For those in the western US I am wondering what you would use for a decking material. I know cedar is a better choice but not an option. And these two are not traditionally used for decking, rather framing. But these two are the choices.

Have a small mill buddy who can do either. what would you choose? It will be exposed decking. Will use a water sealer of some sort. Sun is more of an issue than rain and snow.

Talking 1x6"

Thanks guys

If it's one or the other, I'd go with fir for the decking and save the larch for firewood. But that's just me.

With a proper sealant (another thread that I plan to start soon as I'm re-doing a deck), I don't think it matters much which wood you use. But, I can say, having a split log sided home, sun will beat the hell out of any wood. Keep it coated with a good UV blocking agent.

Larch is stronger and 15% harder, I would go with that for decking for better longevity.

Both are conifers from parts of the West I haven’t lived in, larch broadly in the Pine family (genus Larix) and “red fir,” as noted, is a true fir. What red fir is not is “Douglas fir,” a different genus from the true firs. All that to say, hell if I know what would make the better deck. Hopefully, someone with experience from that part of the country will chime in.

In N.W. Montana they seem to be using larch as second choice after cedar for wood decking.

I just replaced old fir decking that lasted 30 years at the cabin. New decking is cedar. But 30 years is pretty good.

If you're getting free wood, seems reasonable. If not, any consideration to the synthetic decking materials out now? For an always-exposed pier in this area it's the go-to choice.

If you have a friend doing the cutting, have him cut 2x6 instead of 1x6. Stiffer and longer lasting.

In my experience, (on the east coast) all my decking is pressure treated 2x6’s. My porches are all roofed, but most of my decking is 25+ years old and still solid.

HRK, you beat me to it.

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Originally posted by Chris42:
Stiffer and longer lasting.

I remember those days!

quote:

Originally posted by 83v45magna:
HRK, you beat me to it.

LOL it's scary the crap we remember from 40 years ago, and then don't remember what we had for dinner last night...