Wood deck builders in Nixa & Ozark, MO

Pressure-treated pine

Pressure-treated pine is the most common deck material in the Ozarks because it's affordable and strong. It's treated to resist rot and insects, but it still needs cleaning and a stain or sealer every two to three years to keep it from cracking, cupping and greying.

Cedar

Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, smells great and is lighter and more stable than pine. Left alone it weathers to a silver grey, or you can stain it to keep the warm color. It costs more than pine but less than most composite boards.

What goes into a well-built wood deck

• Footings deep enough to sit below the frost line
• Ground-contact rated lumber for posts and framing near the soil
• A properly flashed and bolted ledger where the deck meets the house
• Coated or stainless fasteners rated for treated lumber
• Joist spacing that keeps boards from sagging

Keeping it looking good

Let new pressure-treated lumber dry out for a few months before the first coat of stain. After that, a wash and fresh coat every few years will keep a wood deck going for 15 to 20 years or more.