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Pressure treated lumber for deck
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Posted by danielle2006 (My Page) on Mon, Sep 29, 08 at 12:13
| Hi. We are planning on having a deck built and I believe all we could afford is pressur-treated lumber vs. hardwoods, though we have not priced out the PT, yet. Is there anyone who can tell me about Lowes brand Top Choice or the advantage of having kiln-dried? I love the hardwoods, Ipe or Tigerwood, but I wouldn't even know where to purchase it. And like I said, I think it would be way too expensive with the railings and all. The deck would be approximately 900 sq. feet. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| "Hi. We are planning on having a deck built" This says you are planning on hiring it done. Always get more than one estimate from reputable deck builders and check their work/references. Along with the estimates, ask for them to price it out using both p.t. and hardwoods, seperate bids. That way you can decide which way to go and i would consider redwood as well if handily available in your area. |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Actually, we are having a couple of friends do it for us. So we are buying our own supplies. I'm just nervous about all the upkeep PT wood would require and doing it the right way. I've been reading about having to sand and strip before restaining. How long would a semi-transparent stain tend to last? And would we stain and then seal? |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Found this on a past thread: |
Here is a link that might be useful: staining p.t.
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Thank you. I read the posts and now I'm worried about using PT yellow pine. Maybe cedar. Alot more $than PT pine? |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Danielle, I would get together with your friends who are going to help you and make a trip to some lumber yards/suppliers and see what is offered in your area and make comparisons from there. You might also want to check in with the paint forum to see about finishing techniques on wood species decking. |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| There are better grades of PT lumber...don't buy it at Lowe's. There are other low cost alternatives. Cedar, Siberian larch, some local species...depending on where you live. Do more research. steve |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Garapa is a good buy right now Call George>>East Teak Lumber 800 338 5636 with alum balusters in the rail the price is not bad but higher than pt decking. Actually all pt lumber is KD, # 1 has been dried twice one time before the retort one time after. This makes the lumber lighter and usually the knot grade is better but really its still pt pine and will react the same way exposed flat to the sun. One way to save a few bucks>> use pt 5/4 decking and cedar rails<< But check out that Garapa from the George you might be in for a suprise. J. |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Do you know how many decks I've seen that "friends" screwed up? This friend better be a bonafide deckbuilder or you could be on here in a few weeks with some very different questions. Good luck. Al |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Thanks for the warning, Deckman. I am kinda nervous about it. I've been reading so much about decks and finishes and some nightmares some people are going through. Maybe we'll go the patio route. I got an estimate today(because I was curious about the price) and he came back with $9,000 for labor and materials(pavers from Cambridge). That was cheaper than the original deck estimates we had gotten and it would require no upkeep and our taxes would be left alone! |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Hi, I just had a screened porch built in South Carolina. The flooring is Primed, (from the factory) Pressure Treated, tongue & groove, wood, porch flooring. What would be the best choice of paint or stain for this type of porch floor? And why? Thank you, Cary |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Proper deck building isn't brain surgery if you are handy. It's a matter of knowing your areas code requirements and have an overkill attitude when framing the structure. There are many sources to research deck building. It always amazes me that the"pros" think they are the only ones on the planet that can build a decent deck. There is something to be said about experience, knowledge, and reputation, but again, it's not rocket science. |
Here is a link that might be useful: taunton books
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Sierraeast, no, it's not rocket science, but a badly constructed deck can lead to death. For that reason alone, deck building should be left to pros, or handy people that do their research. I've seen alot of decks in my day, and some of them are built so badly that it's criminal. Then again, I've seen some great decks posted here that were built by homeowners. You really have to know your limitations when it comes to deck building. what's your point anyway? are you a handy deck builder :-) steve |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| So Sierr, what do you place as rocket science,,ya know,,something that is worth the money?? I can see you dont put Carpenters very far up, just a bunch of low rent,no education,smelly, fools right??? who needs em they are all out to rip people off.Same with auto Mec just a bunch of Fools anybody can do that. So Really,who do you think is worth their money, wall street,loan banks,enron, In Fact what do you do for a living. J. |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Considering that I live on my deck, my kids, my plants, etc... are on my deck - I'd rather have a deck pro build mine than a rocket scientist anyday! LOL |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Im a somewhat retired carpenter that has a carpentry & repair business and have built a few decks. I dont put anyone as smelly, low rent,no education, reputation speaks for itself. Im simply stating that decks can be built by homeowners that are "handy" and do their homework but never condone anyone who doesn't have the confidence to buid a deck right and safe. That's why they call reputable pros, professionals. Im old school and would put a trades person over a suit any day when it comes to trust! Great points by all above and i stand corrected! |
RE: Pressure treated lumber for deck
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| Sierraeast, I've been frequenting this site long enough to know there are some skilled HO'ers out there that have built some fine decks. It takes a real man to admit they were wrong, I see you are one. The next paragraph is not for you, but for others who may read this & be in the same boat as Danielle. Here's why I made that statement. Danielle did not state the elevation of the deck or any details other that it was 900 sq. ft. Just the size alone means there's going to be some considerable money being spent. I'd hate to see her spend big bucks & not be happy with the results or have safety issues. It cost less to do it right the first time, if it's not they might not be friends anymore. The golden rule for contractors is, don't do work for friends or relatives. Works the same for HO'ers, don't have friends or relatives do work on your home. Al PS. Thanks Steve & John for having my back. |
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