Wood.  We knock on it for luck. We walk on it for support. We make furniture, boxes, and all sorts of useful items from this readily available commodity.  There is a timeless beauty to wood, even in the age of technology.  So why would anyone consider using any other material to build the centerpiece of their back yard—the backyard deck?

Recently, we had the chance to talk with Marketing Manager, Kelly Lusa, of the California Redwood Company (CRC) to go over why a wood deck still makes great sense for the beauty and value of your home.

“You can’t go wrong with redwood for a deck,” said Kelly.  She explained that of all the options available for people wanting to build a deck, this is one of the best. “Redwood’s a product known for its beauty and sustainability. It’s also easy to work with, and if installed by someone who knows what they’re doing, a redwood deck can last for decades.”

Kelly mentioned other kinds of wood a homeowner could invest in, such as Ipe, Cedar, and Southern Yellow Pine   Then lastly, there are the composite, or plastic-based solutions.

“But with composites, they’re less environmentally friendly. These products mimic the look of wood,” said Kelly. “Why not work with a product that has proven itself to be reliable? Why not work with the real thing?” She repeated that a homeowner couldn’t go wrong using redwood for a deck.

And according to the latest Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling, the cost recouped for wood decks increased from 81.1% a year ago to 85.1%, while composite decks ran well behind, increasing in value from 72.5% to 74.4%.

We then asked Kelly about the different grades of redwood. ” There are over  30 grades of redwood available for use in virtually any project, but for  a deck we recommend these three grades:

• Alpine
• Classic Heart
• Premium Blend

Each  of these grades  has a very different look. After you have decided upon using redwood, you simply choose the look of heartwood, sapwood, and knots  based on your personal preference for color and texture.” It’s similar to picking out carpet for your home.”

Various wood manufacturers and distributors name their grades differently, but if you ask for deck-grade lumber from your deck design consultant or wood distributor, you should be shown a good range of choices.

“Again, if you work with a company like DeckTec, you can rest assured your redwood deck will last for years,” said Kelly.

If you’re a do-it-yourself person and need a little help selecting the best wood for any of your backyard home projects, give DeckTec a call 303-277-1550.  We can walk you through a couple of great wood choices, and can perhaps help you get your project back on track, if you’re having challenges.

Wood. It remains your best choice in deck construction.  Contact us now, and a design expert from DeckTec will be happy to meet with you for a complimentary design session, and we can help you make your backyard showpiece a real show-stopper in redwood.

(Photos by the California Redwood Company)