The Importance of Using the Right Treated Wood for a Long-Lasting Deck

When building an outdoor deck, selecting the right treated wood is crucial for ensuring longevity and durability. Pressure-treated wood is designed to resist moisture, insects, and decay, making it ideal for outdoor use. Using the wrong type—such as untreated or improperly treated wood—can lead to serious problems, including premature rotting, warping, and structural instability. A well-built deck should last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but if the wrong materials are used, you may find yourself needing costly repairs or even a full replacement in as little as three to five years.

One of the biggest risks of using the wrong treated wood is mold growth and board deterioration. Wood that isn’t properly treated to withstand outdoor conditions will absorb moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Over time, this can weaken the boards, causing them to become soft and sag under pressure causing an uneven surface. This not only affects the appearance of your deck but also poses a safety hazard for you and your family.

We recently took on a job where a homeowner had a back porch deck that had started to sag, but on the surface you couldn’t see the problem because these homeowners had chosen composite deck boards which were in perfectly good shape. As we began demoing the deck, we quickly discovered the problem—while the surface boards appeared intact, the underlying structure was built with interior grade joist boards, which were not built for outdoor use. The sag was because these joists were completely deteriorated and were growing slimy slippery mold - this deck was only 3 years old. The joists boards are so important because they are frame for the whole deck, they are what is used to screw and nail in every board on top and around the outside frame. This deck could have lasted another 10-15 years if the right treated (southern yellow pine) joist boards were chosen. Unfortunately this is not the homeowners fault, but they are the ones left with the costly replacement to ensure the safety for their family members on their back deck.

Choosing a reputable company with years of experience in building decks is always going to be better for you in the long run. A contractor who has been in the business for 25 years may cost more upfront, but their expertise ensures that the job is done correctly, using high-quality materials that will stand the test of time. When it comes to your deck, cutting corners isn’t worth the risk. Spending a little more now on the right materials and skilled professionals will give you a beautiful, sturdy deck that lasts for decades