How long should a pressure treated deck last?

Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber

So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.

What is the life expectancy of pressure treated wood?

How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.

What is the average lifespan of a deck?

Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

How often do decks need to be replaced?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates decks made from wood planks will last about 15 years, while structural wood will give you 10 to 30 years. Composite decking will last anywhere from eight to 25 years.

How long will pressure treated deck joists last?

Whether for framing only or the decking too, pressure treated lumber lasts a long time. Pressure treated lumber exposed to freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles without care or maintenance will last about 9-years. With proper maintenance and treatment, the same deck will last 40 plus years.

How Many Years Does A Wood Deck Last?

How long will pressure treated wood last sitting on the ground?

The life expectancy of pressure treated wood in the ground is about 40 years before it begins to rot.

Does a pressure treated deck need to be sealed?

Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.

How do I know if my deck needs replacing?

How do I know if my deck is rotting?

How much does it cost to have a deck redone?

Homeowners typically spend between $734 and $2,636 on deck repairs, with an average of $1,685, according to HomeAdvisor.

How do you maintain a pressure treated deck?

If you're looking to maintain the original color of pressure-treated wood longer, you will need to not only clean your deck periodically, but also apply a water-repellent finish with an ultraviolet stabilizer. The stabilizer will not prevent eventual discoloration, but will slow the process.

What is the longest lasting deck material?

Aluminum and Steel

Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.

How can I make my wood deck last longer?

Why is my pressure treated wood rotting?

Any pressure treated wood rot is usually due to a fungal issue. The fungi that cause this are very small organisms that move into the wood and feed on it over time. This causes the pressure treated wood to decay and soften which then turns into rot. All kinds of fungal issues basically create the same problem: rot.

Is it better to stain or paint pressure treated wood?

Pressure-Treated Wood Needs Protection

Applying stain to pressure-treated wood offers an additional level of protection that homeowners don't want to be without. Stain offers another layer of much-needed protection from insects and decay, as well as from mold and mildew.

What lasts longer cedar or pressure treated wood?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

Does staining a deck make it last longer?

Better, Lasting Coverage

While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.

How long does it take for a deck to rot?

After some time (sometimes as little as two years), you may notice that your wood will become discolored, get spongy, and come apart when wet. That's dry rot. The main causes are moisture and insects, which leave wood susceptible to microorganisms that eat the cellulose that binds its various layers together.

How do you stop decking from rotting?

The most common way to preserve timber decking is to treat it with a good quality outdoor wood preserver. This will need to be reapplied after a period of time but stops your decking from the battering of bad weather.

Should I replace my deck before selling?

Replacing or updating your deck before listing your home for sale makes a better impression on buyers—and adds to its value. Think of a deck as an extension of your home. Potential buyers want to picture themselves enjoying summer evenings with friends and family, sipping coffee and even working in the outdoor space.

When should I replace my deck joists?

You'll know when to replace deck joists when at least 20 percent of its width is rotted.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Deck sealing will protect the wood from splitting, cracking, moisture, mildew, and rot while maintaining the color and grain of the wood. A stain will protect the wood and provides a more uniform tint or color to the wood to complement surrounding structures.

What happens if you don't seal pressure treated wood?

As they dry in the sun, they'll shrink. Over time, this constant cycle of swelling and shrinking will cause your deck to become cracked, splintered, and warped.

Should I use Thompson water seal on pressure treated wood?

Some, like Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Wood Protector, recommend waiting 30 days before application on new pressure treated lumber. Other products, like Thompson's^® WaterSeal^® Waterproofing Stain, can be applied immediately to new pressure treated lumber.