Question about decks (Rochester: mortgage, credit card, house)

[molochai2580]

Hi I live in Rochester MN and the deck on the back of my house needs to be rebuilt. Does anyone know the best type of wood for the climate? Preferably something that is good, but won't be super expensive since I want to sell my house and get out of MN, but the deck does look real crappy and I want every possible chance of selling when I put it on the market, which is why we are going to replace it.

[Alaskagrl]

I was born and raised in MN and my folks still live there. They have both a cabin and a house, both with extensive decks.

If you have $$--yellow cedar is wonderful wood that does not require treatment--it is naturally rot-resistant. Here in SE AK, it is constantly wet/raining, and yellow cedar is practically the only wood that holds up--one of the outdoor trails on our forest is made entirely from yellow cedar and shows almost no rot after 12 years. However, I'm not sure how readily available that wood is there. It is also heavy as hell.

I think my folks have one of their decks painted so as to resist rot. The cabin deck is sealed with some kind of water sealant that makes it look naturally dark--it's pretty and not fake looking. I'll ask 'em tonight exactly what kind of wood they bought. Cheers!

[golfgal]

For resale I would put in a composite deck, Trex or similar. They are expensive though. Generally people use cedar or treated lumber for decks in MN.

[becks2055]

Cedar is your best choice for good looks and resale value. Needs treatment about every other year. Composite decking is nice but spendy, but does hold value with a smart home-buyer. Are you selling in the winter or spring?

[molochai2580]

It'll be a couple of years since we owe more than the house is worth and can't afford to bring money to closing yet. I have to pay off a couple of credit cards then send extra principle with the mortgage payments, until I bring my balance down to market value.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[bobbbyy]

Man doesnt that suck? But yea I just put a deck on the front of my house, used treated for all the non-visible supports and joists etc, used cedar for the surface and trim, etc.