The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful region, and fortunate people who live in various places, such as Seattle, Issaquah, Redmond, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, WA, and surrounding areas, can easily confirm this. Outdoor living spaces become an extension of the living area during the long stretches of pleasant weather, offering a place to relax, entertain, and commune with nature. However, for the backyard retreat to be transfigured into a deck sanctuary or patio paradise, the use of materials is of principal importance. Hardwood decking then comes into play as a saving solution.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of hardwood decking, the various types available, and some design inspiration to transform your outdoor living spaces into luxurious extensions of your home.

The Allure of Quality Decking Materials

Research proves that more and more homeowners want to spend more time in their outdoor spaces. According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, 70% of respondents planned to incorporate outdoor living features during renovations in 2023.

A properly designed deck becomes an outdoor oasis, extending from a house and providing a nice place to hang out in the sun and get together with friends and family over a meal, drink, or both. But, if you want to get the most out of your outdoor living space, you need to keep the quality of your materials in mind. Traditional pressure-treated lumber was cheaper but became warp, crack, and rot. This is not only unappealing to the eyes in your deck but also consumes more maintenance and replacement services in the long run.

Introducing Hardwood Decking: An investment for the long-term.

Pressure-treated wood can be a great substitute for hardwood decking, creating an attractive leisure area. Hardwoods are very less durable, but they are naturally beautiful and have a special character, enhancing any backyard décor. These are obtained from sustainably managed forests.

Unlike pressure-treated lumber, long-lasting hardwoods resist weather damage, insects, and rot, ensuring your deck retains its stunning appearance for decades to come.

What is hardwood decking?

Hardwoods are a group of trees distinguished for their hardness and strength of timber. These qualities translate to excellent strength and resistance; therefore, they can be used for decking.

Types of hardwood used in decking

1. Ipe: This is a South American hardwood and is certainly a good choice. It is rather durable, brown in color, and immune to rot and insect infestation.
2. Mahogany: Mahogany is famous for its red or reddish color. It is graceful in appearance, weather-resistant, and has a noble feel.
3. Cumaru: This Brazilian hardwood is reddish brown to silvery gray. Due to its excellent natural strength, stability, and resistance to decay, cumaru is a perfect option.
4. Merbau: This Australian hardwood has a strong dark reddish brown color and exceptional hardness, making it ideal for busy rooms.

Advantages of hardwood decking over other materials

1. Durability: These long-lasting hardwoods last up to three to four times the life span of pressure-treated lumber and composite materials. When taken care of, hardwood decks can last 50 years or more.

2. Beauty: The grain patterns and colors vary naturally from one piece to another, giving your outdoor place an antique look. Unlike synthetic materials, which can easily fade or give an artificial look, hardwoods actually enhance their beauty with time as they get richer with a patina.

3. Stability: Compared to other decking materials, hardwoods do not warp, crack, or split. This makes them a safer and more comfortable surface for many years to come.

4. Sustainability: There are many situations in which the use of hardwoods can be considered ecological because they are harvested from properly managed forests. Check for endorsements from environmental groups such as the FSC to certify that the decking material was sourced from an environmentally friendly method.

5. Low Maintenance: While some maintenance is required, hardwood decks generally require less upkeep than other options. Regular cleaning and occasional application of penetrating oil are all that are needed to maintain their beauty and performance.

Budget Considerations

Hardwoods vary in price from cheap and readily available to unique and rare pieces of wood that are difficult to process. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the options: Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the options:

• Premium Tier: Some of these woods, such as Ipe, Cumaru, and Garapa, are exotic woods. They are very strong, don’t rot quickly, and give the home a rich look. Construction initially requires a lot of money, but the fact that they serve long and do not need high maintenance costs is often an extra value for those using them in the long run.

• Mid-Range Tier: The woods most often used in these ranges are mahogany and Merbau. They’re hard, strong, and beautiful but are relatively cheaper than premium hardwoods. The care requirements may be slightly higher than those of the extra premium types.

• Value Tier: Ash and Yellow wood are the hardwood species best for people with limited incomes. These are less strong, though they can endure the extra care needed. They may not resist rottenness and insects as in premium/mid-range goods.

Our specialists at Issaquah Lumber can assist you with the proper means to use these economic species of hardwoods. Feel free to reach out to our team at 425-392-3631 for a more accurate quotation.

It’s important to consider maintenance costs in addition to the initial cost. Some hardwoods are very low maintenance, but others may need an annual clean and oil. These costs should be incorporated when formulating the budget.

Tips for Maintaining Hardwood Decking

1. Regular Cleaning: This is particularly because the deck is made from wood and, therefore, can be damped, and there is usually a way of forming dust on the deck. The rag has to be dried to prevent molds and mildness of the dirt, which can easily be cleaned with a soft brush and mild soap and water.
2. Sealing and Staining: It will also be crucial to use the seal or the stain to retain the looks and the durability of the wood on the deck area. It is advised to change different hardwoods or external weather elements with each other every 1-2 years.
3. Addressing Repairs Promptly: To ensure that the deck has not been damaged, you have to occasionally inspect the deck for crack or splinter-like appearances. Failing that, while we continue to be heavily invested in our upper composite, being tackled robustly will not lead to detrimentation and the replacement of the deck.
4. Proper Ventilation: It should also be relevant to ensure that the deck is well-lit so that moisture does not accumulate in the raised sections of the deck to avoid the danger of it rotting. This can be made by relaying the decking boards with a reserve of the complete structure at a distance from the rest of the deck, for instance, by fixing an edge intentionally leaving a gap to leave a sufficient opening directly under the deck.

The beautiful communities of Seattle, Issaquah,  Redmond, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, WA, and many other nearby places may use the exquisite option of hardwood decking at their houses. Hardwood decking allows for the improvement of outdoor conditions in the Pacific Northwest. It is good for outdoor use mainly because it is made from relatively strong-looking materials that are rather decorative and low maintenance.

Final Takeaway

All in all, the best hardwood for the deck depends on the individual’s wants and needs. Friends, citizens, residents of Issaquah, WA, and anyone who is selecting cedar or lumber for a house, construction project, or other purpose can turn to our team at Issaquah Lumber.

Our well-informed personnel have adequate information regarding the series of hardwoods available and their appearance in relation to the climatic conditions of the Pacific Northwest region. If you need our advice to determine what your requirements, financial capacity, and desired outlook are to make the search for the right hardwood easy and efficient, we are always here to help.

Here’s what our team at Issaquah Lumber can offer you:

• Extensive selection of premium, mid-range, and value-tier hardwoods.
• Knowledgeable staff will guide you through the selection process.
• Competitive pricing and expert advice on material selection and installation.
• High-quality deck cleaning and maintenance products to ensure the longevity of your hardwood deck.

You can tell this merely by walking into our showroom or by taking a look at our online catalog, to say nothing of the fantastic possibilities available in hardwood decking. Transform yards into the comfortable, fun, and enjoyable places they deserve to be. To contact Issaquah Lumber, call 425-392-3631 today, and let us assist you in making your deck sanctuary!