Compare Cabin Deck Materials

The most important part of a cabin deck is the wood selection. Each of the cabin decking materials we sell have unique and worthwhile benefits. Each species offers such a vivid display of colors and has the durability you need to ensure decades of quality use.

Compare our line of exotic hardwoods against other common wood types, and you'll see that our lumber is the best choice for your cabin deck.

Our Line of Exotic Hardwood Decking Materials:

Specie

Janka Hardness

Bending Strength

Decay Resistance
Ipe 3680 22,560 psi Highest rating for insect (termite) and decay resistance. Offers up to 100 year lifespan.
Tigerwood 1850 19,285 psi Very durable and naturally resistant to decay and insects. Offers 25 + year lifespan.
Cumaru 3540 14,793 psi Very durable and naturally resistant to decay and insects. Offers up to 25+ year lifespan.
Garapa 1210 12,900 psi Very durable and naturally resistant to rot, decay, splinters and fire without any chemical treatments
Massaranduba 3190 27,280 psi Very durable and naturally resistant to decay and insects. Offers up to 20+ year lifespan

Other Common Decking Materials:

Specie

Janka Hardness

Bending Strength

Decay Resistance
Douglas Fir 670 12,400 psi Not naturally resistant to decay. Should be painted or stained to prevent decay.
Pressure Treated Pine 690 14,500 psi A chemical preservative, chromated copper arsenate is forced into the wood. Offering resistance to decay, but also potential health concerns.
California Redwood 480 10,000 psi Premium grades are more durable than most woods in common use. Resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Treatment is recommended.
Western Cedar 580 7,500 psi This softwood is more durable than most woods in common use. Resistant to decay, but relatively soft and quick to weather. Treatment is recommended.
Philippine Mahogany 760 12,000 psi Only the dark red species are resistant to decay. Although more durable than cedar and redwood, it is still relatively soft compared to Ipe Decking.

Is Composite Decking Good for Cabin Decks?

We have nothing good to say about composite decking. Simply put, no imitation is quite as good as the real thing. Here are some facts about composites that prove why most brands are an unsuitable cabin decking material:

  • It soaks up water like a sponge, making it prone to mold and decay
  • Must be constantly maintained and cleaned, which for a vacation cabin can be expensive
  • Composite decking is expensive to buy and upkeep
  • As boards decay, your beautiful vacation retreat can become an eyesore
  • Many recalls and lawsuits plague this so-called "maintenance free" decking

    • Composite deck boards that have broken completely through.

    This composite deck is made of high wood content composite decking. It acts as a sponge and warps easily.

    A moldy deck - the result of a poor decking choice.

Now that you've seen how the different wood types stack up against each other, it's time to buy natural hardwood cabin decking material.