The Most Durable Wood For Decks in the Winter

When it’s time to pick a material for your deck, you should think about its durability especially if you live in the New England area. This part of the country is known for the frigid winters that can be hard on every part of your home, especially your outdoor living space. SEAL-A-DECK has professional recommendations for wood decking options that will outlast many Nor’easters. We know that you want your deck to be able to withstand snow and ice, but also be ready for entertaining come springtime. Here are the decking options that will undoubtedly work best.

What Are the Most Durable Woods for Decks

Mahogany

Mahogany is actually the overall classification for the many hardwoods that make up decking wood. They have a tight grain which means that they are denser than softwood and they come in many rich color varieties. The grain in mahogany will fare better with the expansion and contraction during the winter’s freeze and thaw cycle. According to Home Advisor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8-$30 per square foot of mahogany. Not only is this one of the most affordable hardwoods, but it also has an amazing color and can be an asset to any home’s aesthetic.

Ipe

The best type of hardwood you can find for durability is ipe. Ipe is also known as ironwood because of its extreme density. This is not a material that a novice will be able to install, but choosing this wood type will be a sound investment in your outdoor living space. Although more expensive than most other hardwoods at $20-$25 per square foot, it can last from 30-75 years with the proper installation and care. It is also bug, fire, and scratch-resistant. This hardwood can most definitely stand the test of a New England winter.

Cedar

Although in the softwood family, cedar can be durable if installed and maintained properly. This wood has a lifespan of about 20 years, which is very impressive for anything in the softwood family. It will run about $17-$22 per square foot, but sometimes can be hard to find. Be prepared that with a softwood there will be more movement in the grains during a freeze and thaw cycle. The way to keep it from splintering and deteriorating over time is to seal it properly and make repairs when needed. SEAL-A-DECK can help you care for this softwood decking option and keep it in shape throughout the year.

Choose the Best

When it’s time to construct your new deck, choosing the right contractor is just as important as picking the right material. Depending on your budget and vision for your deck, there is always something that the team at SEAL-A-DECK can suggest for a functional and beautiful deck. Our goal is to build something that stands the test of time and extreme weather events. Give us a call today at 877-SEALADECK to get a free estimate. It is not too late in the year to build before winter comes, and we offer off-season discounts for projects beginning outside of the peak building season.