Learn about where red cedar comes from, what makes red cedar naturally suitable as a building material, why red cedar is perfect for decking, what red cedar looks like at various stages, the importance of finishing a cedar deck, steps to take when planning a decking project.

Cedar is a truly remarkable material for use in a variety of building products, including (or perhaps especially) decking lumber.  This magnificent softwood lends something of the Pacific Northwest to the exteriors of many residences and offices, with warm cinnamon tones that age gracefully to a seasoned silver.  Apart from being attractive, with a rustic beauty that is unparalleled, cedar has many natural properties that give it a built-in resistance to the ravages of the elements as well as attack by insects.  As such, cedar as a decking material has become one of the most popular choices when planning an exterior addition to a property.  Red cedar in particular represents a robust choice in durable and visually striking materials for the kind of decking that adds all kinds of value to any given exterior.

Cedar is a resilient, reliable building material

Red Cedar for use in decking and in other building products is a species native to the coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest.  The wood itself is naturally imbued with a high resistance to UV rays, moisture, and insect damage due to the presence of certain chemicals that protect it from degeneration.  This is the reason why the species has thrived in such a moisture-heavy environment.  These attributes are also a key reason as to why red cedar has been so heavily relied upon as tools and building materials since before the area was settled by Europeans.  With these strengths in mind, red cedar is also a softwood, making it very easy to work with.  Its look, its natural protection against the elements, and even the pleasant scent that is associated with it, lends it an organic warmth and general appeal that can easily be translated to your decking projects.

Cedar for use as decking

Carrying these benefits over specifically for the purposes of building a deck, cedar does not contain many of the resins or pitch found in other types of wood.  This means that applying finish is much easier, which means further protection against the elements.  Cedar is resilient enough to discourage the corrosion of decking fasteners, a problem that often leads to leeching of rust into a pressure-treated deck. Cedar is durable, and yet it is also lightweight, adding another level of easy workability when building your deck. It should be said that a choice of finish should be made to supplement the cedar’s natural resistance, which tapers off after a while.  Once completed, your deck will retain the natural feel and look that is reminiscent of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, along with the practical benefits of heat insulation (making for a cooler walking surface than many other wood decks), sound absorption, and dimensional stability that makes it a structural benefit to the rest of your property.

Rich and distinguished red cedar decking

The color of cedar is definite benefit to any decking project, and one which presents a number of options when planning one.  When cedar is milled, the color ranges from amber to a pinkish hue, taken as it is from the heartwood of the species.  By the time it ships, ready for use as decking lumber, it has matured to a cinnamon reddish-brown.  As the cedar ages, the color changes yet again; this time to a distinguished silvery gray, if it has not been stained.  But if you choose to stain, the possibilities are even wider!

Finishing a cedar deck

Adding a stain to preserve the color of a cedar deck is a popular choice to maintain a certain look through out the life of your deck.  But the addition of a finish is vital to add to the defenses against the cedar deck’s natural enemies, moisture and UV rays.  A water repellent finish will seal the cedar from any excessive moisture, and must be applied to the deck’s surface before it weathers to allow it to penetrate most effectively.  Be careful not to overdo it; the cedar deck will only absorb so much.  Too much finish may result in an unsightly, and uneven surface. Also, when sanding, be careful not to overdo that either.  Remember: red cedar is softwood! The best strategy if you are unsure of yourself is to seek the help of a professional decking installer.  This may help you to avoid costly mistakes, and get you the best possible result.  If you do choose to install and finish a cedar deck, always read the instructions of any stains or finish products you buy.

Steps to planning a decking project:

•    Consider the location – judge it for convenience and continuity in relation to the rest of the property, issues of privacy, and health of the deck’s surface as it stands up to elements such as wind, rain, and sun exposure. Also, think about what you want to use the deck for; will it simply be a place to enjoy outdoor meals, or will it serve as a staging area for hot tubbing.  For the latter, consider the issue of privacy yet again!

•    Design & Materials – For cedar decks, ask your customer rep by what standards the cedar decking you are interested in is graded.  Find out about warranties, and pay close attention to any issues that might void them.  Choose, or design, a deck plan and make sure that it is compliant with your local building codes.  Seek out any legal information and documents necessary to begin the construction of an addition to a property.

•    Construction – take stock of the tools and other elements you’ll need.  Start researching decking professionals who may be able to help you get the best result.

•    Finishing – Make sure that the finish you choose is the best you can buy for cedar, as well as the most suitable for your particular climate.  Ask your local retailer about the best brand names to seek out.  When you make your choice, read the instructions and follow them carefully.  A good idea is to test out the product on a small area of the deck and monitor the results.

A cedar deck offers all kinds of aesthetic and practical benefits to a property.  It also adds value to a property as a whole.  Making sure that all of the details necessary to the success of a project are taken into account, will mean less time working, and more time enjoying the outdoors from the comfort of a new cedar deck!