Natural durable wood

Certain tree species grow types of wood that are naturally resistant to the attack of insects and fungi.

The durability of these chemicals are deposited in the heart wood part of the tree as it grows. Three specific examples of these species are Redwood, Cedar and Cypress, which are all naturally durable woods. One important thing to mention is that only the heartwood (inner core of the living tree) is durable. The sapwood of all the species are susceptible to insect attack and wood rot.    

The actual heartwood that is most naturally durable of the species is the darker in color.

Wood/Plastic composition

Wood plastic composite material is a combination of wood, plastic and other natural materials combined into the shape of decking lumber. This is a relatively new product and is usually better known by the various brand names such as Trex, Choice Dek, or Smart-

Deck – or as composite lumber. Lumber made entirely from plastic with no wood _ our added

– plastic lumber – is also available but is not as commonly used for

decking projects. WPC lumber can be manufactured in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes and with

different surface textures.

For many people, price is the single most important factor. Prices continually change, but in

general treated wood is the least expensive option, while WPC is

the most expensive. There are a variety of naturally durable woods

available; and some, particularly imported species, may cost even

more than WPC products. Because many people are not yet familiar with working

with WPC, there may be a slightly higher cost for installation. However, after installation, it may

require less maintenance than wood (see Maintenance below).