Decking refers to the boards that form the walking surface of an outdoor deck. Material choice affects cost, durability, and maintenance.
Popular Materials
- Pressure-treated pine: $2β5/sq ft β cheapest, requires annual sealing
- Cedar: $4β8/sq ft β naturally rot-resistant, beautiful grain
- Composite (Trex, TimberTech): $8β15/sq ft β low maintenance, 25-year warranty
- Tropical hardwood (Ipe): $10β20/sq ft β extremely durable, 50+ year lifespan
Board Coverage
Standard deck board: 5.5" wide Γ 12 ft long = 5.5 sq ft per board. Add 10% for waste and cuts.