What Are the Benefits of Cedar Wood for Decking?

Appearance

• One of the main benefits of a cedar deck is its distinctive appearance. It has a warm, rich color that provides more visual interest than pressure-treated pine. You can find cedar that ranges in color from pale amber to a deep reddish-brown. Its grain is uniform and has a fine texture that offers a satin finish, which catches the light. In addition, cedar takes stain extremely well, so you can opt to deepen its coloring or emphasize its grain if you prefer.

Naturally Resistant

• Cedar is an ideal material for building a deck because it is naturally resistant to a variety of exterior elements that can severely damage other types of wood decks. Its heartwood contains natural oils that protect it from insect infestation and ward off decay, so a cedar deck is durable. As cedar ages, its ability to manufacture the protective oils increases, so the outer portion of its heartwood is usually the hardiest. It is also moisture-resistant, making it much less likely to rot or develop mildew.

All-Weather

• Because of its durability and natural resistance, a cedar deck can withstand all types of weather if treated with a sealant. In particular, its moisture resistance makes it suitable for cold, snowy conditions as well as heavy rain. However, its ability to ward off insect infestations also makes it a good option for warm, sunny climates as well. As a result, cedar is a year-round wood that can last for decades in a variety of weather conditions.

Easy Construction

• Cedar is a lightweight wood that comes in long, straight-grained timber. It also has a uniform texture throughout, so working with it is easy. You can saw, cut and nail cedar with regular tools, which makes building a deck out of it an easy, straightforward process. Cedar also lacks resin and pitch, which allows it to hold adhesive and glue bonds more firmly and take stain more easily.

Stable

• Cedar creates an extremely stable deck. It has a low density and is not prone to shrinking despite temperatures changes. As a result, it remains straight when set in place and doesn't twist or warp as easily as other types of wood. Cedar does not lose its fastenings easily.