Quote:
Originally Posted by Bear Islander
I believe cypress, cedar and Ipe can be used untreated on a dock.
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Correct, it should be noted that all these species require a wax end grain treatment if you intend on not applying a finish to them. Ipe requires it either treated or not. I would also only use Western Red Cedar for an untreated application as Eastern White Cedar (Port Orford) is not as decay resistant as WRC.
You can also add Mahogany (cambara) to the list of good choices.
The cedar is the lowest cost option with IPE being the highest. Cedar will check and warp a little (I mean a very little) while the others will pretty much hold their ground if the end treatment is provided.
Anyway unless you treat all six sides of a deck board, you are really just making things look pretty. You are allowing moisture to be absorbed by some surfaces and not others and also creating barriers that the moisture will not be able to get past, while trying to evaporate.
Remember, no wood is completely rot proof. Especially Pressure Treated, it is treated to resist insects not moisture, it will still rot.
Anytime you subject wood to prolonged contact to moisture then dry it out then get it wet and continue, you are creating the right conditions for wood to rot. If water sits on top of your deck boards in little puddles and is slowly absorbed into the wood, it will eventually rot out. Full blastings of sun are tough as well, but you need to pick your battles. Having a product that is not slippery when wet and will resist insects and decay naturally are getting you off on the right foot. The sun comes with the territory and is usually less damaging, if not helpful as it dries the surface out faster.
Anyway, good thread BI, being proactive on house maintenance is often overlooked this time of year.