Wood decks have been a staple of American homes for generations, and their timeless appeal is with good reason. These spaces offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, functionality, and value that homeowners continue to appreciate year after year. They also don’t require extensive resources—while they need some maintenance, they are easily customized to match your style and home decor. Below, we’ll explore why wood decks continue to captivate homeowners and stand the test of time.
Versatility
Wood is a versatile material for building and designing outdoor spaces. Its natural properties make it a good choice for a wide range of applications, from decks and pergolas to gazebos and playhouses. Different woods have varied grain patterns and colors, a natural beauty that can be further enhanced through staining. Stains let homeowners retain the authentic texture of wood while creating a hue that complements their home’s exterior. Wood can also be painted or even left untreated to weather naturally for a rustic aesthetic. Woodworking is also simple enough for homeowners to complete many DIY projects with minimal experience, with professional quality results.
Availability
Pressure-treated lumber is widely available to both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. It can be found in lumberyards and big box stores nationwide, allowing homeowners to find materials for their deck projects conveniently. Because of this availability, pressure-treated wood is also inexpensive and comes in a wide selection of grades and sizes. Homeowners can easily find the right type of wood for their specific deck design and budget requirements. Additionally, specialty woods like cedar and redwood, though less common, can also be sourced relatively easily for those who want premium options.
Affordability
Wood is an affordable option compared to other alternatives like composite decking. Softwoods, which come from evergreen coniferous trees, are particularly budget-friendly due to their faster growth rates and lower production costs. These woods are more affordable and easier to work with, which can reduce installation labor costs. Homeowners can even build a wood deck nearly twice the size of a composite deck for the same cost. Wood decks require regular maintenance to stay beautiful and resist wear. Apply water repellent and decking oils every two years to keep the wood in top condition, and regularly inspect and repair chipped wood or paint, warping, or any other damage.
High Return on Investment
Wood deck additions consistently rank among the top remodeling projects for homeowner return on investment (ROI). According to the Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, wood decks boast an average ROI of nearly 82. 9%, surpassing the ROI of composite decks by over 15%. This high return on investment makes wood decks an easy option for homeowners who want to increase their property value and improve their outdoor living experience while adding curb appeal.
Sustainability
Wood is the world’s only naturally-renewable mainstream building material. Responsible forestry practices in the United States, where more trees are planted than harvested each year, are a primary contributor to this sustainability. This careful balance of harvesting and replanting helps maintain healthy forests and supports biodiversity. Wood plays an important role in slowing climate change. As trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their fibers. When trees are harvested for lumber, this captured carbon remains locked in the wood, only to be released if the wood is burned or decays. Furthermore, advances in wood treatment methods have made it possible to use even smaller, less commercially viable trees and reduce waste.
Health Benefits
Your home’s design and the availability of natural and outdoor spaces can impact your overall health. This concept, known as biophilic design, suggests that incorporating natural elements like wood, water, sunlight, or plants into your living environment can improve your health and wellness. Research has shown that humans naturally relax when surrounded by elements from the natural world, such as wood. A wood deck provides an ideal setting for connecting with nature, reducing stress, and promoting a sense of calm. Wood decks can contribute to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for homeowners and their families by blending indoor and outdoor elements to create a mentally uplifting ambiance.
Durability
Wood can be incredibly durable when properly treated and maintained. Pressure-treated lumber, in particular, is known for its load-bearing strength and resistance to decay and insect infestation. This durability makes it an excellent choice for the visible decking surface and the underlying substructure. In fact, pressure-treated lumber is commonly used for deck framing, even when the surface is made of non-wood or composite materials. Regular treatments, sealing, and occasional replacements of deck boards can keep your deck strong and resistant to weathering and wear.
Customization Options
From choosing different wood species with varying colors and grain patterns to selecting custom railing designs and built-in features like benches or planters, the possibilities for customizing your deck are endless. Wood can be easily cut, shaped, and modified to accommodate specific design preferences or challenging site conditions. This flexibility allows homeowners to create a deck that complements their home’s architecture and meets their outdoor living and entertaining needs. Additions like multi-level decking or custom lighting can transform a simple deck into a multifunctional outdoor retreat.
Natural Beauty
The warm tones, rich textures, and organic patterns of wood give it a natural beauty that synthetic materials simply can’t match. As wood ages, it develops a unique patina that adds character and charm to your outdoor space. Let the wood age naturally for a rustic look or regularly maintain it to preserve the original appearance.