Decks are usually made out of wood because aside from the look of it being gorgeous, wood is one of the best decking materials out there. But after deciding that you need a wood deck, you would want to ask deck builders, which type of wood to choose. If you’re considering cedar, then here are the good and bads of cedar decking that will help you in the decision making process.

Pros And Cons Of Building A Cedar Deck

Pros Of Cedar Decking

Cedar is a natural wood and it is commonly used in decking. So, if you are considering cedar for your decks too, then here are some of the great things about it.

It Is Durable

As far as wood is concerned, durability might be the last thing on your mind regarding this material. It’s wood. How durable can you expect it to be? Well, cedar is one of those few wood options that are amazing in durability and longevity.

It is a naturally strong wood and lasts for 15-20 years. However, if you seal it and maintain it well, then it is going to last you a long time (about 40 years) and you’ll love the results. Cedar is one of the best options out there if you’re looking for an all-rounded durable material that won’t disappoint you.

Very Versatile

Some wood options are very limited when it comes to versatility and customization. They can also be a hassle when you want to apply something to them. Some woods are better with varnishes. Some require special polishes and all that.

Well, cedar is in the middle when it comes to maintenance. It is very easy to deal with, you can apply a variety of finishes and polishes on the surface and it will not be a pain in the neck. Lastly, it also comes in a huge variety, from designs to shades and even cuts. So, you know that this material is going to be a winner in decks.

Environmentally Sustainable

Even though cedar is obtained by cutting down trees and that doesn’t seem environmentally friendly in the least, you will be surprised at how much the environment is hurt when man-made decking materials are made. The pollution, the wastage, and the toxic industrial garbage is enough to make the Earth wither away.

In this regard, cedar is a very neutral material when it comes to sustainability. It doesn’t have any negative effects on the environment, and depending on where you’re sourcing the cedar from, it can also help in making the Earth a better and healthier place.

Gives A Beautiful Look

Cedar is a wood. Of course, it’s going to be beautiful. It is a magnificent material and something about the light and veiny texture of wood is just so beautiful and out of this world. Cedar is a material that will instantly make your deck look that much better.

It is a material that will make your deck look like a work of art. So, if you want to choose a material that will transform the deck, then cedar is the one you want to go for.

One Of The Reasonable Options

Speaking of wood, you might be under the impression that it will cost a lot. Well, that’s not the case at all. Cedar is one of the more reasonable options out there and costs less than wood types like mahogany, teak, and composite. It is reasonable but you still have to create a budget to squeeze this decking material in.

So, if you’re looking for a material that won’t leave you broke, then cedar is the way to go. You’ll love the look of it, it is highly durable and the best part? It will not thin out your wallet! What more could you ask for?

Cons Of Cedar Decking

Cedar sounds like a perfect material. It’s durable, it’s very easy to buy and install and it’s a good option when it comes to lumbar decks. But all that isn’t exactly the best. Here are some of the downsides to this material.

It Can Get Scratched

Cedar, as durable as it can be, is also prone to scratches. Cedar is one of the more softer woods out there, so it can get scratched if you drag heavy furniture along the surface or if you even have pets and they like to have little digging parties on the deck.

You will see small and deep scratches on the surface of the cedar decking, so this is something that you need to be mindful of. This isn’t very common but it’s not uncommon either, so make sure that you know this before committing to a material for your outdoor deck.

Needs Maintenance

Cedar is a wood, and at the end of the day, it requires a lot of maintenance. Cedar is not naturally resistant to stains and water and if you’re installing it as an outdoor deck material, then you need to ensure regular maintenance otherwise it’s just not going to end well. So, if you want a maintenance-free material, then cedar is not the one for you.

Although it doesn’t require full-on slavery, it doesn’t take away the fact that you need to maintain your cedar deck from time to time, which can be a hassle for busy people, especially if you want something stress-free.

Sealing Is A Must

Speaking of maintaining cedar, one of the things that you have to do for this material to last long is to ensure that you’re sealing it. Sealing wood is a no-brainer. It is a material that is porous by nature, so water and moisture can find its way into the surface and it can lead to mold, discoloration, and other things that you don’t want to experience.

So, if you can, try to seal the cedar deck a once a year because the outdoor exposure can lead to the sealant withering away and you don’t want the wood to be exposed.

Cedar Deteriorates

Wood has the natural property of deteriorating away, especially when it is exposed to outdoor elements. Sunlight, constant winds, and rain can be very bad for cedar, and over time, the effects of deterioration will be clear as day. So, if you want to get a durable material for your deck, then this is something that you need to keep in mind.

There are other similar options out there that won’t have this problem, so you want to play the field before you commit to a material because it will make all of the difference.

Not Always Cheap

Wait! Wasn’t cedar a good option because it is reasonable? Well, think of this as a semi pro and con because price is something that fluctuates a lot.

Even though cedar is a reasonable option when it comes to price, it’s not always the case. It can be expensive in some places, especially where cedar is hard to source and this very factor can hike the price of this material to a great extent.

Moreover, there are many wood types that are cheaper than cedar such as douglas fir, pine, treated wood, and others. So, you should do your research when it comes to cedar and buy it at the available and suitable price or choose the less expensive wood options if you want a deck on a budget.

Conclusion

Cedar decking is very popular but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have any downsides to it. If you need help in choosing a decking material or installing a deck, contact deck contractors Port Jefferson.