However, that isn't always the case. Before stepping foot in a lumber store, consumers first should figure out exactly how the wood will be used, Saxe and other lumber salespeople advised. If shoppers aren't sure exactly what they want to do, they might sketch some ideas or bring in pictures of projects that caught their eyes, suggested Pat Nettleton, a saleswoman at Stock Lumber in Janesville. Deck wood typically is divided between pressure-treated lumber and cedar or redwood. Pressure-treated wood should not be used inside homes because some people may react to the chemicals.
Homeowners can apply clear or solid-color finishes.
I recommend using a semi-transparent stain instead of a solid color because the solid color tends to track more. Some treated lumber contains a wax coating in addition to the insect-resistant chemicals. Most lumber manufacturers recommend reapplying a sealant at least every other year. Cedar or redwood lumber costs more than treated wood. Cedar typically costs 25 percent more than treated, and redwood can be up to 50 percent more than treated wood, Nettleton said.