For many homes, decks provide the ultimate space for outdoor living and entertainment. But without the right materials, your deck may not hold up to the weather as well as you’d like. This is where pressure-treated wood comes in. It is a durable, cost-effective option that will help your outdoor space stand the test of time.

Pressure-Treated Deck Boards: The Basics

Pressure-treated deck boards are different from standard lumber because they have been infused with chemical preservatives. The wood is placed in a depressurized holding tank that removes air within the wood and replaces it with the preservative.

These preservatives significantly improve the boards’ resistance to rot, decay, insects, and weather damage–must-haves for outdoor applications like decks. While periodic sealing is still needed to limit weathering and corrosion, these boards have a much longer lifespan than standard deck lumber.

Choosing the Right Deck Boards

Choosing the right deck boards for your deck should focus on a few key factors. 2 x 6 and 5/4 x 6 inch wide planks are the most common sizes for pressure-treated wood, though 2 x 4s can also be used on smaller decks. You may also wish to compare different species such as pine and fir for appearance and durability. 

Finally, you should check the grade of your pressure-treated wood to determine if it is suitable for ground contact installations or above-ground installation only. Always make sure you get the right grade of wood for the different parts of your deck!

Gerber Lumber: Your Deck Board Destination

When you visit Gerber Lumber, you can shop for pressure-treated wood with confidence. In addition to offering a wide range of pressure-treated lumber options, our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right boards and plan your project more effectively. Our local focus enables us to consider factors that could affect your project, such as local weather conditions and building codes. 

We can also help with value-added services such as delivery, custom cutting, and project estimates for your decking project.

With quality pressure-treated deck boards from Gerber Lumber, you’ll be ready to build your dream deck–and have confidence that it will last! Visit our store today to explore our wide range of deck board options, or meet with one of our expert staff for personalized guidance for your project.