About Redwood:
Redwood is a classic for decks because it is great looking, resists weathering and is easy to saw and use. The heartwood grades naturally resist insects and decay. Redwood has no chemical additives and resists warping and splitting better than other woods. The rugged, knot-textured garden grades, which are more economical than architectural grades, are ideal for outdoor structures. Choose an all-heartwood grade such as Construction Heart or Deck Heart for applications on or near the ground. The sapwood-streaked grades, Construction Common and Deck Common, for example, are good choices for above-ground uses such as deck boards. Redwood takes and holds finishes better than most other woods. For long lasting good looks and performance, a quality water repellent finish containing a mildewcide and an ultraviolet inhibitor is recommended.

For more detailed information, check out the California Redwood Association's website: www.calredwood.org

Con Common Redwood Deck (click picture to enlarge)

Con Heart Redwood Deck (click picture to enlarge)

IPE Brazilian Hardwood
Brazilian Hardwood, ironwood or ipe is a popular choice for high-end contemporary decks. Ipe is an exotic wood that is predominately harvested from Brazil. It is hard, strong, and naturally resistent to rot, abrasion & weather. Ipe is almost twice as dense as most woods and up to 5 times harder. On top of all that it has the highest, Class A fire rating, the same rating given to concrete & steel. It is dark brown in color with black streaks, like mahogany, so not only lasts a long time but has the beauty of a fine interior wood. Ipe is used for decking surfaces, usually with a hidden fastener system. The wood is very dense, and as such is extremely resistant to preservation treatments. Left to nature the UV sun rays and traditional weathering will change the ipe to a nice consistent light grey. Finishes applied on an annual basis can be used to hold ipe's original color. If it has been allowed to grey, Ipe can be power-washed back to its original appearance.

For more info: http://www.woodsthebest.com/index.htm

About Trex:
Trex Wood-Polymer™* lumber brings together some of the best properties of wood and plastic. Compared to conventional decking lumber, Trex decking offers so much more: outstanding durability without preservatives or sealants, workability that wood can't match, and an elegant natural coloring that stays looking great year after year. Both Trex and wood tend to fade with time - but there is a big difference. After 8-12 weeks of exposure to sunlight and moisture, Trex weathers to driftwood grey tones that it naturally maintains. On the other hand, wood continues to change color (and not always evenly) throughout its lifetime. As a rule of thumb, Trex is comparably priced to most premium decking lumber. But when you factor in costs for stains, sealants, replacement boards and other maintenance over the next 10 years and beyond, Trex comes out well ahead

For more information, check out the manufacturer's site: www.trex.com

Trex Deck (click picture to enlarge)