Learn about the materials most widely used to construct a residential deck, from railings to floorboards, including the pros and cons of each type. Hardwood floors have a natural warmth and feel, and some types of woods (mainly softwoods) can be an inexpensive decking material. Some types, include ipe, can be expensive, though, and wood must be maintained and well cared for to prevent splitting, cracking, and discoloration. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a wood preservative containing chromium, copper, and arsenic. Starting in the 1940s, CCA was used to make pressure-treated lumber. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified CCA as a restricted-use product. Since 2003, the pressure-treated wood industry discontinued the use of CCA for residential use. Arsenic-free alternatives include alkaline copper quatenary (ACQ), borates and copper azole.
