Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Need For Chemical Free Decking Material

We are purchasing a new home that has a deck (12' x 20') that is constructed of pressure treated wood. My wife has sensitivites to a lot of chemicals and we have grandchildren visit us frequently and would play on the deck. What suggestions do you have for chemical free materials that I could use to replace the deck flooring, and railing? Your ideas would be greatly apprecited. Thank you.

Try redwood - Only natural chemicals

Like Dick said, redwood, if you can get it and can afford it. Otherwise, go with a composite or vinyl decking. (Composite is like Trex, Ever Grain, Weather Best, etc. Vinyl is Azek.)

Redwood and cedar are good choices. One thing to consider though is that the dangers of pressure treated lumber have been grossly overstated. My understanding of the EPA's concern (and not the hysteria of some groups) was that there was some indication of leaching into the ground in areas surrounding CCA treated decks and playgrounds. According to the EPA, existing PT structures (like decks) are perfectly safe.

If you have a family member that may have a sensitivity, you might also consider an oil based penetrating stain.

A google search of "PT lumber" will get you all sorts of information and misinformation about the product.

Keep in mind that cedar and redwood are not going to look good for long without sealer.

Sunnyside,

I can appreciate your concern about the chemicals used in the PT process if you have family members or friends who are sensitive to them. I know several people who are very sensitive to grasses and pollens and springtime is pretty tough on them.

Dick, Wayne and Mitch are talking about using redwood or cedar and then staining it. What about the chemicals in the stain or sealer?? (I'm just throwing that out there.)

To follow up on what Mitch17 said, if you opt for a wood like cedar or redwood, you'll be staining or sealing it every year or so not only for appearance but also to protect the wood and extend it's life. That's a lot of expense and a lot of work. The better sealers are pushing $40/gal. or more.

Back to a composite or vinyl deck board. Probably nothing there that any person would be sensitive to, nothing leaching into the ground, and no annual sealing or staining. Plus a 20 or 25 year warranty on the boards.

Lefty, Thank you for your input. You seem to have a good grasp of our situation .... sealing the wood is not an option due to my wife'e sensitivites to many chemicals (especially if they have a petro-chemical base). My concern with the composites is that they are full of glue/adhesive (or at least I think they are) and probably would take a couple of years to out-gas. I understand there are some exotic woods that do not need to be treated, but I really don't know much about them. If you have any additional thoughts, please send them my way. Txs again

If cost isn't an issue, teak would probably meet your needs. No finish or protective coating required. If you google teak lumber you can get some info on availability and prices.