Wood Decks Built for Natural Beauty and Lasting Performance

Wood deck with black metal railings and built-in seating area in a shaded backyard.

A well-built wood deck creates a warm, inviting connection between your home and the outdoors. At Farrar Construction, we specialize in custom wood deck construction using high-performance materials like Ipe, redwood, tropical hardwoods, cedar, bamboo, and thermally modified wood. Whether you want a sleek, modern platform or a classic backyard gathering space, we deliver real wood decks with craftsmanship you can feel.

As your licensed deck builder, deck installer, and general contractor, we make sure your new wooden deck is built to perform—structurally, visually, and season after season.

Why Choose Farrar Construction

Wood deck with cable railing and stairs, featuring a barrel sauna tucked beneath the elevated structure.

Building custom decks with high-performance materials, such as wood and composite, isn’t a side service—it’s what we do. We don’t just install a platform and call it done. We design the entire outdoor experience around how you want to live outside, and we only build wood decks as part of a whole, integrated outdoor project to ensure structural quality and design cohesion.

  • Wood Decks and Outdoor Living Structures Built Together: Every post, beam, and board is carefully planned to work as a cohesive system—nothing is added or retrofitted later.
  • Certified Installers with the Right Tools and Experience: While we’re certified in composite systems, we bring the same level of technical precision to wood construction—from sustainably harvested redwood to dense tropical hardwoods.
  • Licensed and Insured: Farrar Construction operates under California General Contractor License #1034883. Every deck meets code, passes inspection, and is built with long-term performance in mind.
  • Professional Management, Clear Timelines: We manage your wood deck project from start to finish with a single point of contact, a coordinated timeline, and no surprises.

Comparing Wood Decking Options

Each type of wooden deck material offers unique advantages. This chart compares key features to help you choose the right decking wood for your space.

Wood Type Main Description Lifespan Durability & Weather Resistance Appearance Care Needs Additional Notes
IPE (Brazilian Walnut) Ultra-dense hardwood with unmatched resistance to rot, insects, and fire. The gold standard for high-performance wood decking. 40–75 years Extremely durable; excels in hot, wet, and coastal climates. Rich brown tones that weather to silver if untreated. Annual oiling to preserve color; pre-drilling required. Not eco-friendly due to the import distance, but top-tier dimensional stability.
Cumaru / Tropical Hardwoods Dense and visually striking woods like Cumaru, Garapa, and Jatoba offer natural resistance and exotic color. 30–50 years Very weather-resistant; handles sun and rain well. Ranges from golden to reddish-brown with strong grain. Benefits from seasonal oiling; needs sharp tools for installation. High-performance alternatives to IPE; limited sustainability depending on origin.
Redwood California-grown decking wood known for beauty and natural decay resistance. Great for custom layouts and lighter builds. 20–30 years Resists insects and moisture; performs well with maintenance. Deep red hue that fades to gray over time without sealing. Stain or seal annually to retain color and prevent drying. Sourced locally in California, a more sustainable hardwood option.
Cedar Lightweight and easy to work with. A traditional favorite for wood deck construction with good natural protection. 15–25 years Moderate durability; handles dry climates better than wet. Soft red or amber tones that age to silver-gray. Needs sealing every 1–2 years for maximum longevity. Dimensional stability is excellent; easy to cut and customize.
Thermally Modified Wood Domestic woods heat-treated for better performance—without chemicals. A modern, eco-conscious take on wooden decking. 25–40 years High resistance to rot and water absorption. Subtle, even tones that darken naturally. Minimal; may be sealed for color retention, but not required. Eco-friendly and non-toxic; outstanding dimensional performance.
Engineered Bamboo Manufactured using compressed bamboo fibers. An innovative, sustainable alternative to hardwood decking wood. 20–30 years Moisture- and insect-resistant; holds up well in mixed climates. Sleek, uniform appearance with warm or dark finishes. Low maintenance; sealing optional depending on exposure. Highly sustainable; bamboo regrows quickly and requires less energy to produce.

Why Homeowners Choose Wood Decks: Style, Flexibility, and Craftsmanship

Covered wood deck with privacy wall, outdoor seating, and string lighting for a cozy backyard living space.

A wooden deck isn’t just a surface—it’s an extension of your home’s style and a reflection of how you live outdoors. Wood offers unmatched design potential and the kind of craftsmanship that brings character to your space.

Design Freedom You Can Feel

  • Architectural Flexibility: Wood can be shaped and curved to create fluid edges, tiered platforms, and organic layouts that aren’t possible with most composite systems.
  • Custom Accents and Built-Ins: Add a live-edge bar top, integrated planter boxes, or mitered picture-frame borders—all cut and finished from the same decking wood for a cohesive look.
  • Material Mix Options: Wood pairs beautifully with steel railing, cable wire, stucco columns, or stone trim. We often combine redwood or cedar with metal accents to give decks a warm, modern finish.
  • Creative Staining Possibilities: From deep espresso to clear sealants that let the grain shine, wood allows full control over the color story. You can adjust tones over time or refresh the look entirely with a new finish.

Timeless Aesthetic That Evolves Naturally

  • Warm, Organic Visuals: Each board has its texture and tone, giving the deck a handcrafted appearance that feels rooted in nature, not manufactured.
  • Works with Every Home Style: Whether your home is modern, coastal, craftsman, or cabin-style, wood feels like it belongs, especially when matched to trim, siding, or outdoor furniture.
  • Aging with Character: Many homeowners choose to let their wood deck weather naturally to a silvery patina. It’s a low-maintenance option that still looks elegant and intentional.

A Clear, Efficient Process from Start to Finish

From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, we make the process smooth and predictable. We begin with a detailed planning session, assess your site, review wood decking material options, and present a design that complements your home and lifestyle.

Every wood deck we build is engineered, permitted, and constructed to meet California code, built by licensed deck contractors who know how to work with natural materials properly.

1

Consultation

1. Consultation

We listen to your design ideas to ensure your vision is brought to life.

2

Design

2. Design

Our custom deck builders create detailed designs and estimates.

3

Planning

3. Planning

We handle all the necessary paperwork, including permits.

4

Construction

4. Construction

Our skilled craftsmen build your deck with precision and care.

5

Walkthrough

5. Walkthrough

We esure every detail is perfect so you get to enjoy your new space.

Warranties and Guarantees

Our 1-year workmanship guarantee backs every wood deck we build. If anything falls short of your expectations, we fix it—no questions asked. While natural wood decking doesn’t come with the same manufacturer warranties as composites, we use only top-grade materials from reputable sources and follow best practices in wood deck construction to ensure long-term durability and appearance.

Areas We Serve

Farrar Construction proudly designs and builds wood decks across Northern California. We serve homeowners in Solano County, Napa County, Contra Costa County, and nearby areas, including Fairfield, Vacaville, Benicia, Vallejo, Suisun City, and American Canyon.

If you’re unsure whether we serve your location, please give us a call—we’re happy to confirm and discuss your project.

Ready to Build a Custom Wood Deck That Fits Your Life?

Wood decks offer something special—natural beauty, tactile comfort, and design flexibility you can’t replicate with synthetics. Whether you’re looking for a handcrafted redwood deck, a tropical hardwood upgrade, or a fully customized layout built for real outdoor living, Farrar Construction is the deck builder trusted by Northern California homeowners.

Let’s design a wooden deck that fits your lifestyle and lasts for years to come. Schedule your wood deck consultation today.

Wood Decks FAQs

Wood decking in shaded areas tends to retain moisture longer, which can lead to surface mildew or algae growth if not cleaned regularly. Choosing naturally decay-resistant materials like IPE, redwood, or thermally modified wood helps maintain durability in these conditions, especially when paired with proper ventilation beneath the deck.
Absolutely. Many of our clients mix natural wood decking with composite fascia, powder-coated aluminum railings, or steel-framed pergolas. This hybrid approach combines the organic feel of real wood with the strength and low-maintenance benefits of modern materials—ideal for customized layouts and visually layered outdoor living spaces.
Spring through early fall offers the most consistent conditions for wood deck construction, allowing optimal curing time for sealants and finishes. That said, Farrar Construction builds year-round and adjusts installation methods based on weather conditions, ensuring that your decking wood is properly acclimated and protected throughout every phase.