Picking Lumber for a deck along the Wasatch Front isn’t just about color or cost. It’s about how that wood will stand up to snow in February, a barbecue in July, and the dry air that seems to pull moisture out of everything. You want boards that look great, last long, and don’t fight you on install. That’s our lane. At Utah Deck Supply, we help homeowners and contractors in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties choose wood that fits the climate, the budget, and the build schedule. Let me explain what’s working right now—and why.
First, what Utah’s climate does to wood (and why it matters)
High UV, dry air, and big temperature swings—those three shape your deck’s life here. Boards shrink a bit after the first hot spell. End grains check if they’re not sealed. Snowmelt can sit where boards meet joists, so water resistance matters. It sounds harsh, and it is, but good wood with smart details holds up beautifully.
You know what? The goal isn’t zero maintenance. That’s a myth. The goal is predictable maintenance. If you seal it on a schedule and choose the right species, your deck ages gracefully instead of throwing surprises every spring.
Pressure-treated pine: the workhorse that gets it done
For many builds, pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine is the budget-friendly choice. It’s treated for decay and insects—look for MCA or MicroPro treatment rated UC3B for decking and UC4A for posts. Around here, we like KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) because it moves less as it acclimates in our dry air. It’s also strong, which is nice for long spans.
Pros? It’s affordable, easy to cut, and widely available. Cons? You’ll see more knots and some surface checking over time. You’ll want a high-quality penetrating stain within a few weeks of install, once the surface dries. And use hot-dip galvanized or stainless fasteners—treatment chemicals are tough on Hardware.
Bottom line: If you want a solid deck without breaking the bank, this is your starting point. Not glamorous, but reliable.
Cedar: warm color, friendly to work with
Western Red Cedar has that soft glow people love. It’s light, easy to cut, and it naturally resists decay. For Utah’s climate, that makes life easier during install and through the seasons. It won’t hold a straight line forever—few woods do—but it’s stable enough when you pick good boards and fasten well.
Cedar likes breathable finishes. Think penetrating oil with UV blockers rather than a thick film that wants to peel. Plan on a light wash and recoat every 12–24 months, depending on sun exposure. On the plus side, maintenance days are simple and quick. Contractors love it for that reason.
Redwood: local vibes, deeper durability
If you want a natural look with a bit more heft than cedar, redwood is that sweet middle ground. It’s richer in color, resists decay, and ages nicely with a good oil finish. You’ll pay more than cedar, less than tropical hardwoods. Around the Wasatch, that’s often the “treat yourself, but not too much” pick.
Pick heartwood-rich boards for longevity. Keep end grain sealed and use spacers or deck tape on joists to reduce trapped moisture. Do those small things and redwood will stay handsome for a long time.
Tropical hardwoods (ipe, cumaru, tigerwood): beauty and brawn
Want a deck that feels like a high-end ski lodge terrace in Park City? Tropical hardwoods deliver that dense, smooth, timeless look. Ipe is the standard: very hard, very stable, and naturally resistant to decay and bugs. Cumaru and tigerwood share many of the same strengths with their own grain personalities.
A few quick notes so expectations are clear. These woods are heavy and tough on blades. Pre-drilling is a must. We recommend stainless screws—DeckWise or similar—and hidden fasteners if you want that clean surface. Oil the surface with a high-quality hardwood oil (we stock several) and refresh yearly if you want to keep the color; skip the oil and it’ll turn a classy silver-gray.
Yes, hardwoods cost more. But their lifespan can stretch past 25 years with smart maintenance. If you’re building a forever-deck, it’s worth a look.
Thermally modified wood: low-chemical, high stability
Thermally modified ash or pine gets “baked” in a controlled environment, which changes the wood’s cell structure. The result is more stability and better decay resistance without traditional preservatives. Brands like Thermory are popular with architects who want a clean, modern look and less movement over time.
In Utah’s dry climate, that stability is a real win. You still need a breathable finish to fight UV, and you’ll still see some checking because, well, wood is wood. But movement is reduced, and the color is beautiful—rich brown right out of the wrapper.
The small stuff that makes a big difference
Framing counts—maybe more than decking
Decking gets the credit, but framing sets the lifespan. Use UC4A-rated treated lumber for posts and ground contact. Consider Joist tape to keep moisture from sitting on top of framing. Check spans and fastener schedules; we like Simpson Strong-Tie connectors and GRK Structural screws for clean installs.
Fasteners and gaps
Use stainless Steel in areas with snow melt or where you don’t want stains. For hardwoods, stainless is non-negotiable. For treated pine, hot-dip galvanized also works. Set consistent gaps—3/16″ to 1/4″—and account for acclimation. Boards tighten in spring; they relax by late July. That’s normal here.
Finish and upkeep
Penetrating oils with UV protection keep boards from drying out and turning brittle. Film finishes look great at first but tend to peel under our UV. Recoat schedule? Annually for hardwoods if you want color, every 12–24 months for cedar/redwood, and every 12–18 months for treated pine. It sounds like a lot, but with a good cleaner and a brightener, it’s a half-day project.
DIY or bring in a pro? Here’s a quick gut check
Honestly, many homeowners crush a deck build with the right tools and a long weekend…or three. But safety and code compliance matter, especially at the ledger and stairs. If you’re on the fence, consider this quick list:
- Ledger attachment and flashing: get it right or bring in a pro.
- Stairs and railings: more code details than they look—worth a consult.
- Hardwoods: doable DIY, but pre-drilling and layout take patience.
- Large spans or hillside lots: a contractor saves time and change orders.
Either way, we’ll help with takeoffs, material lists, fastener counts, and delivery timing. You focus on building; we’ll sweat the supply details.
What we stock locally (and how fast you can get it)
We carry MCA-treated decking and framing (including KDAT), Western Red Cedar, select-grade Redwood, and popular hardwood profiles with matching fasteners and oils. Thermally modified options are available by request with short lead times. Need hidden fasteners, pre-grooved boards, or color-matched screws? We keep the good stuff on the shelf so you’re not waiting a week to set a single board.
Ordering is simple. Call ahead, or send your takeoff. We stage your order and deliver across Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties—jobsite or driveway.
Ready to pick your deck lumber? Let’s talk
If you want straight talk on wood that lasts in our climate, we’re here for it. Call Utah Deck Supply at 385-993-5492 or Request a Free Quote. Tell us your layout, sun exposure, and timeline, and we’ll match you with the right boards, fasteners, and finish. You get a deck that looks great now—and still makes you smile in ten years.
