The sun deck as we know it today started to become popular after World War ll. Backyards up to that time were utilitarian spaces reserved for fuel storage, outhouses and garages. Houses built after the war changed where these functions were located and the backyard became available for other uses. Decks became an extension of the interior living spaces particularly in areas where the weather permitted "year round" outdoor living.

These early decks were built primarily with rot resistant wood, with redwood and cedar being the most common. As the trend moved east other more available and economical lumbers were used. Pressure treated lumber using southern yellow pine became the dominant material in the market and continues to have a huge, but eroding, share of the decking market. All native woods, lumber harvested in North America, are still valued for their appearance, ease of use, & economy & are still the decking most often selected.