Top 3 Wood Options for Deck Installation: Cedar, Redwood, Pressure-Treated Pine

Steve Kirk
March 19, 2025

When planning a wood deck installation, selecting the right type of wood is crucial for ensuring both the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your outdoor space. At Premier Deck, we understand that the choice of wood can significantly impact your deck’s durability, maintenance needs, and overall appearance. Among the myriad of options available, Cedar, Redwood, and Pressure-Treated Pine stand out as popular choices due to their unique properties and benefits. Let’s explore these top three wood options to help you make an informed decision for your wood deck installation.

Cedar: A Natural Beauty

Cedar is renowned for its natural beauty and distinctive characteristics that make it a favored choice for decking. Its warm, reddish-brown hue enhances the visual appeal of any outdoor space, while its fine grain and smooth texture add to its aesthetic charm. At Premier Deck, we often recommend Cedar for those seeking a natural look with minimal environmental impact.

Benefits of Cedar

Natural Resistance: Cedar contains natural oils that protect against decay and insects, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
Durability: With proper maintenance, Cedar decks can last for decades while maintaining their structural integrity.
Minimal Warping: Unlike some other wood options, Cedar is less prone to warping and splitting, ensuring a longer-lasting deck.
Eco-Friendly Choice: Since Cedar requires fewer chemical treatments, it is considered an environmentally friendly option.

Considerations

While Cedar offers numerous benefits, it does require periodic maintenance to maintain its original appearance. Over time, exposure to the elements may cause it to turn a silvery gray unless it is regularly sealed or stained. Additionally, Cedar may be more expensive than other decking options, making it important to weigh the long-term benefits against the initial cost.

Redwood: Timeless Elegance

Redwood is celebrated for its timeless elegance and unique properties that make it an excellent choice for a wood deck installation. Its rich color and intricate grain patterns create a visually stunning effect that can elevate the aesthetic of any outdoor area. Like Cedar, Redwood possesses natural resistance to rot and pests, contributing to its longevity and reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Benefits of Redwood

Strength and Stability: Redwood is known for its durability and structural integrity, providing a solid foundation for any deck.
Fire Resistance: This wood has inherent fire-resistant qualities, making it an excellent option for homeowners in fire-prone areas.
Low Maintenance: Redwood requires minimal upkeep compared to other wood options, though occasional staining or sealing can help preserve its vibrant color.
Sustainability: When sourced from responsibly managed forests, Redwood can be a sustainable choice.

Considerations

Redwood can be more expensive due to its limited availability, and sustainability concerns arise from overharvesting in some regions. To make an eco-friendly choice, it is advisable to source Redwood from suppliers who adhere to sustainable forestry practices. Additionally, Redwood decks require proper maintenance, including sealing or staining, to retain their rich color over time.

Pressure-Treated Pine: Budget-Friendly Option

For those looking for an affordable wood deck installation, Pressure-Treated Pine is a practical choice. The treatment process involves infusing the wood with chemicals that enhance its resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, making it highly durable in various climates.

Benefits of Pressure-Treated Pine

Cost-Effective: One of the most budget-friendly options for homeowners.
Wide Availability: Easily accessible in most regions, making it a convenient choice.
Customizable: Can be stained or painted to achieve the desired aesthetic.
Long-Lasting: With proper maintenance, Pressure-Treated Pine decks can withstand harsh weather conditions for many years.

Considerations

While Pressure-Treated Pine is durable, it lacks the natural beauty of Cedar and Redwood. Additionally, the chemical treatments used may raise environmental concerns, requiring proper handling and disposal. Homeowners should also be aware that treated wood may require periodic refinishing to maintain its appearance and structural integrity.

Comparing the Three Options

When deciding on the best wood for your wood deck installation, several factors come into play:

Durability and Lifespan

Cedar & Redwood: Naturally resistant to decay and insects, requiring less chemical treatment.
Pressure-Treated Pine: Enhanced durability due to chemical treatments, making it resistant to rot and moisture.

Aesthetic Appeal

Cedar & Redwood: Rich colors and natural grain patterns provide a high-end look.
Pressure-Treated Pine: A more uniform appearance that can be stained or painted.

Cost Considerations

Cedar & Redwood: Higher initial investment but long-term value due to durability.
Pressure-Treated Pine: Lower upfront cost, but may require more maintenance over time.

Environmental Impact

Cedar & Redwood: More sustainable due to natural resistance to decay.
Pressure-Treated Pine: Requires responsible sourcing and disposal due to chemical treatments.

Which Wood Option is Best for You?

The best wood choice for your deck depends on your priorities. If aesthetics and longevity are key, Cedar and Redwood offer unparalleled natural beauty and durability. If budget is a primary concern, Pressure-Treated Pine provides a more affordable option while still delivering strength and reliability. Consider factors such as maintenance requirements, climate, and environmental impact before making a final decision.

Choose the Right Wood for Your Deck

At Premier Deck, we’re committed to helping you choose the best wood option for your wood deck installation. Each type offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, making it essential to consider factors such as durability, aesthetic appeal, cost, and environmental impact. Our experienced team can guide you through the selection process and ensure professional installation for optimal results.

Ready to start your deck project with the perfect wood choice? Contact Premier Deck today at (603) 833-2353 to schedule a consultation and bring your outdoor living dreams to life! Whether you prioritize natural beauty, budget considerations, or e

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Zayed Mahra

04:44 15 Jan 25

The team at Premier Deck did an amazing job on a ground level deck I had built over an old concrete slab. They made the process from start to finish extremely easy and always kept an open line of communication.

Mark Taipan

15:08 14 Jan 25

I absolutely recommend Premier Deck for those wishing to building a deck. They were professional, prompt, and transparent throughout the process. The crew was able to adjust to some of the house's quirks on the fly and I'm very impressed with their attention to detail. We can't wait to spend more time outside with our friends and family on the deck! Don't hesitate reaching out to these folks for your decking needs.

Julie S

17:34 11 Dec 24

The entire team at Premier Deck was great to work with and we're so happy we chose them for our project to upgrade the screen porch and the back deck (see before and after photos) Quality workmanship! They were great at keeping us updated regarding the start date and the work completed each day. They were also very flexible when we made changes during the project. I highly recommend them!

cafepaul1957

14:33 02 Dec 24

Love the finished deck. The view is spectacular, both ways.

Priscilla F

19:41 04 Nov 24

Workers were friendly, cleaned up after themselves, had their own outhouse so weren't trapsing through the house. Did a wonderful job building my deck. Evertime I go onto it, I'm reminded of what a wonderful job you guys did. I love it! Steve was very professional and polite. Would highly recommend them and have.

aaron hollie lowery

14:51 09 Oct 24

Premier Deck was excellent to work with!! The communication was top notch from start to finish. Response time was quick from the very first email to the last. Very professional, quality craftsmanship, followed through with everything that was promised. Would definitely recommend to friends & family. Looking forward to using their services again!

Cathy Furia

04:31 30 Sep 24

We couldn’t be happier with our new deck. From the planning stage with Steve to the build with Jon and his crew, there was great attention to details and they really took the time to do it right. They even put the hidden deck screw plugs in with the grain matching the board! That’s someone who cares about their work. It’s flawless.

Pamela Weedon-Conti

13:54 23 Sep 24

I’m so thrilled to have had my deck built by Premier Deck. They were an impressive team from the first meeting to the final walk through.It was built exactly how I envisioned the final result. I would hire them again. The pricing was reasonable and communication was never lacking.

Ted Dumas

21:55 08 Sep 24

We recently had our farmers porch deck replaced and could not be happier. It was a great experience from start to finish. Steve and his team took care of everything from design, installation , and final cleanup. The new deck has given our home a whole new look that is truly amazing. Every time we drive up , we can't stop talking about our new deck and how much we love it. If you need a new deck, look no further, these guys were awesome !!

Joetta Girard

20:33 04 Aug 24

Steve and his crew worked hard on our deck through a tough winter so we can enjoy our beautiful deck this summer. It was built per our design with skill and craftmanship. We will be able to enjoy this deck for years to come.Mike & Joetta - Stratham NH

Robert Grogan

10:51 16 Jul 24

Steve, April, Noah, and Zach built us a beautiful, high quality deck which has significantly enhanced the enjoyment and value of our home. Easy, clear process with no surprises and a team committed to our happiness. Great experience!

Paul

19:45 01 Jul 24

We hired Steve and his team a few months ago in late winter to tear down our old wood deck and rebuild a new one with Azek decking. Steve did a great job going through the different options and working with us to select materials and design that fit our expectations. During the build, his team was really easy to work with and were in constant communication about the progress. They utilize a great online platform that gives you daily updates and pictures of each stage of the project. The deck came out great and we were really happy with the overall services. Would certainly recommend to others looking to upgrade their deck.

Joel Flaherty

21:04 29 Apr 24

Everyone was great to deal with. From the in person walkthrough to the detailed estimate and timeline. The installers were extremely courteous and neat. Always showed up on time and finished ahead of schedule. Their warranty standing behind their work is also grade A. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing work. My remodeled Farmers Porch is perfect!

Lauren Miller

16:06 22 Mar 24

Steve and his team are fantastic. Everything was communicated so well and his process working with clients is better than any contractor I've worked with before. He has built 2 decks for us at two different properties and the work is fantastic as well.I would highly recommend Premier Deck!

Joe Vogel

07:32 08 Feb 24

My husband and I had a phenomenal experience working with Steve and the rest of the Premier Deck team. Some of the things that gave us confidence during the planning phase were their responsiveness to complete a site visit and provide a (reasonable) quote within just a few days, and that the contracting terms were clear and fair with a robust paper trail. The team provided great transparency during the project. We especially liked the online portal where daily updates were provided along with photos, along with a summary of what work was to be performed in the coming days. Any delays to the project were minor and communicated in a clear and timely fashion. The team was flexible when additional time was needed to wait for some work to be completed by a plumber. All of the crew members were professional and pleasant. Most importantly, the quality of the work was phenomenal - the deck looks amazing!NOTE: Photo shows project at 95% complete while we waited for the plumber to move an external fixture prior to project completion.

Deb Hayward

20:00 27 Oct 23

Wonderful work great crew and very efficient highly recommend to anyone! Thank you so much.

Renee Catalano

17:51 07 Oct 23

If we could give Premier Deck more then 5 stars we absolutely would.They were by far one of the most professional, organized, responsive, talented and honest company we have had the pleasure of working with.

Paul McCallum (Top)

20:14 01 Oct 23

Deck & front porch look fantastic! The company was very responsive & on time. The owner & crew were very professional. The crew did good quality work & I couldn’t be happier with the results.

Julie Hart

11:58 24 Sep 23

The Premier Deck team far exceeded our expectations from start to finish. During the initial consult, Steve was helpful in suggesting options based on our wants/needs and his communiction throughout the process was outstanding. Noah and Mike worked through a week of oppressively hot and humid weather to complete our deck and it looks amazing! At the end of each day, the area was clean and safe for our dog to be in the work area. We absolutely love the finished outcome. We highly recommend Premier Deck--you will not find a better company to work with!

Tim Collins

22:26 19 Sep 23

I can’t say enough positive things about the Premier Deck crew. They were a talented team that did awesome work, they very always responsive to any questions I had and went above and beyond my expectations.

Howard Prior

20:14 04 Jun 23

I rarely write reviews but felt Premier Deck's services warranted it. Steve helped with some design details that made the deck much more attractive without sacrificing good construction guidelines. I am very happy with the end product and was impressed by the workmanship and attention to detail that Jon displayed. The team showed up on time every day, worked hard all day, and left the area clean and tidy at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this business.

Alex

22:20 31 May 23

After set up an appointment over the phone. Owner Steve Kirk stopped by our house next day. He showed us few realistic options, materials, color and sent us the proposal within few days. Overall experience it's easy and simple for us. They work around the clock through the middle of winter. Steve and his team started our project in freezing cold weather every day (no matter snow day or rainy day) from 6am with daily update text and photos via the portal. His daughter April also kept us updated and response our questions in a timely manner. The final product turned out exactly what we are looking for and the new deck looks stunning. We are very happy with the result and new deck upgrade definitely increase our property value. Give him a call asap because his schedule is fully booked few months ahead. Thank you Premier Deck. Highly recommended.

Taylor Pritchett

19:12 12 Apr 23

I cannot begin to list all of the amazing qualities of the Premier Deck team. From Steve and April all the way down to John and Joey, the team is solid and supremely skilled. We always felt that there was great communication between the team and ourselves. The team was on time, worked through rainy cold weather, and always made us feel welcomed when asking obvious questions. Also, the quality of our deck is incredible and feels as if it will last a few lifetimes. I would recommend this company to everyone within their radius. It was an absolute pleasure to work with Premier Deck!

Marc Tremblay

18:31 20 Mar 23

The Premier Deck Team, led by Steve Kirk, replaced my Deck at my place on Hampton Beach in December of 2022. They did a fantastic job, on time, on budget, no issues, and I am getting so many compliments....definitely will use Steve and his crew to replace my deck at my lake house in the next year or so.

Andrea Castano

16:50 15 Jul 22

We used Premier Deck to build a deck around our above ground pool. From the beginning, working with Steve was a pleasure. He is helpful, knowledgeable and quick to respond. He designed a gorgeous deck with two levels and a bar.Dennis was the head contractor on our project and he impressed us from day one. He and his crew worked quickly but with great attention to detail. A few amendments were made to our design along the way, and he always checked in with us to make sure we were getting a final product that we loved.Our deck is gorgeous and we are so happy we used Premier Deck to build it!

Ali Maglieri

16:01 02 Feb 21

In our opinion, it is almost impossible these days to find a business in this industry that you can say out delivered on every aspect of a project, but in this case Steve and Premier Decks did just that. We got several quotes, and we found Steve's pricing very competitive, especially in light of the excellent quality and service we received. Due to our location directly on the ocean, our deck project had a significant amount of permitting requirements and engineering obstacles and even before we had signed on with Steve, he was jumping in to help problem solve and offer ideas to help us reach our goals. It was clear from the start how professional and experienced Steve was, and how seriously he takes his work. We had a rough idea of the deck design we wanted, but Steve’s excellent sense of aesthetic and attention to detail made a huge difference in how the end result turned out. He did a particularly beautiful job on our outdoor shower, making sure every detail was thought through and the finished product was exactly what we had hoped for, but would have had no idea how to bring to fruition on our own. In addition, Steve’s crew was incredibly hard working, laboring tirelessly through freezing temps and snow in December and January to deliver the project on time. They were courteous and tidy, and clearly knew the ins and outs of building a deck and multiple stairways as well. Even after the project was complete, Steve followed up multiple times with us to be sure we were satisfied and to answer questions about how to care for the decking (Azek). We are so thankful to Steve and his crew at Premier Decks for such a beautiful and well-built deck!

Laura Mayhan

21:00 18 Dec 19

I cannot say enough good things about Steve, his team, or the quality decks they build. First of all Steve was pleasant, professional, and truely a great businessman. I had met with a few other contractors to get quotes and Steve was the only one to come with samples of the composite decking and a packet of information. He worked with our budget to get us to the deck we desired. He kept us informed of the entire process, every step of the way. His team was friendly and also professional, and they really built a quality deck in a truely impressive time frame. My deck was built in under a week, from start to finish. The quality of the work is unmatched. Can't recommend him enough. Don't bother with other people, he's your guy!

Top 3 Wood Options for Deck Installation: Cedar, Redwood, Pressure-Treated Pine

Cedar: A Natural Beauty

Benefits of Cedar

Considerations

Redwood: Timeless Elegance

Benefits of Redwood

Considerations

Pressure-Treated Pine: Budget-Friendly Option

Benefits of Pressure-Treated Pine

Considerations

Comparing the Three Options

Durability and Lifespan

Aesthetic Appeal

Cost Considerations

Environmental Impact

Which Wood Option is Best for You?

Choose the Right Wood for Your Deck

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