Pressure-treated wood deck with stained railings in a backyard in Atlanta, Georgia

Pressure-Treated, Cedar & Hardwood Decks in Atlanta

Pressure-treated pine, western red cedar, ipe, and exotic hardwoods — built for Georgia's climate with expert staining and finishing included.

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Licensed & Insured
5-Star Rated
10+ Years Experience
Locally Owned

Real Lumber, Real Craftsmanship

Natural wood gives you something composite can't — real grain, texture, and warmth under your feet. It also comes with a tradeoff: wood decks need maintenance. In Georgia's climate, that means staining every 2-3 years for most species, and replacing boards sooner than you'd like if you skip it. If you're okay with that upkeep, nothing else looks or feels quite like real lumber.

The species matters more than most people expect. Pressure-treated pine is affordable and widely available, but it warps and splinters faster than cedar or hardwood. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and ages gracefully. Ipe and other exotics are nearly indestructible — 40-75 year lifespans — but cost significantly more and require annual oiling. The materials comparison below lays out the full tradeoffs.

Every wood deck we build gets an initial stain application before you use it. Georgia's UV and humidity start breaking down unprotected wood fast, so we don't leave that step for later.

Quick Facts

Typical Timeline
1-2 weeks from start to finish
Materials
Pressure-treated pine, cedar, ipe, mahogany
Staining
Needed every 2-3 years for longevity
Permits
We handle all permits and inspections
Service Area
Atlanta metro — Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb & beyond
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Maintaining a Wood Deck in Georgia

Wood decks need maintenance. Georgia's humidity, UV, and red clay splash-back will punish unprotected lumber fast. Here's the real schedule.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Stain every 2-3 years. Wait 4-6 weeks after install before the first coat. Power wash annually. Expect board replacements around year 8-10 as they crack from the wet-dry cycle.

Cedar

Stain every 2-3 years for color retention, but cedar weathers more gracefully if you miss a season. Left unstained, it turns silver-gray — structurally fine, just a different look.

Ipe & Exotic Hardwoods

Annual oiling to maintain color. Without oil, ipe weathers to silver-gray. No splinters, no rot, no structural repairs — just cosmetic oiling. We offer refinishing services so you don't have to DIY.

Wood Decking Materials: Pressure-Treated vs. Cedar vs. Hardwood

Each wood type has its strengths. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide.

  • Pressure-Treated

    Pressure-treated southern yellow pine is the most popular decking lumber in Georgia. It's affordable, structurally strong, and treated with preservatives that resist rot, decay, and termites. It delivers a solid deck at the lowest price point, which is why it's the go-to choice for most builds.

    Advantages

    • Most affordable decking material available
    • Strong and structurally reliable for any deck size
    • Readily available at every Georgia lumber yard
    • Can be stained or painted any color you want
    • Treated to resist rot, decay, and termites

    Considerations

    • Requires staining and sealing every 2-3 years
    • Prone to warping, cracking, and splintering over time
    • Shorter lifespan than cedar or hardwood (10-15 years)
    • Initial green tint — needs to dry 4-6 weeks before first stain
    • Splinters are common without regular maintenance
    Best For

    Budget-conscious homeowners who don't mind periodic staining and maintenance

    Price Range (Installed)

    $15 – $30 per sq ft (installed)

    Deck Staining Services →
  • Cedar

    Western red cedar is a step up from pressure-treated in both appearance and natural durability. Cedar contains natural oils that resist rot, insects, and moisture — no chemical treatment needed. It has a warm, reddish-brown tone and a tight grain that gives your deck a premium look from day one.

    Advantages

    • Beautiful natural color and grain pattern
    • Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture
    • Lighter weight than pressure-treated — easier on structures
    • No chemical treatment required
    • Weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left unstained

    Considerations

    • Costs roughly 2x more than pressure-treated lumber
    • Still needs staining every 2-3 years for color retention
    • Softer wood — more susceptible to dents and scratches
    • Less structurally strong than southern yellow pine
    • Availability can fluctuate in the Georgia market
    Best For

    Homeowners who want a natural, chemical-free wood with better aesthetics than pressure-treated

    Price Range (Installed)

    $25 – $45 per sq ft (installed)

  • Exotic Hardwood

    Ipe (Brazilian walnut), mahogany, tigerwood, and cumaru are the elite tier of decking lumber. These tropical hardwoods are incredibly dense — ipe is so hard it dulls saw blades and sinks in water. That density means exceptional durability: ipe decks can last 40-75 years with proper maintenance.

    Advantages

    • Unmatched natural beauty — rich colors and tight grain
    • Extremely durable — ipe lasts 40-75 years
    • Naturally resistant to rot, insects, mold, and even fire
    • Class A fire rating (ipe)
    • Highest resale value of any decking material

    Considerations

    • Highest cost of all decking materials
    • Requires annual oiling to maintain color
    • Very hard — requires pre-drilling for every fastener
    • Heavier than other woods — structural framing must account for weight
    • Longer installation time due to material hardness
    Best For

    High-end homes where natural beauty, extreme longevity, and resale value justify the premium investment

    Price Range (Installed)

    $40 – $75 per sq ft (installed)

Wood Deck Pricing

Investment ranges for wood deck projects. Every estimate is customized to your property, wood species, and design.

Pressure-Treated Deck

12' x 16' (192 sq ft)

$15,000 – $25,000

  • Pressure-treated southern yellow pine
  • Standard wood railings
  • Initial stain application
  • Design consultation
  • Permits & inspections
  • Professional construction & cleanup
Most Popular

Cedar Deck

14' x 18' (252 sq ft)

$25,000 – $40,000

  • Western red cedar decking
  • Cedar or upgraded railings
  • Premium stain & sealer application
  • Design consultation + material selection
  • Permits & inspections
  • Professional construction & cleanup

Exotic Hardwood

300+ sq ft

$40,000 – $75,000+

  • Ipe, mahogany, or tigerwood decking
  • Premium railing system
  • Hardwood oil finish
  • Full design & planning package
  • Permits & inspections
  • Workmanship warranty included

How We Work

From first call to final walkthrough, we make the process simple and stress-free.

01

Consultation & Design

We walk your property, discuss your vision, assess soil and grade, and help you choose the right wood species for your budget and maintenance preferences.

02

Wood Selection & Ordering

We source your lumber — pressure-treated, cedar, ipe, or mahogany — from trusted Georgia suppliers. Materials are inspected for quality before delivery.

03

Foundation & Framing

Concrete footings set below frost line in Georgia's red clay, pressure-treated joists and beams installed, ledger board attached and flashed to your home.

04

Board Installation

Deck boards installed with proper gapping for drainage and expansion. Hidden fasteners or stainless screws depending on species. Railings, stairs, and trim completed.

05

Sanding & Initial Stain

Light sanding to smooth the surface, followed by a premium penetrating stain application to protect the wood from day one against Georgia's UV and humidity.

06

Final Inspection & Cleanup

County inspection, walkthrough with you to check every detail, and full jobsite cleanup. Your wood deck is ready to enjoy.

What Our Customers Say

5.0 on Google
"Peachy Decks completely transformed our backyard. The composite deck they built is stunning and the craftsmanship is top-notch. They handled everything from permits to final cleanup."

Sarah M.

Marietta, GA

"We got quotes from four companies. Peachy Decks was the most transparent with pricing and the only one who showed up on time for the consultation. The finished pergola exceeded our expectations."

James & Linda R.

Roswell, GA

"Our screened porch is now our favorite room in the house. The team was professional, clean, and finished ahead of schedule. Highly recommend for anyone in the Atlanta area."

David K.

Alpharetta, GA

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Wood Deck FAQs

Common questions about building a wood deck. Have more? Give us a call — we're always happy to talk decks.

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  • How much does a wood deck cost?

    A wood deck typically costs $15,000 to $75,000+ depending on the wood species, size, and design complexity. A standard 12x16 pressure-treated deck starts around $15,000-$25,000 installed. Cedar decks in the 250 sq ft range run $25,000-$40,000. Exotic hardwood builds (ipe, mahogany) start around $40,000 and go up from there. We provide free, detailed estimates for every project.

  • What is the best wood for decks in Georgia?

    It depends on your budget and maintenance tolerance. Pressure-treated pine is the most popular and affordable — it holds up well in Georgia's climate as long as you stain it every 2-3 years. Cedar offers better natural rot resistance and a nicer appearance but costs more. Ipe is the top performer — it's virtually indestructible and lasts 40+ years — but it's the most expensive option. We walk through all the tradeoffs during your free consultation.

  • How often do you need to stain a wood deck in Georgia?

    Every 2-3 years for pressure-treated and cedar decks. Georgia's combination of intense UV, high humidity, and heavy rainfall breaks down deck stains faster than drier climates. We recommend semi-transparent oil-based stains for the best penetration and longevity. Exotic hardwoods like ipe need annual oiling to maintain their color — without it they'll weather to a silver-gray. We offer professional deck staining services to make this easy.

  • How long does a pressure-treated deck last in Georgia?

    A well-maintained pressure-treated deck lasts 10-15 years for the deck boards and 15-20 years for the structural framing. The key word is "well-maintained" — that means staining every 2-3 years, keeping gutters clear so water doesn't splash onto the deck, and replacing boards as they start to crack or splinter. Cedar lasts 15-20 years. Ipe can go 40-75 years. We're straightforward about lifespan expectations so you can make an informed choice.

  • Is a wood deck or composite deck better?

    Both work well in Georgia — it comes down to priorities. Wood costs less upfront and gives you a natural look and feel that many homeowners prefer. But it needs staining every 2-3 years and won't last as long. Composite costs more upfront but requires almost zero maintenance and lasts 25-50 years. If you want the lowest total cost of ownership, composite wins. If you love real wood and don't mind the upkeep, wood is a great choice. We build both and can help you decide during a free estimate.

Ready to Redefine Your Boundaries?

Get your free, no-obligation estimate today. We'll visit your home, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed quote — all at no cost.