Wood Deck Installation

The Timeless Appeal of Wood Decking

There's something special about a real wood deck. The natural grain patterns, the warm color variations, and the solid feel underfoot create an outdoor space that feels authentic and inviting. Wood has been the traditional choice for decks for generations, and for good reason.

At UrbanLab Centreville Decks, we've been building quality wood decks since 2024. We understand how to select the right wood species for Virginia's climate, how to properly install and treat the lumber to maximize its lifespan, and how to create a deck that will give you years of enjoyment with proper maintenance.

Wood decking also tends to be more affordable than composite materials, which makes it an excellent choice if you're working with a tighter budget or if you simply prefer the look and feel of natural wood. With proper care, a well-built wood deck can last 15 to 20 years or more.

Types of Wood for Deck Building

Not all wood is created equal when it comes to deck building. Different species offer different benefits in terms of durability, appearance, and cost. Here are the most popular options we work with:

Pressure-Treated Pine

This is the most common and affordable wood for deck construction. Pressure-treated lumber has been infused with preservatives that protect it from rot, decay, and insect damage. It's widely available, easy to work with, and provides good value. When properly maintained with regular staining or sealing, pressure-treated decks can last 15 to 20 years. The wood starts out with a greenish tint that weathers to a silver-gray if left unstained, or you can stain it any color you like.

Cedar

Cedar is a premium wood choice known for its beautiful reddish-brown color and natural resistance to rot and insects. It contains natural oils that help protect it from the elements, and it has a pleasant aroma that many people love. Cedar is softer than pressure-treated pine, which makes it more comfortable for bare feet but also means it can dent or scratch more easily. It requires regular sealing to maintain its color, but many homeowners feel the natural beauty is worth the extra maintenance.

Redwood

Redwood offers similar benefits to cedar with rich, warm tones and natural resistance to decay. It's a bit more expensive and less commonly available in our area, but it's an excellent choice if you want a premium wood deck. Redwood is dimensionally stable, meaning it resists warping and twisting better than some other woods.

Tropical Hardwoods

Woods like Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood are extremely dense and durable. They're naturally resistant to rot, insects, and weathering, and they can last 25 years or more. However, they're significantly more expensive than other options and require special cutting tools. We typically recommend hardwoods for clients who want the absolute best and are willing to invest in premium materials.

How We Build Your Wood Deck

Building a wood deck requires skill, experience, and attention to detail. Here's our proven process for creating decks that look great and stand the test of time:

• •Site Evaluation: We assess your property to determine the best layout, check for drainage issues, and identify any challenges
• •Foundation Work: We dig footings below the frost line and install concrete piers that meet local code requirements
• •Framing: We build a level, square frame using properly sized lumber with appropriate joist spacing
• •Ledger Board Installation: We securely attach the deck to your house using proper flashing to prevent water intrusion
• •Decking Installation: We carefully select and install boards, spacing them properly for drainage and expansion
• •Railings and Stairs: We build code-compliant railings and stairs that are both safe and attractive
• •Finishing: We apply an initial coat of stain or sealant to protect your investment from day one

Throughout the entire process, we maintain a clean work site and keep you informed about our progress. We take pride in our craftsmanship and don't consider a job done until you're completely satisfied with your new deck.

Caring for Your Wood Deck

Wood decks do require regular maintenance to keep them looking good and performing well. However, the work is manageable and well worth it to maintain the beauty of natural wood.

The most important maintenance task is applying a protective finish. For pressure-treated decks, we recommend waiting a few months after installation to let the wood dry out, then applying a quality deck stain or sealant. This should be reapplied every 2 to 3 years, depending on sun exposure and traffic. Cedar and redwood benefit from sealer application once or twice a year.

You should also sweep your deck regularly to remove dirt and debris, and wash it once or twice a year with a deck cleaner. Check for any loose boards or protruding nails annually and address them promptly. Keep an eye out for signs of rot or insect damage, especially around posts and where wood touches the ground.

If maintaining your deck yourself sounds like too much work, we offer professional deck staining and sealing services. We can put you on a regular maintenance schedule so your deck always looks its best without any effort on your part.

Why Choose Wood for Your Deck?

Despite the growing popularity of composite materials, wood remains an excellent choice for many homeowners. Here's why you might prefer a traditional wood deck.

First is the natural beauty. Wood has a warmth and character that synthetic materials can't quite match. Each board is unique, with its own grain pattern and color variations. Many people simply prefer the authentic look and feel of real wood underfoot.

Second is the initial cost. Wood decking is generally less expensive than composite, which means you can build a larger deck or add more features for the same budget. If you're looking to maximize your outdoor space without breaking the bank, wood is often the answer.

Third is repairability. If a board gets damaged on a wood deck, it's easy and inexpensive to replace just that one board. With some composite systems, replacing damaged boards can be more difficult or expensive.

Fourth is heat performance. Wood doesn't get as hot as some composite materials in direct sunlight, which makes it more comfortable for bare feet on sunny summer days.

Finally, there's environmental consideration. Wood is a renewable resource, especially when sourced from responsibly managed forests. At the end of its life, wood decking is biodegradable and can be recycled or composted.

Frequently Asked Questions