Home Repair and Paint Guide

... Choosing the right lumber is a critical part of building a deck. Get this wrong and you’ll be disappointed with the final result. Maintenance is a big consideration, and using the right materials will make this task easier. Sun and moisture are the primary enemies of deck lumber, but mold and mildew also cause problems. Spills (especially grease from foods) will cause stains that are difficult to remove if sealer is not applied. Using inferior screws during construction will give you headaches because they tend to break when heat from the sun causes the lumber to flex. Some projects require you to calculate the amount of lumber needed in board feet. For instance, a lumber yard might ask for this figure to provide a price quote, although I haven’t personally had to do this. I usually create a materials list and hand it to the person at the projects counter for a quote. If you need to calculate the board foot requirement when ordering materials, see our post at Lumber Size and Calculating Board Feet. Pressure treated deck lumber should be used for structural parts such as posts, joists, and beams. It’s generally stronger and supports more weight than cedar, redwood, or other woods and will last for many years. Pressure treated lumber is rated by pounds of preservative retained per cubic foot of wood. Higher numbers mean greater protection against fungi and insect attack. Matching the rating to intended use will give adequate performance while helping to reduce overall costs. Pressure treated lumber is tagged with the treating solution and concentration that was used during manufacturing ...