Pressure-Treated Wood

This is the #1 decking material sold today (think the green-tinged wood you see at your local hardware store) due to its affordability. In fact, approximately 75% of all new decks in the United States are built with pressure-treated lumber. This decking material is affordable, readily available anywhere in the U.S., and easy to cut and fasten with screws or nails. We recommend pressure-treated wood for families wanting the economic, standard choice for their decks.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is the fastest-growing decking material today. It is extremely weather and stain-resistant, making it a great choice for many areas in the U.S., including Northwest Indiana’s distinct seasons. Composite decking is made of wood and plastic and can last for 25-30 years.

Redwood or Cedar

These woods are high-quality but very expensive decking options. Both redwood and cedar are rich in color and boast natural resistance to rot and decay. 

Tropical Hardwoods

These are exotic, rich-grained woods. While durable and resistant to rot and insects, tropical hardwoods are considerably more costly and are heavy and difficult to cut and drill. The most commonly used tropical hardwood is ipe. Most tropical hardwoods are so dense they don’t accept stain well, so we’d recommend applying a UV-blocking wood stain every 3-4 years.