What are the different types of wood to pick from?

When choosing wood for a deck in Snohomish County, some items to focus on are rot resistance, how the wood handles the Pacific Northwest's wet winters, maintenance, and overall cost. Some woods are naturally durable, while others depend on chemical treatment to resist rot and insects.

The main types of wood decking

1. Pressure-treated pine

Budget-friendly

Typical installed cost: $25–$45/sq. ft. for a complete deck

Lumber infused with preservatives to protect against decay and insects.

• Pros: Low initial cost, widely available, easy to work with.

• Cons: Can crack, warp, and develop splinters; needs regular cleaning and appropriate finishing.

• Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who don't mind maintenance.

2. Western red cedar

Pacific Northwest favorite

Typical installed cost: $30–$55/sq. ft.

A lightweight, naturally rot-resistant softwood with a warm reddish-brown color.

• Pros: Attractive grain, easy to cut, naturally resists decay.

• Cons: Softer than many alternatives; can dent, fade, and weather to gray.

• Best for: A traditional wood appearance without the weight or cost of premium hardwoods.

3. Redwood

Typical installed cost: $35–$65/sq. ft.

A naturally durable softwood known for its rich reddish color.

• Pros: Good decay resistance in heartwood and a distinctive appearance.

• Cons: Can be expensive and less convenient to source locally; lower grades may have less durability.

• Best for: Homeowners who prefer a rich red finish and can obtain suitable-quality lumber.

4. Douglas fir

Typical installed cost: $25–$50/sq. ft.

A strong regional softwood with a prominent grain.

• Pros: Strong, attractive, and readily available in the region.

• Cons: Not naturally as decay-resistant as cedar heartwood; needs suitable treatment and careful moisture management outdoors.

• Best for: Selected applications where the lumber is specifically rated for exterior decking, or for structural framing when properly specified.

5. Ipe (Brazilian hardwood)

Premium

Typical installed cost: $50–$90+/sq. ft.

A very dense tropical hardwood with excellent natural durability.

• Pros: Long-lasting, hard-wearing, and highly resistant to rot and insects.

• Cons: Expensive, heavy, difficult to cut and fasten, and requires appropriate stainless-steel fasteners and predrilling.

• Best for: Premium decks where long service life is a priority.

6. Thermally modified wood

Typical installed cost: $40–$75+/sq. ft.

Wood that has been heat-treated to improve dimensional stability and resistance to moisture-related decay.

• Pros: Attractive natural appearance and generally less swelling and shrinking.

• Cons: Availability varies, costs more than basic lumber, and some products are more brittle than untreated wood.

• Best for: Homeowners who want a premium natural-wood look with improved stability.

Top three choices for Snohomish County

Best overall natural wood: Western red cedar

A good balance of local availability, appearance, and natural decay resistance. Choose quality decking boards and keep the structure well ventilated.

Best for a tight budget: Pressure-treated lumber

A practical option, especially if you use pressure-treated structural framing and choose a decking product specifically rated for the intended exterior exposure.

Best premium option: Ipe

Worth considering if you want dense, durable hardwood and are comfortable with a significantly higher upfront cost and specialized installation.

An important distinction: decking boards vs. framing

You don't have to use the same wood for both parts of your deck.

• Decking boards: The visible surface you walk on. Cedar, pressure-treated lumber, and hardwood are common choices.

• Joists, beams, and posts: The structural framework. Pressure-treated structural lumber rated for the relevant exposure is a common choice.

• Ground-contact components: Posts or framing exposed to soil or persistent moisture may require a specific ground-contact treatment rating.

In Snohomish County's wet climate, good drainage, ventilation, flashing, and appropriate fasteners can matter just as much as the species of wood you select.

One question to help narrow it down: Are you looking for the most affordable wood, the longest-lasting wood, or the best-looking natural wood? I can compare the best options for that priority.