Which wood is used for decking and general woodwork and is knotty but durable when treated?

Which wood is used for decking and general woodwork and is knotty but durable when treated?

• A. Redwood
• B. Elm
• C. Walnut
• D. Teak

Answer: (A)

Timber for decking and general woodwork needs to resist weather, decay, and insects while still taking finishes well. Redwood has natural extractives that give it good outdoor durability, so it lasts longer when exposed to the elements. It’s a softwood, so it’s easy to work with, and it accepts preservative treatments well, which further increases its life outdoors. The knots you see are a natural feature of this wood, giving a rustic look, but they don’t prevent its durability when treated. That combination of durability when treated, workability, and affordable availability is why redwood is commonly used for decking and general woodwork. The other woods listed aren’t as well suited for outdoor decking: elm isn’t durable outdoors, walnut is costly and not typically used for decks, and teak is very durable outdoors but expensive and not normally knotty.

Timber for decking and general woodwork needs to resist weather, decay, and insects while still taking finishes well. Redwood has natural extractives that give it good outdoor durability, so it lasts longer when exposed to the elements. It’s a softwood, so it’s easy to work with, and it accepts preservative treatments well, which further increases its life outdoors. The knots you see are a natural feature of this wood, giving a rustic look, but they don’t prevent its durability when treated. That combination of durability when treated, workability, and affordable availability is why redwood is commonly used for decking and general woodwork. The other woods listed aren’t as well suited for outdoor decking: elm isn’t durable outdoors, walnut is costly and not typically used for decks, and teak is very durable outdoors but expensive and not normally knotty.