Can You Use Non-Pressure Treated Wood For A Deck? (Find Out Now!)

One of the best ways to transform your yard into a comfortable and attractive hangout space is to install a new deck. The size and shape of your deck will depend on your specific yard, but one thing remains true… You’re going to need a lot of wood.

Many people build decks with treated wood. However, you may be wondering if you can use non-pressure treated wood instead. Well, wonder no more!

Yes, you can use non-pressure treated wood to build a deck, but you cannot simply leave it as is. When installing a deck with untreated wood, you will have to seal it properly and either stain or paint it, so it can stand strong against the elements throughout the year.

We’re going to go over what you need to know about building a deck with non-pressure treated wood, so you can enjoy a long-lasting addition to your yard.

Pressure treated wood is specially cared for to be more durable. There are different types of pressure treatments that can make the wood resistant to decay, mold, water damage, pests, and sometimes even fire.

First the lumber is placed in a pressure chamber with a retort, which is a horizontal steel cylinder. There, a vacuum removes the air from the retort and from the wood itself. After that, treatment chemicals are poured into the cylinder under high pressure. That way, it infuses into the wood.

After this, the treated wood is then moved to a drip pad to cure and dry. This process will usually take about three days, but times can vary depending on exposure to sunlight and the climate.

Treated wood is technically not stronger than untreated wood, but it is more resistant to the elements. Therefore, it will maintain its structural integrity under extreme conditions for a longer period of time.

Basically, this means treated wood will last longer than non-pressure treated wood. Typically, treated wood used for decks can last up to about a decade depending on foot traffic and exposure to the elements. Conversely, untreated wood will most likely last about half that time.

Stain is the more cost-effective option overall, typically ranging from $20 to $35 per gallon. It already contains preservatives to ensure it properly adheres to the deck, which means you won’t need to buy a separate primer either. Since you’ll only have to buy the gallons of stain, you’re looking at a much lower price tag.

When painting a deck, you’re going to have to buy paint, primer, and a wood preservative. A gallon of paint typically costs between $30 and $60. Then, you have to factor in preservatives, land somewhere between $15 and $40 per gallon, and primers, which range from $15 to $30 per gallon.

As far as style options go, you don’t have much more variety than this. Since wood stains are designed to enhance the natural appearance of the wood, you’ll mostly find clear varieties or shades of brown.

Painting your deck is the better option if you want a wide variety of options for your deck. You can essentially paint your deck any color you want—from neutral hues to vibrant tones. Whatever your style preferences, you’re guaranteed to find the right fit for your space.

Stain offers a more natural look since its purpose is to accentuate the look of the wood itself. However, that means it will also showcase any imperfections. This can be a positive or negative depending on the look you want for your deck. If you’re rather disguise those imperfections without going through a paint job, solid wood stain is the way to go. It is more opaque than other options.

As we said before, the appearance of paint on your deck can vary widely, which means you can enjoy a custom look that matches your preferred aesthetic. If you’re searching for a more modern look, painting is the way to go.

When it comes down to it, applying stain is much easier than painting. Both tasks involve cleaning the surface of the decks, repairing damaged pieces, and sanding the surface. From there, you can apply the stain directly to the surface, and you will only need one coat. Plus, if you get a two-in-one stain and sealer, you won’t even need to apply a top coat.

Painting is a bit different. Before you can apply a layer of paint, you’ll have to treat the deck with a wood preservative and use a primer. At a minimum, you will then need two coats of paint along with a sealer. Since you have to wait for every coat to dry, this will end up taking much longer.