How long will a fir deck last?

Douglas fir is a softwood species and has been used often as a porch flooring material (painted to protect it) for covered and partially covered porch areas. I love the look of Douglas fir but I was surprised to learn that many people are using fir as a decking material for uncovered decks.

Fir wood is simply an excellent choice for outdoor furniture items such as picnic tables, ottomans, and chairs. This is a typical wood that is not affected by weather and moisture. When the weather becomes damp or wet, it doesn’t dry or warp out of its shape.

According to the University of California’s research, Douglas fir that was treated with ACQ (a water-based fungicide and insecticide made of copper oxide and an ammonium compound) will last for 30 years or more.

How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it’s maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.

It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date.

Is it a good idea or is it a disaster waiting to happen? Yes, you can use untreated wood to build a deck, but not without preparing it first. You can’t, of course, pressure treat it yourself, but you will need to seal; the wood and stain/paint it to ensure the wood is ready to take on the harsh external weather.

1. Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
2. Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
3. Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

• Redwood.
• American mahogany.
• Cypress.
• Western red cedar.
• Pacific yew.
• Teak.
• Black walnut.
• White oak.

Pressure Treated Wood Decking, Cedar Wood Decking, and Douglas Fir Wood Decking are all good choices, and the most economical in the short term. However, their lifespan is nearly half that of Mahogany woods. Pressure Treated Wood Decking is the most economical initially, followed by Cedar, and then Douglas Fir.

Fir has tight, close grain lines. Pine has broad grain lines that wander, making it far weaker than fir. … Pine has much more soft grain. For stability and strength, fir is much less prone to warping or twisting, and much stronger than pine.

1. Sand the surface of the wood smooth with 180 grit sandpaper. Follow the grain of the wood when sanding. …
2. Apply a thin coat of a water-based latex exterior wood sealer to the Douglas fir with a nylon paintbrush. …
3. Let the sealer dry according to the package directions.

Rot Resistance: Douglas-Fir heartwood is rated to be moderately durable in regard to decay, but is susceptible to insect attack.

A deck post should always be placed on top of footing, not inside concrete because it can break. … When concrete is poured around a deck post in this way, the post will rot due to moisture buildup by the soil.

As long as there’s a good chance that moisture can reach the wood, it should be pressure treated. This is why the International Building Code requires that siding and structural lumber used for the last six inches of the structure above the ground is pressure treated.

Pressure-Treated Wood Makes the Grade Pressure-treated wood in contact with the ground needs the most protection, and will rot in just a few years if you use the wrong grade. … If your wood will touch the ground or be buried, you should get the highest grade you can, up to . 60 if it’s available.