Although Hickory Dickory Decks specializes in low maintenance decking, we also build cedar decks and pressure treated decks. As more deck products come available in the low maintenance decking category, wood products continue to change and new products continue to appear in the market every year. Cedar decks make up the largest portion of wood decks constructed by Hickory Dickory Decks. New materials such as exotic hardwoods from different parts of the world, particularly South America, make up a portion of the very high end market.
Cedar can be separated into a number of different grades based generally on appearance, and for some types of lumber, based on the strength and structural capability of the wood. Hickory Dickory Decks uses only the highest grades of knotty cedar for decking, rails, trim and skirting. Our suppliers separate premium grades of material far beyond the quality found in most retail stores. We also carry clear cedar which is free from large knots and often from older trees which makes for a tighter grain and typically a longer lasting deck.
Exotic hardwoods such as Ipe have become readily available over the past decade. Hardwoods have a unique, beautiful look but require regular maintenance to keep the appearance. These products have exceptional durability because of their density and will typically last far longer than a traditional wood deck. With the movement toward sustainability and environmental protection of South American hardwoods, certifications and government protection programs provide the consumer with peace of mind when purchasing these products. Of course these certifications come with a premium price tag.
