"jtees4" wrote in message
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What do you all think I should use? What is best? Real wood (what
type?) or one of the new fake woods? ...and of course why?? Thanks for
any advice. If it matters, I am in the Northeast..Long island.

There are many good choices.

Ipe
Mahogany
Cypress
Cedar
Redwood (usually expensive in the east)
Pressure treated
Artificial woods.

The artificial are supposed to require the least amount of maintenance.
I've seen little of it so can't comment on that.

The best appearance, (and highest cost) are Ipe and Mahogany. Give them a
coat of Penofin oil every couple of years and they will look great.
Penofin also has UV protection to maintain the natural color.
We have a good lumberyard where I live and they have a 4' x 4' section of
decking made from each material so you can see what it will look like and
how well it weathers.