On Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:10:50 -0000, cas wrote:

Part one:

We're looking to replace our 20 year old deck. What would be the best
material to use? I'm not too fond of composite decking, which leaves
either redwood/cypress or salt treated. Any reasons not to lean
towards redwood/cypress over salt treated? How about treating the
wood? Just the top or the bottom also? I don't want to paint it (a
friend did that, it looked good for a while, now he's going through
the pains of refinishing it).

The deck is going to be 10x20 and will be around 15' off the ground.
We live in Western NC at 2800', the deck faces east and will get
dappled sun until around 10, then full sun until 3pm. We do get some
snow/ice up here. We spend a lot of time on it, I usually eat
breakfast outside and my wife and daughter spend a good chunk of their
day hanging out on it.

Redwood or cypress will work. Pressure treated works well and readily
available. Redwood is expensive unless you live on the west coast,
plus it is rather soft. A decking stain will protect the wood much
better and longer than a clear coating (I prefer Cabots Decking
stain). Coat all sides, paying particular attention to end grain
areas. Deck screws are better than nails.