That is pressure treated wood from home depot, I had the same thought because lowes carries a pressure treated wood of a different kind and the color is different. I think depot's wood is suppose to be more environment freindly. The company that makes those deckblock piers has a site deckplans.com with plans although thay didn't match what I wanted. I would rather do 16" on center but the amount of deckblocks would be crazy and extra wood, trying to keep the cost down. The 24" on center with 2x6 wood along with the diagonal bracing made for a very sturdy deck especially now that I have the top boards on. I made a trap door in the deck for filter & pump access. I am starting work on the steps and railing this weekend with about a 12ft bench across the backside. I used 3" deckmate screws to attach the top boards, I like to make sure those stay down and don't try to raise up on me. Also did the bark side up to try to prevent cupping. I only had to stagger the top boards on the longest sides of the deck but 10 footers covered all the way in the middle area. I am a novice at wood but like to learn, got to figure how to make stair stringers, dont think the store bought will give me the right rise and run. I did find a stringer calculator on the net.