Are you thinking about installing an outdoor patio? It’s important to know about the types of hardwood materials that go into that type of project before moving forward with the installation process. Most importantly, patios need to be reliable, durable, and weather-resistant.
While J.J Hardwood doesn’t install outdoor patios, we often get questions from clients regarding patio wood flooring and how best to go about installing a new beautiful hardwood deck. You may live in a moist climate or experience brutally cold winters, and your patio needs to be able to stand up to the challenging conditions. To avoid damage, insect infestations, and rot, it’s paramount to source appropriate hardwood species for the environment you live in.
Here’s some important information you need to know regarding patio wood flooring and the types of hardwood to consider for the job.
Installation
Generally speaking, design choices related to your wooden patio will depend on personal preferences and budget. Before installation, decisions need to be made about your choice of grain configurations, aesthetics and wood floor staining, and the overall cost of materials. Either way, it’s important to use hardwood materials that are strong, durable, and capable of withstanding all the elements. Great hardwood flooring materials prevent rot, insect problems, and overall damage.
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Types of Hardwood
Cedar
Cedar’s durability and water resistance make it one of the most popular materials for patio wood flooring. Cedarwood is also resistant to insect infestation and will not rot as easily as other flooring materials. Although it’s a softwood, its overall resistance to many of the elements makes it a great choice for people that live in colder climates. Well-maintained cedar can last up to 15-20 years and is an optimal choice for people that live in moist areas.
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber is popular for its affordability. Typically made from douglas fir and southern yellow pine, manufacturers compress a piece of lumber to force waterborne chemicals into the material. Its widespread accessibility can make it unstable and unreliable if cheap material and chemicals are used, but this can be avoided by purchasing high-grade wood flooring from a mill. Either way, pressure-treated lumber is still insect and rot-resistant, making it an affordable choice for any installation project.
Redwood
Although it requires regular maintenance, redwood is another softwood commonly used for patio flooring. Redwood is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and moisture. It’s very durable, but an annual pressure wash and stain is necessary to keep its natural beauty. Redwood gets its beautiful appearance from embedded oils and tannins already within the material. Although it tends to be more expensive, redwood is a visually stunning choice for your patio.
Please contact us to learn more about our different hardwood floor installation services!
