When it comes to building a wood deck in Central Texas, specifically in the Austin area, picking the right wood isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about making smart, long-lasting decisions for your home and deck. It’s an investment, as well as an enjoyable outdoor space enhancement. The sun in Texas is harsh, the heat unpredictable, and severe weather patterns make selecting the right material for your deck especially important in Central Texas.
In addition to visual appeal, durability, heat resistance and maintenance requirements are all critical factors to consider before constructing a new wood deck. Not all materials are created equal, and while many are adequate, the wood that stands out as a top choice for Central Texas Decks is Western Red Cedar.
At Austex Fence and Deck, we’ve helped thousands of Central Texas homeowners build beautiful, lasting outdoor spaces. In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular wood decking options in the Austin area—comparing cost, durability, maintenance needs, and performance in the Texas climate—so you can choose the best fit for your needs. Whether you’re looking for low upkeep, long-term strength, or natural beauty, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each wood type and explain why, based on years of hands-on experience, we often recommend Western Red Cedar for its heat resistance, curb appeal, and balanced performance in Central Texas.
Not all woods are created equally, especially when it comes to decks in Central Texas. Choosing the right materials for your deck is more important than picking what looks the best. Here are some critical factors to weigh when selecting the wood for your new deck:
Your deck should be able to withstand the elements and give you years of use. Pressure-treated wood options and harder woods are capable of resisting wear, and softer woods are more prone to dents and scratches.
In Central Texas, where the weather conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, choosing a wood that naturally resists moisture, bugs and rot is even more essential for long-term performance. It’s even more critical to have the wood treated for protection.
Not all woods are created equally. Some woods require regular staining and/or sealing to prevent wear and damage, as well as maintain their color. Others, like composite materials, are relatively maintenance-free. Before choosing, consider how much work for upkeep you’re willing to do annually.
Deck surfaces can get easily too hot under the Central Texas sun. Certain woods, like Western Red Cedar, remain cool to the touch, making it safe for bare feet, pets and more comfortable in a warm summer.
If you’re conscious about the environment, seek a wood that is sustainably harvested and sourced from well-managed suppliers. Composite materials, and Western Red Cedar are more eco-friendly than imported tropical hardwoods.
Wood grain, color, and finish flexibility can influence your wood choice. You might want a wood that naturally weathers to a certain shade, or even to match your home’s colors.
Like any home improvement project, budget plays a big role in the wood you will choose for your new deck. Pressure-treated woods offer the lowest upfront costs, and other materials, like redwood or tropical hardwoods provide more longevity, but are paired with a higher ticket. You’ll want to aim for the right balance of cost and long-term value.
Some woods, like tropical hardwoods or redwood might be harder to get in Texas, and result in higher transport fees. Choosing a more locally available wood, like Western Red Cedar, or pressure-treated pine will help to reduce costs, and delays.
Some hardwoods are very dense and require special installation tools. If you’re a DIYer or weekend warrior, consider woods that are easy to cut, shape and fasten. If you plan to pay someone to install your deck, these choices can help reduce labor costs.
In addition to heat resistance, factors like slip resistance and wood splintering need to be considered for the safety and comfort of your deck for kids, pets and barefoot use.
Before selecting the wood or materials you want for your new deck, check with your local municipality or if you have an HOA (homeowners association). Some areas have specific regulations about what decking materials can be used, especially including appearance, safety and even fire resistance. Certain HOAs can even require approval before construction begins, and some may restrict the use of composite decking or tropical hardwoods altogether. Early factoring of these guidelines can end up saving you wasted time, money or even redesigns down the line.
Not just the materials for your new deck matter. The hardware you choose matters, too. Some woods, like tropical hardwoods and cedar, perform best with stainless steel or coated screws to prevent corrosion or staining. Hidden fasteners can also give your deck a cleaner, more finished look, especially composite decking boards.
Choosing the right wood for your deck starts with knowing all the options. Below is a comparison, where you can see the most common materials used for decks in Texas, side-by-side. Woods and alternatives are listed as a quick reference chart to make easy to evaluate, based on key performance factors:
| Wood Type | Durability | Heat Resistance | Maintenance | Cost ($-$$$$) | Longevity |
| Western Red Cedar | High | Stays Cool | Moderate | $$ | 15-25 Years |
| Redwood | High | Stays Cool | Moderate | $$$ | 20-30 Years |
| Tropical Hardwoods | Very High | Very Hot | Low | $$$$ | 40+ Years |
Western Red Cedar is one of the most popular woods for decks in Central Texas for good reason. It’s known for its warm color, rich, distinctive grain, and it adds natural beauty to any outdoor space. This material isn’t just about aesthetics. It performs well in the challenges of a warm Austin area climate.
Western Red Cedar is commonly harvested in the Pacific Northwest. This wood is widely distributed and usually available through most suppliers in Texas, making it sustainable and practical.
Yes. Western Red Cedar is considered one of the most eco-friendly woods for decks. It’s renewable, biodegradable and often sustainably harvested from responsibly managed forests.
Redwood is a natural beauty and appreciated for that, as well as its exceptional resistance to decay. It has rich reddish hues and tight grain patterns, so it offers stunning visual aesthetics other woods can’t match. It performs well in main climates, but it is less common in Texas, due to pricing and availability.
Redwood is native to the West Coast of the US, and it is primarily harvested in California. It is not a local wood in Texas, which makes it carry a higher price tag, due to limited supply and transport costs.
Yes. Many Redwood suppliers follow sustainable forest practices. It is renewable and biodegradable. However, since it comes from a far region, that means a larger carbon footprint compared to more locally available woods, like cedar.
Tropical hardwoods are the heavyweights of the decking materials world. They are known for their exceptional hardness, resistance to the elements, and longevity. These exotic woods are often used in commercial or high-end outdoor projects. In Central Texas, they are sometimes chosen for their durability, but they come with trade-offs in sustainability, comfort, and of course, cost.
Tropical hardwoods like Cumaru, Ipe, Mahogany and Tigerwood are usually sourced from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. They often come from rainforests, raising concerns about environmental impact and legal sourcing.
That depends. Some are harvested sustainability, others are not. They need to be properly certified (by the FSC) or their use might contribute to deforestation and damage the ecosystem. The eco-conscious might want to consider domestic alternatives.
Western Red Cedar balances aesthetics, performance and climate compatibility. It stands out as one of the most well-rounded decking options for Central Texas homeowners. Every material has its strengths, but this special cedar checks many of the boxes that matter most in our warm region.
At Austex Fence and Deck, we’ve installed countless cedar decks across Central Texas and continue to recommend it as a top-tier option for homeowners seeking long-term value and comfort.
Western Red Cedar is a top choice for its durability, comfort, and natural beauty — and the team at Austex Fence and Deck is here to help. With decades of experience building custom decks, we’ll guide you from material selection to final installation to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re replacing an old deck or building brand new, we’ll help you create a space you’ll love to use and show off.
While Western Red Cedar is our top recommendation for wood decks in Central Texas, some homeowners prefer to explore other options. If you’re wondering about the best overall decking material, not just wood, composite is worth considering.
Its low-maintenance design, resistance to rot and insects, and long lifespan make it an excellent alternative for busy homeowners who want durability without regular upkeep. Composite decking performs especially well in Texas weather, and we often recommend it as the best non-wood decking material for long-term convenience.
Get a free quote today and see how easy it is to bring your deck to life!
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