Introduction
When building or fixing up your roof, what is the best wood for roof decking? This choice is very important because the decking is the surface of your roof.
You want deck wood that is strong, won’t rot from weather, looks nice, and lasts a long time. This guide looks at the pros and cons of top decking woods.
It also gives tips on how to install and take care of wood roof decking. Keep reading to learn all about picking the ideal wood for your roof’s decking.
Benefits of Wood Roof Decking
Wood offers several advantages that make it a smart decking choice. Following are the benefits of choosing best wood for roof decking:
Wood for roof decking decking does need proper installation and maintenance to achieve maximum longevity. When cared for appropriately, high quality woods can last for decades.
Best Wood for Roof Decking
Western Red Cedar
Western red cedar is one of the premier choices for quality when choosing the wood for roof decking. It has a beautiful reddish-brown coloration with visible grain patterns. The wood’s natural oils help it resist rot, fungal growth and insect damage.
Cedar is dimensionally stable as well, meaning it won’t expand and contract much under weather changes. This makes it last for decades with proper installation and periodic refinishing.
It handles moisture well, making it suitable for nearly any climate but ideal for wet regions. The tradeoff is that cedar has a higher upfront cost than pressure treated lumber. But its durability and longevity make it a smart investment.
Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure treated lumber is an inexpensive, widely available choice for roof decking. The wood is chemically treated to resist rot, fungal growth and insect damage. The resistence of pressure treated lumber make it among the best wood for roof decking.
This process also lets homeowners easily paint or stain the pine if desired. The affordability and accessibility of treated pine are major advantages.
However, lumber or pine is more prone to warping and other deterioration in wet climates. Proper installation and consistent refinishing are needed to maximize its shorter useful life of 10-15 years.
Overall it’s a decent budget option but doesn’t have the longevity of natural woods like cedar or redwood.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
Alaskan yellow cedar is similar to its western red cousin but has a lighter blond to yellow color. It has a very attractive, uniform grain pattern.
Like other cedars, yellow cedar strongly resists damage from moisture and pests thanks to its natural oils. It is also dimensionally stable with minimal shrinking or swelling make it among the best wood material for roof decking.
These qualities make Alaskan yellow cedar excel in wet climates near the ocean. While it is more expensive and has limited availability, its exceptional durability makes it a superior deck wood where it can be sourced.
California Redwood
California redwood has a beautiful pinkish-red hue and natural resistance to all types of weathering. Its dense structure makes it resistant to rot, insects, and decay thanks to natural oils.
Redwood is extremely stable once installed, with almost no warping or twisting over decades of service. These qualities make redwood ideally suited for coastal climates. It also make it among the best woof for roof decking.
The cost is quite high, but redwood’s unmatched longevity offsets the price for the right homeowner.
Composite Decking
Composite decking gives you a wood-free choice for roof decking that needs very little maintenance. These boards are made by mixing together plastic, wood fibers, and sticky resin glues.
The mix makes a sturdy material that won’t rot, crack, or warp like natural wood can sometimes do. Composite deck boards stand up well to moisture, fading from sunshine, and bugs because of the plastic. All the boards look the same in color and texture too which make them best wood for roof decking.
Composite decking works fine in any climate. But it really shines in damp areas prone to mold growth. The plastic in the boards prevents mold and mildew. Composite does cost more up front than pine or cedar wood.
But the deck should easily last 20-30 years with almost zero upkeep. For homeowners who don’t want to refinish wood decks every couple years, composite is a great roof decking option.
Installation of best wood for roof decking
Proper installation practices maximize the lifespan of any roof decking and also provide roof decking protection. If you do a proper installation procedure, then you get the maximum lifespan of the roof decking.
- Let wood acclimate to local conditions before building
- Use joist spans and sizes per codes and manufacturer specs
- Stagger decking end joints between rows
- Allow 1/8″ gaps between boards for drainage and expansion
- Use stainless steel fasteners to minimize staining
- Pre-drill decking to prevent splitting, follow fastener patterns
- Install any protective flashing before attaching decking
- Check for existing issues like dry rot in roof structure before building
- Apply finishes or water repellents prior to installation if desired
Always follow the local building codes and manufacturer’s installation guidelines for layout, gapping, nails, and structural connections.
Maintenance Tips for greater lifespan
Roof decking should be inspected annually and maintained properly to achieve maximum longevity. After choosing the best wood for roof decking, ensure to maintain it to get longer lifepan.
With proper installation, maintenance and care, quality wood roof decking can easily last for decades. Taking steps to maximize lifespan avoids premature issues.
Conclusions
The selection of best wood for roof decking will depend on the climate where you live, budget, and what look you like.
But for most homes, cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are best wood for roof decking. Some fancy hardwoods or composite decks also work well in certain situations.
Be sure to check your local building codes and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when putting down new decking. Use good construction methods too.
That will keep the deck safe and looking good for many years into the future. If you aren’t sure what deck material fits your specific roof or weather best, talk to a roofing contractor for advice. Their experience can help guide you to the ideal choice.
FAQ’s
What kind of wood is best for roof decking?
Western red cedar, pressure-treated pine, redwood, and composite materials are commonly used for roof decking. Cedar and redwood provide natural weather resistance while pine is a more affordable option.
What is the best wood for roof decking?
Cedar and redwood are premium choices that offer durability and longevity, though with a higher upfront cost. For a budget-friendly option, pressure-treated pine is a decent decking board with proper maintenance.
What type of decking is best for roof?
Cedar and redwood naturally resist moisture, insects, and decay, making them ideal roof decking woods. Composite decking is also excellent, providing extreme durability and minimal maintenance needs.
How thick should a roof wood deck be?
A standard thickness for roof deck boards is 5/4 inches, but always check local building codes for the specific requirements on thickness and allowable spans based on your roof’s load.
What is the best wood for roof sheathing?
Exterior grade plywood, cedar boards, and pressure-treated pine are common choices for durable and weather-resistant roof sheathing.
