Wood Deck Installation

The Enduring Appeal of Wood Decks

Nothing matches the warmth and natural beauty of real wood. A wood deck feels different under your feet. It looks different in the sunlight. It ages in a way that adds character rather than looking worn out. For homeowners who appreciate authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship, wood remains the top choice for deck building.

Wood decks have been around for generations because they work. When properly maintained, a quality wood deck can last 20 to 30 years or more. The material is renewable, biodegradable, and requires less energy to produce than synthetic alternatives. And when your wood deck eventually does reach the end of its life, it can be recycled or composted rather than sitting in a landfill forever.

In Smyrna, TN, wood decks remain popular because they complement the architectural styles found throughout our community. Whether you have a traditional Southern home, a craftsman bungalow, or a modern farmhouse, a wood deck fits naturally into the landscape. Learn about our approach to quality deck building.

Choosing the Right Wood Species

Not all wood is created equal. The species you choose affects how your deck looks, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it needs. We work with several wood types and help you select the one that matches your priorities and budget.

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  Pressure-treated pine: The most economical choice and by far the most common. Treated lumber is infused with preservatives that resist rot and insects. It is strong, readily available, and proven to work in Tennessee's climate. With regular staining and sealing, pressure-treated decks last 15 to 20 years. The wood starts out with a greenish tint that weathers to gray unless you stain it.
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  Cedar: Naturally rot-resistant thanks to oils in the wood. Cedar has a beautiful reddish tone and pleasant aroma. It is lighter than pressure-treated lumber and easier to work with. Cedar requires less chemical treatment but still benefits from periodic sealing. It costs more than pressure-treated pine but offers superior aesthetics and natural durability.
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  Redwood: Similar to cedar but with deeper red coloring. Redwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects. It is dimensionally stable, meaning it warps less than other softwoods. Redwood is premium-priced and harder to source, but clients who choose it love the rich color and fine grain.
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  Tropical hardwoods: Species like ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood are incredibly dense and durable. These woods can last 40 years or more with minimal maintenance. They resist scratches, dents, and weather damage better than any other option. The trade-off is higher cost and the need for specialized tools and techniques during installation.

Most of our Smyrna clients choose pressure-treated pine for the structure and framing, then select cedar, redwood, or tropical hardwoods for the visible surfaces if they want upgraded aesthetics. This approach balances cost and appearance effectively.

Professional Installation Makes All the Difference

Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. It can warp, split, or cup if not installed correctly. Professional installation accounts for these characteristics and uses techniques that allow the wood to move naturally without causing problems.

Here is what proper wood deck installation involves:

• Proper spacing between boards to allow for expansion and water drainage
• Stainless steel or coated fasteners that will not rust and stain the wood
• Pre-drilling to prevent splitting, especially near board ends
• Orientation of boards with the bark side up to minimize cupping
• Sealing cut ends to prevent moisture absorption
• Adequate ventilation underneath to keep wood dry
• Proper flashing at the ledger board to protect your home

We also use kiln-dried lumber whenever possible. Kiln-dried wood has lower moisture content, which means less shrinkage and fewer problems after installation. This attention to detail costs us more time and money upfront, but it delivers a better deck that performs well for years. See how we approach custom deck design.

Stain, Seal, or Natural Weathering

One advantage of wood is that you control how it looks. You can stain it to match your home's exterior. You can seal it clear to show off the natural grain. Or you can let it weather naturally to a silvery gray patina. Each approach has its own maintenance requirements and aesthetic appeal.

We help you understand your options:

• Solid stain: Provides the most UV protection and color consistency, hides wood grain, needs reapplication every 3 to 5 years
• Semi-transparent stain: Shows wood grain while adding color and protection, most popular choice, lasts 2 to 4 years
• Clear sealer: Preserves natural wood color and grain, requires reapplication every 1 to 2 years, wood will darken slightly over time
• Natural weathering: No maintenance required, wood turns gray gradually, some species weather better than others, still need to clean and inspect regularly

We recommend applying a finish within the first few weeks after installation while the wood is still fresh. This gives you the best penetration and longest-lasting protection. Learn about our staining and sealing services for ongoing maintenance.

Maintaining Your Wood Deck

Let's be honest about maintenance. Wood decks require more care than composite. You need to clean them annually, reapply finish every few years, and replace damaged boards as needed. But many homeowners find this routine satisfying rather than burdensome. It is an excuse to spend time outdoors and keep their deck looking its best.

Here is what wood deck maintenance typically involves:

• Annual cleaning with deck cleaner to remove dirt and mildew
• Reapplying stain or sealer every 2 to 4 years depending on product and exposure
• Replacing or repairing damaged boards as they occur
• Tightening loose fasteners and checking for structural issues
• Sweeping regularly to prevent debris buildup
• Trimming vegetation to maintain airflow underneath

The effort required varies with the wood species and finish you choose. Pressure-treated pine with solid stain needs the most frequent attention. Cedar with clear sealer requires regular reapplication but less prep work. Tropical hardwoods need only occasional oiling once they have weathered. We provide detailed maintenance instructions when we complete your installation.

Wood Deck Cost and Value

Wood decks typically cost less upfront than composite, making them accessible for homeowners on tighter budgets. A basic pressure-treated wood deck might cost 40% to 60% less than a comparable composite deck. Premium woods like cedar or tropical hardwoods narrow this gap but still often come in below high-end composite materials.

When calculating long-term costs, factor in maintenance expenses. You will spend money on stain, sealant, and your time or hired labor to apply it. Over 20 years, these costs add up. Some homeowners still prefer wood because they like working on their deck. Others switch to composite for their next deck to reduce the work. Both choices are valid.

What matters is that you get a beautiful outdoor space that fits your lifestyle and budget. Wood delivers that in a way few materials can match.

Building Wood Decks in Smyrna's Climate

Tennessee's climate is both a blessing and a challenge for wood decks. Our hot, humid summers promote rapid mold and mildew growth. Our occasional harsh winters with freeze-thaw cycles stress wood fibers. And our intense summer sun bleaches out finishes faster than in more temperate regions.

We have built hundreds of wood decks in Smyrna and surrounding areas. We know which woods hold up best here. We understand how to design for proper drainage and ventilation in our clay soil. We use construction techniques that account for Tennessee humidity. And we recommend finishes that provide adequate UV protection without trapping moisture.

This local experience means your deck is built to last in the specific conditions it will face, not based on generic guidelines that might not apply to our area.

Frequently Asked Questions