Types of Timber Used for Decking

There are a number of different species of timber used for decking, each with their own characteristics and costs. See below for a list of some of those available in the UK :-

Softwood	Janka Scale of Hardness (Pounds Force)	Notes
European Whitewood	420	Pressure preservative treated to aid durabilty
European Redwood	420	Pressure preservative treated to aid durabilty
Western Red Cedar	350
Douglas Fir		Pressure preservative treated to aid durabilty
Southern Yellow Pine	690	Pressure preservative treated to aid durabilty
Hardwood	Janka Scale of Hardness (Pounds Force)	Notes
Ipe	3684
Cumaru	3540
Garapa	1210
Teak	1150
Jarrah	1910
Karri	2030
Balau	1642
Massaranduba	3190
Iroko	1260
Angelim Pedra	1720

Janka scale information from multiple sources and supplied for guidance only. No guarantees are given regarding accuracy.

Hardness is one factor to consider when choosing decking, but other aspects that might be considered are durability and stability.

A useful source for in depth information about timber species used in decking is TRADA