose, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your deck and ensuring it remains beautiful for years to come. With the right wood choice, your deck will become a lasting investment in your outdoor space.