What Wood Deck Installation Involves
Wood decking remains a popular choice for Evanston, IL homeowners who want the natural grain and warmth that composite materials can't fully replicate. Installation involves selecting a wood species suited to outdoor exposure, typically pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or a hardwood like ipe, and installing it with fasteners appropriate to that species.
Wood requires more attention during installation than composite in one key way: proper spacing has to account for the board drying and shrinking after installation, which is the opposite of composite's expansion behavior in heat.
Why Wood Still Makes Sense for Many Homeowners
Cost is often the deciding factor. Wood decking typically has a lower upfront material cost than composite, which matters for Evanston, IL homeowners working within a defined budget. The natural look and feel also appeals to homeowners who prefer a traditional aesthetic over composite's more uniform appearance.
The tradeoff is maintenance. Wood needs periodic staining and sealing to protect against moisture, UV damage, and insects, which is an ongoing commitment composite doesn't require.
Our Wood Installation Process
Species Selection
We help you weigh pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and hardwood options based on budget, appearance, and how much maintenance you're willing to commit to.
Moisture Content Check
Boards are checked for moisture content before installation, since wet lumber that shrinks after installation can create excessive gapping.
Board Layout
Boards are laid out to minimize waste and position any natural imperfections in less visible areas of the deck.
Fastening
Galvanized or stainless fasteners appropriate to the wood species are used to prevent staining and corrosion over time.
Initial Sealing Recommendation
We advise on the appropriate waiting period before the first stain or seal application, since fresh wood often needs time to dry out first.
What to Expect With Wood Installation
Wood installation in Evanston, IL typically moves at a similar pace to composite for board-laying, though the process of checking moisture content and selecting boards for grain and appearance can add planning time upfront.
After installation, we'll walk you through a basic maintenance schedule, including when to plan your first staining or sealing treatment, since new wood usually needs several weeks to dry before it will properly accept a finish.
Why Choose Us for Wood Decking
- Careful species selection guidance based on your budget and maintenance preferences.
- Moisture content checks before installation to prevent excessive post-installation shrinkage.
- 17 years working with pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and hardwood species.
- Corrosion-resistant fasteners matched to your specific wood type.
- Clear maintenance guidance so your new deck ages well.
Common Questions About Wood Deck Installation
Pressure-treated lumber is the most budget-friendly and widely available option. Cedar offers a nicer natural appearance with moderate rot resistance. Hardwoods like ipe cost more but offer exceptional durability and a premium look.
New wood typically needs several weeks to a couple of months to dry out sufficiently before it will properly absorb stain or sealant. We advise on timing specific to your wood species and local conditions.
Some shrinkage is normal as the wood dries, particularly with lumber that wasn't fully kiln-dried. We check moisture content before installation and space boards to account for expected shrinkage.
Most wood decks in Evanston, IL benefit from restaining or resealing every one to three years, depending on sun exposure and how much wear the deck gets.
Yes, pressure-treated lumber is specifically manufactured for ground and outdoor exposure and is the standard choice for deck framing and decking across most budgets.
Yes, this is a common combination that balances the natural look of wood decking with the reduced maintenance of composite railings.