Red cedar decking is an attractive option for many homes.
One of the first decisions that you have to make once you’ve decided that you need a new or replacement deck is the decking material. If you want to go the traditional route of choosing natural wood over vinyl or composite, that only narrows your choices by a little. There are several different species of wood available for decking. One option that is very popular is cedar. That’s right, it’s not just for chests and closets. Cedar is both a strong and beautiful choice for decking material. Read on to learn many of the benefits of this incredible wood variety for your deck.
Is It Durable?
Western cedar is designated durable to highly-durable on the durability scale meaning that it typically lasts at least 15 years. Cedar secretes an oil that helps to protect itself and maintain that durability without manufacturers having to add anything in. Cedar also is resistant to bugs, making it a great choice for outdoor projects. Overall, cedar is one of the better choices for natural wood, if durability is your main concern.
Is It Pretty?
Cedar is a totally beautiful wood, which is why people choose it so often. The appearance of the wood is probably the thing that draws people to it the most. The wood typically has a straight grain and overall it is a reddish brown with random streaking that makes it very nice to look at. It does well in the wide expanse of decking where the natural beauty can shine through. Cedar also smells really nice, which is a great added benefit.
Is It Environmentally Responsible?
Cedar is a naturally occurring wood, it is harvested and it can be regrown once it has been cut down. It doesn’t grow as fast as some other wood types (like bamboo), but it is certainly a very “green” and environmentally friendly choice. Cedar also doesn’t require any additional chemicals or treatments so there is no harm to the environment in that way.
Are There Downsides?
Sure there are downsides, as there are with any product. The most notable is the cost, since cedar is often twice as much as pressure-treated wood. On the other hand, cedar is still half the cost of composite, usually, so it is not the most expensive choice on the market. Cedar also requires yearly maintenance (winterization every fall), and it is a softer wood that can be dinged and dented.
Depend on Leland Fisher Lumber For Your Lumber and Hardware Needs!
Leland Fisher Lumber is full-service lumber and hardware supplier. We’ve serviced homeowners and professional contractors in Montgomery County, Howard County, and Frederick County since 1894! Whether you want to remodel your home or upgrade your business, we have the professionalism and expertise to make any architectural vision come to life.
Be sure to visit Fisher Lumber’s Designer Showroom featuring displays of Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru entry doors, Simpson and Masonite exterior doors, as well as a wide selection of interior doors featuring Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, and JELD-WEN. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at 301-424-6500 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.