A Guide to Cedar Decking and Your Beautiful Deck

Considering a new deck? Look no further! Cedar decking offers a timeless blend of beauty, durability, and sustainability, making it a top choice for homeowners seeking a natural and long-lasting outdoor space. But before you dive into this exciting project, it’s essential to understand all aspects of this fantastic material.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about cedar decking, from its inherent advantages to the best practices for its care, helping you make the most informed decision for your dream backyard.

Article Contents

Why Cedar for Decking Stands Out

When planning your decking project, you’ll encounter a spectrum of materials, each with its own set of characteristics. However, cedar for decking frequently emerges as a preferred option for those who value natural beauty coupled with reliable performance.

Let’s delve deeper into why cedar holds such a strong appeal in the realm of decking materials.

The Pros of Cedar Wood Decking

Cedar wood decking boasts a compelling array of advantages that consistently draw homeowners to its natural charm and robust qualities:

• Durability: Renowned for its impressive longevity, cedar hardwood decking contains natural oils that provide inherent resistance to rot, decay, and wood-boring insects. This natural defense mechanism ensures a deck that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time, often outlasting other less naturally resilient options.
• Attractive Aesthetics: The inherent beauty of cedar decks is undeniable. With their warm, rich color tones that range from light amber to deep reddish-brown, and their distinct, straight grain patterns, cedar decks add a touch of natural elegance to any outdoor living area, seamlessly blending with the surrounding environment.
• Versatility: As a highly versatile decking material, it is relatively lightweight and easy to cut, drill, and fasten, making the installation process smoother for both DIY enthusiasts and professional builders. Furthermore, cedar readily accepts a variety of stains, sealers, and paints, allowing you to customize the final look to perfectly complement your personal style and the aesthetics of your home.
• Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing cedar wood decking is often considered a more environmentally responsible decision compared to many synthetic alternatives. Cedar is a renewable resource, and its harvesting, when done sustainably, has a lower environmental impact. Additionally, it biodegrades naturally at the end of its lifecycle.
• Cost for Cedar Deck: While the initial cost might be slightly higher than some basic pressure-treated lumber options, the long-term value derived from its durability, natural resistance, and aesthetic appeal often makes it a more cost-effective choice over the lifespan of the deck. Factors influencing the final cost include the grade and dimensions of the cedar selected.

See the pros and cons of the best decking materials and how to select one for your deck.

The Cons of Cedar Decking

Despite its numerous benefits, it’s important to also consider the potential drawbacks of cedar decking:

• Susceptibility to Scratches: Being a softer softwood compared to some exotic hardwoods or composites, the surface of cedar decks can be more susceptible to scratches and dents from heavy furniture, dropped items, or pet claws. Taking preventative measures, such as using protective pads under furniture, can help mitigate this.
• Maintenance Requirements: To preserve its beautiful appearance and extend its lifespan, regular maintenance of cedar decking is necessary. This typically involves periodic cleaning, as well as the application of stains or sealers every few years to protect it from the elements and maintain its color.
• Deterioration Concerns in Specific Conditions: For a cedar house deck located very close to the ground or in consistently damp and shaded areas, there might be a slightly increased risk of moisture-related issues over time if not properly sealed and maintained. Ensuring good ventilation beneath the deck can also help address this concern.

Why Choose Red Cedar Decking?

Red cedar decking is particularly prized for its rich color, natural resistance to decay and insects, and its dimensional stability, making it a consistently popular choice for homeowners seeking a deck that is both beautiful and built to last. Its aromatic scent is also an added bonus for many.

The natural oils present in red cedar deck boards contribute to their inherent resistance to the elements, ensuring a long-lasting and beautiful deck that will provide years of enjoyment.

Why Choose Western Cedar Decking?

Western cedar decking is highly valued for its exceptional beauty, its relatively lightweight nature which makes it easier to handle during installation, its stability which reduces the likelihood of warping or twisting, and its excellent ability to hold a variety of finishes, making it a superb choice for a wide range of cedar deck ideas.

• A Foundation: The natural elegance and workability of western cedar decking serve as an excellent foundation for a multitude of ideas, from simple, functional platforms to elaborate, multi-level outdoor living spaces.
• Ease of Installation: Cedar boards for decking, including the readily available red cedar deck boards and the often lighter western red cedar deck boards, are generally easier to handle and install compared to some heavier decking materials, which can save time and effort during the building process.
• A Green Choice: Opting for western red cedar decking often supports sustainable forestry practices prevalent in the Pacific Northwest, where much of this premium lumber is sourced.

Understand Dimensions of Cedar Decking Boards

When planning your deck project, a clear understanding of the dimensions of cedar decking boards is absolutely crucial for accurately calculating the amount of material you’ll need, minimizing waste, and potentially finding cost-effective purchasing options.

Western Red Cedar Deck Boards Specifications

When working with western red cedar deck boards, understanding their grades, dimensions (thickness, width, length), and recommended spans is essential for a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing deck. Building codes often specify maximum allowable spans based on these factors.

Here are some general examples of maximum spans based on thickness and width:

Common Sizes – Deck Boards (Nominal vs. Actual):

It’s important to note the difference between nominal and actual lumber sizes when planning your project:

Always consult your local building authority for specific span requirements in your area.

Protect Your Cedar Deck Planks with Stain

Protecting your investment in cedar deck planks with a high-quality stainer product is paramount for maximizing its lifespan and preserving its natural beauty. The right stain or sealer will shield the wood from damaging UV rays, moisture absorption, and mildew growth.

• Preparation: Selecting the best sealer cedar deck involves considering the climate you live in, the level of foot traffic your deck will experience, and your desired aesthetic outcome (clear, tinted, or solid). Look for sealers that offer UV protection and water repellency.
• Timing: The optimal time to apply a stain or sealer is to clean, dry wood. For new cedar deck planks, some experts recommend allowing the wood to weather slightly for a few weeks to open up the pores for better finish absorption.

Types of Finishes and Application:

• Transparent Stains & Water-Repellent Preservatives: These are excellent for showcasing the natural grain and color of the cedar while providing essential protection against water damage. Apply evenly with a brush, roller, or sprayer, paying particular attention to the exposed end grains of the cedar deck planks.
• Semi-Transparent Stains: These add a touch of color while still allowing some of the wood’s natural grain to be visible. Apply in even strokes, working along the length of a few boards at a time to avoid lap marks.

Cedar Deck Restoration

If your existing cedar deck has lost some of its original vibrancy due to weathering, dirt, or an aging finish, restoration can breathe new life into your outdoor space.

• Initial Cleaning: The first step in cedar deck restoration is a thorough cleaning to remove all surface contaminants. Use a stiff brush and a specialized deck cleaner or a mild solution of soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
• Refinishing: Once the cedar deck is completely dry, you can proceed with refinishing. This might involve simply reapplying a fresh coat of stain or sealer. 
• Dealing with Old Finishes: If the old finish is peeling or heavily damaged, you might need to use a deck stripper to remove it entirely before cleaning and applying a new finish.

What screws to avoid with a cedar deck?

When making repairs or replacing boards, be mindful of stainless steel screws as they are generally recommended to prevent corrosion and can react with the tannins in cedar.

Is Cedar Good for Decks?

Consistent care and maintenance are key to ensuring that your cedar decking remains beautiful and functional for many years, definitively answering the question if cedar is good for decks with a resounding yes.

Cedar Decking Care

• Annual Cleaning: Make it a habit to clean your cedar decking at least once a year, ideally in the spring, to remove accumulated dirt, mildew, and algae.
• Specialized Cleaners: For more stubborn stains or mildew, consider using specialized deck cleaning products formulated for wood. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Promote Drying: Encourage proper drying by ensuring good airflow beneath the deck and by sweeping away leaves and debris regularly. Avoid placing potted plants directly on the deck surface for extended periods, as this can trap moisture.

By fully understanding these detailed aspects of cedar decking, from the initial decision-making process to the ongoing care, you are now well-equipped to create and maintain a stunning and durable outdoor living space that you will enjoy for years to come.

Ready to Build Your Dream Cedar Deck?

Get a quote from our expert team, we’re here to discuss your needs in detail. We offer professional cedar deck construction services, from design and material selection to installation. We take care of everything.