We choose our materials as carefully
as you choose your contractor.

Selecting the right materials for your project is as important as selecting the right contractor. From traditional woods to the latest composites, the Texas Custom Decks & Outdoor Living professionals know the pros and cons of each material, and what will work best in each situation. We’ll show you the differences, and help guide you in selecting materials that will provide long-lasting beauty and durability.

Here’s general information about some of the most common materials
used in the Central Texas area.

Soft Woods

Pressure Treated Pine

Pressure Treated Pine is treated with a chemical preservative which is forced into the wood fiber under high pressure. Of the three grades (select, #2 and better, and construction grade) #2 and better is ideal for framing outdoor structures due to its warranty of 40 years against decay and insects.

Pro Deck is a select grade of pressure treated pine which has been milled to reduce splintering and cupping which makes it great for use as finish decking.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is the most popular decking material in Central Texas due to its decay resistance and beauty. Fresh cedar ranges in color from light brown to a salmon pink. Being a soft wood, cedar does tend to weather quickly and should be sealed and treated at least yearly. Untreated, cedar will weather to a silver gray in color.

Redwood

Redwood grades vary greatly from Clear Heart, B grade, Construction Heart, and Construction common. Durable and highly resistant to decay, Redwood has a reputation as an excellent decking material. Redwood is a soft wood and weathers quickly to a yellowish-red if left untreated, and then to a dark gray over time.

Hard Wood

Ipe is an imported hard wood with a natural decay and insect resistance comparable to pressure treated pine. Ipe is very tight grained with few, or no knots. Because of Ipe's strength it only needs to be half the thickness of softer wood decking.

Synthetic Lumber

Composite

Man made composite lumber is a combination of plastic and wood which is resistant to checking, rotting, and splintering. It is virtually maintenance-free. It comes in various colors and types including attractive wood grain finishes. Composites cut and fasten like wood. If having a deck, arbor or gazebo built to be maintenance-free is your objective, composites may be your best choice.