Wood Decks - ALCO Improvements

About the service

The classic look of a real wood deck

There is a reason wood decks never go out of style. Real wood has a warmth and a grain that composite works hard to imitate, and it costs less up front, which leaves more room in the budget for size or railings. The tradeoff is upkeep. Wood needs cleaning and a fresh coat of stain or sealer every couple of years to keep it looking good and fend off the weather. For a lot of homeowners that is a fair deal for the look and the lower starting price. We build wood decks of every size and help you pick the material that fits your budget and how much maintenance you want to take on.

Deck with X-pattern wood railing overlooking a wooded backyard

Materials

Wood options we build

Wood deck boards and railing detail on a newly built deck

Pressure-treated wood

The most popular and budget-friendly choice. Pressure-treated lumber is built to resist rot and insects, and it takes stain well once it has dried out. It is the workhorse of backyard decks for good reason.

Covered front porch with white railings and a porch swing

Cedar and natural wood

For a richer look, cedar and other natural woods bring deeper color and grain with natural resistance to rot. They cost more than treated lumber and reward you with a higher-end finish.

Deck framing with pressure-treated joists and beams before decking goes down

Steel-frame decks

For a longer-lasting foundation, we can build your wood deck on a steel frame instead of wood framing. Steel does not warp, rot, or twist, so the structure stays flat and solid for decades under whatever surface you choose. It is a smart upgrade for larger or raised decks. We build on Fortress Steel Framing, and we also install Owens Corning Framing and TimberTech Aluminum Framing.

Compare

Wood vs composite decking

Wood wins on up-front cost and natural feel. Composite wins on maintenance and lifespan. If you love the look of real wood and do not mind staining it now and then, wood is a great choice. If you would rather never pick up a stain brush, composite is worth the higher starting price. We build both and will price them side by side so the decision is easy.

Multi-level deck with outdoor living space and grill area

Wood

Wins on up-front cost
Natural feel and look
Staining now and then

Composite

Wins on maintenance and lifespan
Never pick up a stain brush
Higher starting price

Curious about the low-maintenance route? See Composite Decking

Upkeep

Keeping a wood deck looking good

A wood deck lasts longest when it gets cleaned and resealed on a regular basis. We can handle that for you so you are not renting a sprayer and giving up a weekend. Staining and sealing also lets you refresh or change the color as the deck ages.

See Deck Painting and Staining

Deck finished with a dark stain and matching railing in Sussex County, NJ

What to expect

What to expect when you hire us

We start with a free on-site visit to measure and talk through wood options, then send a written estimate that spells out materials and labor. Once you approve it, we handle the permit, order the lumber, and schedule the build. One crew does the whole job, cleans up when we finish, and walks the deck with you before we leave.

FAQ

Wood deck questions

Have a question that is not here? Call (973) 900-0219 and ask.

How often does a wood deck need staining?

Most wood decks need a fresh coat of stain or sealer every two to three years, sooner in full sun. We can set you up on a schedule or handle the resealing for you.

Is pressure-treated wood safe for a deck?

Yes. Modern pressure-treated lumber is made for exactly this and is a standard, code-approved choice for residential decks.

Can I build a wood deck now and upgrade later?

You can. Some homeowners start with a treated-wood surface and switch to composite down the road. If that is your plan, we frame it so the future swap is straightforward.

Why Alco Decks