Scarborough Home Repairs: Why Install A Pressure Treated Wooden Deck

When thinking about your outdoor entertainment space, there are many options to upgrade it, especially if you only have green space. One of the best additions to any yard is a deck. A deck offers plenty of levels and useful entertaining and relaxing areas. However, many people are concerned about the need for deck repair services in Scarborough, primarily when using wood.

While an aversion to wood is somewhat normal because of the necessary upkeep, it is less costly than composite options. Additionally, you can increase the stability and durability of your deck by using pressure-treated options rather than standard lumber.

What Is Pressure-Treated Wood?

Pressure-treated wood is typically made from Southern Yellow pine. The wood is treated with a chemical mixture to improve rot resistance. Additionally, the treatment acts as an insect preventative. While using pressure-treated lumber will not eliminate all maintenance tasks for a wooden deck, it does increase the longevity of the material, potentially making maintenance less of a hassle.

In comparison, pressure-treated lumber is only a fraction more expensive than other wood. Still, the increase comes nowhere close to the price of composite decking. Additionally, pressure treatments do not eliminate the look of wood, meaning a treated deck is still as attractive as a traditional wooden deck.

What Does It Look Like When Finished?

While composite decking is a durable material, many people do not like its plastic-like appearance. When most consumers think about a deck, they imagine rich wood. You will not get a like appearance with composite decking, but with pressure-treated wood, you will.

Pressure treatments do not eliminate the qualities of wood, nor do they change the look. Pressure treatments will not make wood less accepting of stains or paints either. If you want a rich colour for your deck, you can still select a suitable outdoor stain and use it. In fact, most installers recommend staining or painting your deck after installation to maintain the deck’s strength and resilience.

What Are the Benefits of a Pressure-Treated Deck?

When weighing your options about which decking material to select, it is necessary to review both the pros and cons of a potential material. There are many benefits to pressure-treated wood, including:

• Cost-effectiveness 
• Rot resistance 
• Insect repellence

When it comes to price, you cannot beat pressure-treated lumber, especially when comparing it to composite decking. Not only is the material less expensive than composite, but it also shares some of the same benefits, like rot resistance and prevention of insects. The chemicals used in the pressure treatment process give the wood its preserving quality. It also creates a taste and texture that is unappealing to insects.

Are There Any Cons or Concerns?

While there are many advantages to using pressure-treated materials, there are also a few cons. For instance, the chemical process is likely harmful to the environment. Additionally, the treatment process can result in wood discolouration, and because it is wood, there is still a lot of annual maintenance and upkeep.

Still, the discolouration and maintenance can be mitigated by staining or painting the wood. You can check the labels for any stain or paint you use; it should tell you how often the sealant needs to be reapplied.

Regardless of the material you choose for your deck, there is no reason you have to do a deck installation in Scarborough alone. Check out Handyman Connection to find the top-rated installers in your area and reach out for a project estimate. The contractor you choose will come out to the property and iron out some of the specific details, including material preference and the size and scope of the job.