From Classic to Composite: Choosing the Right Decking and Finishes with Williams

I’m Kimberley Williams, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations and Marketing at Williams Lumber and Home Centers. Since 1946, we’ve proudly served the Hudson Valley with the belief that the right materials, paired with the right guidance, make all the difference. As outdoor living continues to grow in popularity, we’re here to help you choose the best decking and exterior stain solutions to match your style, budget, and long-term goals.

Whether you’re building a brand-new deck, updating an existing one, or refinishing the wood on a porch or gazebo, our team at Williams is here to guide you every step of the way. We stock the top names in the industry—Trex, treated lumber, Cabot, and Benjamin Moore—because we believe in offering the best to our customers.

Trex Decking: Durable, Sustainable, and Low-Maintenance

At Williams, we love Trex composite decking for its incredible performance and beautiful design. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance solution that doesn’t sacrifice style, Trex is the way to go.

Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex is an eco-conscious choice that resists fading, staining, scratching, and mold. You never have to sand, seal, or stain a Trex deck—just occasional cleaning with soap and water. It’s ideal for everything from a modern entertainment deck to a peaceful private patio.

Trex offers a wide variety of colors and grain patterns, so whether your home is farmhouse, colonial, or contemporary, there’s a style to complement it. We’ve helped customers across Dutchess, Ulster, and Columbia counties design outdoor spaces that feel like natural extensions of their homes—all with the long-lasting reliability of Trex.

Culpeper Treated Lumber: Time-Tested, Versatile, and Budget-Friendly

While composite materials are increasingly popular, many homeowners still love the look, feel, and affordability of Culpeper pressure-treated lumber. It’s been a staple in American backyards for decades, and for good reason—when installed properly and maintained with care, treated wood decks can last for many years.

At Williams, we carry a full range of premium Culpeper pressure-treated decking boards, suitable for everything from large wraparound decks to small front steps. Treated wood is highly versatile and easy to cut, drill, and fasten. It’s also a great choice for DIYers or those looking for an economical option.

Pair Culpeper treated lumber with one of our top-of-the-line exterior stains, and your deck will look beautiful while being protected from the elements year after year.

Cabot Stain: Rich Color and Proven Protection

When it comes to wood stain, Cabot is a name we trust and recommend. Their exterior stains are formulated to penetrate deeply into wood surfaces, offering excellent weather protection and enhancing the natural beauty of the grain.

Cabot offers a variety of finishes—from clear and semi-transparent to solid color stains—allowing homeowners to express their design preferences while protecting their investment. Whether you’re going for a rustic, weathered look or a bold pop of color, we can help you find the right match.

Our associates often recommend Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil for decks, which is specially formulated to protect exotic wood types and enhance hardwoods with a warm, saturated finish. It’s ideal for outdoor furniture and porches too.

Benjamin Moore Exterior Stain: Style and Substance

For those seeking exceptional color selection, fade resistance, and timeless elegance, Benjamin Moore’s Woodluxe® line is a standout. Known for its superior performance and long-lasting protection, Woodluxe stains are perfect for decks, fences, siding, and outdoor furniture.

What makes Woodluxe unique is its combination of advanced water repellency, UV resistance, and low-VOC formulas—making it both family-friendly and environmentally conscious. And of course, you get the benefit of Benjamin Moore’s legendary color science and matching precision.

We recently worked with a customer in Red Hook who wanted to update their historic farmhouse porch. With Woodluxe solid stain in a custom historic green, they were able to refresh the space while staying true to the home’s character—proof that the right finish can completely transform your outdoor aesthetic.

Williams Associates: Here to Help, From Start to Finish

One of the things I’m most proud of is the dedication of our team. At Williams Lumber, we don’t just stock great products—we help customers make confident, informed choices. Whether you’re building a deck for the first time, restoring a weathered surface, or planning a large-scale outdoor makeover, our associates are here to help.

We offer products at every price point, with styles ranging from traditional to modern. We’ll walk you through the differences between composite vs. wood, transparent vs. solid stain, and installation options, and we’ll make sure you leave with everything you need—including fasteners, tools, and expert advice. And don’t forget to ask about our delivery services—bringing your order straight to you for added convenience.

At Williams Lumber and Home Centers, we believe in building spaces that last—spaces that bring people together, that offer rest, and that add lasting value to your home. By offering top-quality materials like Trex, Culpeper treated lumber, Cabot Stain, and Woodluxe by Benjamin Moore, we’re proud to help homeowners, contractors, architects, and designers throughout the Hudson Valley bring their outdoor visions to life.

So stop by your nearest Williams location, or visit us online to NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. Let’s make your next deck or stain project the best one yet—with products you trust and people who care.

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!