Decks are a staple feature of many residential properties, providing an area for outdoor entertainment and enjoying the varying seasons. Whether hosting summer barbecues, savoring a crisp autumn evening, or soaking up the spring sunshine, a deck extends your living space and boosts your home’s value.
When building or renovating a deck, homeowners have an array of material options, with pressure-treated wood gaining significant attention. If you live in Wisconsin, are pressure-treated wood decks the right choice for you? We’re here to weigh the pros and cons and help you arrive at the best decision.
Wisconsin: Living and Weather Conditions
Wisconsin is a state celebrated for its natural beauty and charming communities. With its lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests, the region gives countless opportunities for outdoor living, making a deck valuable for any house. However, life in Wisconsin is not without hurdles, particularly when it comes to weather.
The state experiences all four seasons. Summers are warm and inviting, but the humidity often attracts mosquitoes and ticks. Winters, in contrast, are long and harsh, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures that can put any outdoor structure to the test. Rainfall also spreads throughout the year.
Essentially, you need a deck that can stand against the elements without exceeding your budget, which your chosen material— from PVC and composite to wood— can help you achieve. Pressure-treated wood, specifically, is a type of lumber chemically treated with preservatives forced deep into its fibers.
The Pros of Pressure-Treated Wood Decks
Pressure-treated wood decks address many Wisconsin homeowners’ concerns, offering solutions tailored to the state’s unique living and weather conditions. Here are all the boxes the material ticks.
Natural Look
There is nothing like the timeless beauty of wood, and pressure-treated lumber effortlessly captures this aesthetic. Its warm, organic look blends seamlessly with Wisconsin’s natural surroundings. If you want a deck that complements the charm of their environment, pressure-treated wood is a fantastic choice.
Durable
The chemical treatment process enhances the wood’s resistance to rot, fungi, and moisture, making it well-suited for the region’s heavy snowfalls and rainy climate. Pressure-treated wood decks will maintain their structural integrity year after year, even in Wisconsin’s most demanding weather.
Affordable
Pressure-treated softwood like pine and fir is more budget-friendly than premium woods like cedar and redwood. This affordability aligns perfectly with the state’s overall low cost of living. Moreover, given the state’s high property taxes, a cost-effective decking material can be a smart way to manage expenses without compromising property value.
Insect Repellent
An abundance of pests can damage decks. Thankfully, pressure-treated wood contains preservatives that deter insects. This built-in defense renders your outdoor space more hardwearing and comfortable than other wood materials.
Easy To Work With
Professional builders favor pressure-treated wood because it is highly versatile and user-friendly. Its pliable nature allows for easy cutting, drilling, and screwing, simplifying the process of deck designing, constructing, or repairing. Pressure-treated wood decks promise flexibility and convenience, ensuring smooth project completion.
The Cons of Pressure-Treated Wood Decks
Despite the many perks of pressure-treated wood, there are disadvantages that homeowners must consider before saying yes to this decking material.
High Maintenance
The pressure treatment improves the wood’s durability but does not make it completely maintenance-free. Like all wood materials, pressure-treated wood decks require regular upkeep to preserve their beauty and protection. For instance, staining or painting every few years keeps the wood appealing and safe from weathering. The upfront cost of pressure-treated wood is affordable, but the recurring expenses of upkeep can add up over time.
Prone to Warping
Pressure-treated wood can still warp, crack, or split over time, especially if the deck is improperly sealed or the design allows water to pool on its surface. In Wisconsin, where wet and rainy and hot and humid days can alternate, the material may be more vulnerable than in other states. These decking problems not only affect appearance but can also result in structural issues that compromise safety.
The Verdict
Pressure-treated wood decks might or might not be the best choice for your outdoor living space in Wisconsin, depending on your budget, priorities, and preferences. The good news is that, generally, the pros are attainable, and the cons are preventable if you work with Excel Custom Decks. Our team has the experience and knowledge to maximize the benefits of pressure-treated wood while addressing its potential challenges.
At Excel Custom Decks, we bring our design skills to the table, ensuring you get a deck that effectively serves your home and lifestyle. We also know how to properly seal pressure-treated wood to minimize the chances of weather damage and recommend the right maintenance schedule to preserve your structure’s beauty and structural integrity. Our experts understand how to safely handle and install pressure-treated wood decks, mitigating chemical risks by following standard and modern practices during construction.
Design and Build Pressure-Treated Wood Decks With Excel Custom Decks
Pressure-treated wood decks in Wisconsin residential properties are an excellent option. They require regular maintenance and care, but you can manage this with the help of skilled professionals like Excel Custom Decks. We are masters of all decking materials, and pressure-treated wood is among our top specialties.
Our expert team serves Franksville, Madison, Appleton, and Oshkosh, working with homeowners across the state to design and build custom decks that upgrade outdoor living spaces. As a local company, you can trust us to be the neighbors on top of the latest trends, building codes, and climate patterns. Request a free design estimate, or contact us today!
Franksville: (414) 333-1888
Madison: (608) 712-8935
Appleton & Oshkosh: (920) 362-5250
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