Wood Deck Installation

The Timeless Appeal of Wood Decking

Nothing matches the natural beauty and warm feel of a real wood deck. Wood has been the traditional choice for outdoor decking for good reason. It looks authentic, feels comfortable underfoot, and can be customized to fit any design style. When properly maintained, a wood deck provides decades of enjoyment for your family.

Wood decking remains popular in San Clemente because it fits perfectly with California coastal architecture. The natural tones complement beach homes and modern designs alike. You can stain wood in any color you want or let it age naturally to a silvery gray patina. This flexibility makes wood ideal for homeowners who want a personalized outdoor space.

Cost is another advantage of wood decking. Quality pressure-treated lumber costs less upfront than composite materials. This makes wood an excellent choice if you have a tight budget but still want a professionally built deck that looks great. With proper care, your wood deck will serve you well for many years.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Deck

We work with several wood species, each offering different benefits. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option and works well for most applications. The treatment protects against rot and insects, giving you good durability at a reasonable price. This is the most popular choice for homeowners looking for value.

Wood Options We Install

• Pressure-treated pine offers excellent value and good durability with proper maintenance
• Cedar provides natural resistance to rot and insects with a beautiful reddish tone
• Redwood delivers premium appearance and outstanding weather resistance
• Tropical hardwoods like ipe offer exceptional durability and rich colors
• Each species has different maintenance needs and price points to fit your budget

Cedar and redwood cost more than treated pine but offer natural beauty and rot resistance without chemical treatment. These woods age gracefully and can last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. Tropical hardwoods are the most durable and expensive option, rivaling the longevity of composite materials while maintaining natural wood aesthetics.

We help you select the right wood based on your budget, design preferences, and maintenance expectations. If you are comparing wood to other materials, we can show you composite decking options side by side so you understand the trade-offs.

Professional Installation Makes the Difference

A wood deck is only as good as its installation. Poor construction leads to premature failure, no matter how good your materials are. We have been building wood decks in San Clemente for years and know exactly how to handle the challenges of coastal construction.

Proper spacing is critical with wood decking. The boards need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Too tight, and they buckle. Too loose, and you get unsightly gaps. We use precise spacing techniques that account for the wood species and local climate conditions.

Fastener selection matters too. We use corrosion-resistant screws or hidden fasteners that will not rust or stain your deck. The structural frame is built with properly sized lumber and secure connections at every joist and beam. Your deck will be solid and safe, meeting or exceeding all building codes. We also coordinate well with railing and safety installations to ensure everything works together perfectly.

Keeping Your Wood Deck Beautiful

Wood decks do require regular maintenance to stay in top condition. Plan on cleaning and resealing your deck every one to three years, depending on sun exposure and wear. This protects the wood from moisture damage and UV fading. The good news is that maintenance is straightforward and keeps your deck looking fresh.

Annual cleaning removes dirt, mildew, and old finish. You can do this yourself with a deck cleaner and garden hose, or hire professionals for deep cleaning. After cleaning and letting the wood dry completely, apply a quality stain or sealer. This process takes a weekend but makes a huge difference in appearance and longevity.

We offer professional staining and sealing services if you prefer not to handle maintenance yourself. Many of our customers set up regular service schedules so their decks always look great without the hassle. Proper maintenance means your wood deck can easily last 15 to 20 years or more.

Frequently Asked Questions