ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 7 of 45
u2190 Floor Material Selection u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Material Comparison Pt.1 u2192
→ See the complete Wood Deck DIY Guide
2026 Note from DIY Dad: Choosing Deck Materials
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Pressure-Treated Deck Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is the baseline u2014 skip it and you’ll be rebuilding in 5 years.
The most important decision in wood deck planning is material selection — natural wood vs composite, which species — because it determines cost, durability, and maintenance effort.
Material Selection Overview
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Deck Stains & Waterproof Sealers
Stain every 2u20133 years. It’s the single cheapest way to double deck lifespan.
I chose natural hardwood (Bangkirai) for decking, Super Light 700 steel pipe for structural members, and polycarbonate corrugated roofing for the roof.
Originally published: 2017-04-13. Now I will think through the structural member (frame) material selection. “Structural members” means load-bearing members like columns and beams.
I researched various wood options — rot-resistant species, surface treatments, etc. — but wood is fundamentally vulnerable to corrosion in outdoor conditions.
That led me to shift perspective and look at scaffolding pipe: Super Light 700 (スーパーライト700).
Steel vs wood — the difference in strength and corrosion resistance is overwhelming. Super Light 700 comes with a hot-dip galvanized finish, providing outstanding rust protection, and is readily available at any home improvement store.
The one downside: the galvanized surface is visually shiny and industrial-looking. It lacks the warmth that is the whole point of a wood deck — it screams “construction site.”
My plan: paint it the same color as the house exterior wall. That should help it blend in. If it does not work, I can box the pipes with boards to make them look like thick timber columns.
Decision: Super Light 700 for all structural members.
↑ Super Light 700 steel pipe
Steel pipe on a wood deck — unconventional, I know. But as an engineer, I am confident it is the right choice for long-term durability.
ud83dudcda Wood Deck Build Log u2014 7 of 45
u2190 Floor Material Selection u00b7 Series Index u00b7 Material Comparison Pt.1 u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
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15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
