Wood and Man-Made Decking
Timberline offers a variety of decking from top-of-the-line manufacturers. From pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine to hardwoods to man-made composite or pvc plastic decking, we have your deck project covered with the right product and expert advice. If you are considering a deck project on the North Shore, visit one of our four locations in Gloucester, Beverly, Newburyport or Billerica and see the different decking options on display.
Decking Selector
Use the Pro’s and Con’s accordian below to help you make the right choice for your next decking project
Pressure Treated Decking
Pros
- No. 1 decking material sold in the U.S.
- Most pressure treated (PT) decking is milled from Southern Yellow Pine
- Chemically treated to resist rot, fungus and wood-boring bugs
- Common sizes used in New England are 5/4″ x 6″. 5/4″x4″ is also available
Cons
- Not very dimensionally stable
- Has a tendency to crack, split and warp
- Routine maintenance is necessary to prolong the life and look of the deck
Cedar Decking
Pros
- Prized for its rich color and natural beauty
- Dimensionally stable, resistant to cupping and twisting
- Contains tannins and oils that makes it naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects
- Weathers to a soft silvery gray when no finish is applied
Cons
- Higher cost than pressure treated decking
- Must be low-pressure cleaned every year to maintain natural cedar color
- Clear water-repellent wood preservative should be applied yearly
Hardwood Decking
Pros
- Exotic rich-grained woods
- Available in 5/4″x4″ or 5/4″x6″ widths
- Hard and durable, naturally resistant to rot and insects.
- Will weather to a soft silvery color if not stained
Cons
- Relatively expensive when compared to Pressure Treated decking
- Use an oil-based penetrating stain specifically formulated for hardwood decking,
- Allow the wood to weather one to three months before finishing, so that excess oils can leach out
- Finish should be applied to both ends of every board as extra protection against checking
- Should at least apply a UV-blocking clear wood preservative every three to four years.
Composite and PVC Decking
Pros
- Extremely low-maintenance, never need to be sanded or refinished
- Composites and plastic lumber come in sizes similar to wood decking, including 2 “x 6″ and 5/4″ x 6”
- Most products are made from polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride, and come in a wide range of colors and finishes
- Composites like Trex are composed primarily of wood fibers and recycled plastic – the result is an extremely weather and stain resistant board that won’t splinter, warp, rot or split
- Plastic lumber like Azek Deck is made from 100 percent plastic (recycled and/or virgin), contains no wood fibers, and is also highly resistant to staining and decay
- Most decking manfacturers also offer a line of handrails, balusters, fascias and other decorative trim
Cons
- Composites and plastic lumber decks are low maintenance, NOT maintenance-free
- Mold and mildew can grow in shaded, damp areas of the deck
- Some composites can eventually show signs of decay as they are partly wood
Since 1996, Trex has invented, defined and perfected the composite deck category with a lineup of low-maintenance, high-performance, eco-friendly products that fundamentally change the way we live outdoors.
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AZEK® Deck’s Vintage Collection sets a new standard in aesthetics, giving you a more realistic wood appearance than competing alternative decking products. With its rustic texture, rich colors and superior durability, the Vintage Collection will bring your dream outdoor living space to life.
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Outback Decking starts with kiln dried Red Meranti which is one of the most beautiful, durable and decay-resistant species of wood in the world. Outback Deck sealer is then machine applied to all sides and edges under ideal temperature and humidity conditions.
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