Cedar Deck Pros
- Look – Cedar has rich colour and a beautiful grain pattern that is unmatched by pressure-treated woods. If you prefer the look of natural wood, cedar is the better choice.
- Durability – Cedar doesn’t absorb moisture, which leads to shrinking and twisting. The boards tend to stay flat and straight. Cedar is also resistant to insects and decay.
Full Answer
What to wear when cutting pressure treated lumber?
How long does pressure treated lumber take to dry?
What is the purpose of liquid preservatives in wood?
Is cedar fence weather resistant?
Is cedar good for decking?
Can cedar be darkened?
Is pressure treated wood weather proof?
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Is cedar better than pressure treated wood for decks?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
What type of wood is best for a deck?
Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.
Does cedar or pressure treated wood last longer?
Decay and Rot Resistance This makes the cedar last longer in wet weather. Pressure-treated wood lasts, but with regular maintenance. Since it is more prone to cracking and splitting, it will endure more moisture damage.
How much more expensive is cedar than pressure treated?
pressure treated deck. A deck built with pressure-treated lumber is cheaper than cedar. The difference in price varies, but expect to pay anywhere from 50% more to over double for cedar versus pressure-treated lumber.
Which deck wood lasts the longest?
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years.
What is the best material to use for decks?
PVC decking is also the top choice for long-lasting, durable deck boards. Much of this owes to PVC's water resistance. It's moisture-absorption that causes most of wood decking's durability issues: warping, splitting, cracking, mold, mildew, rot, and insect damage.
What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?
Disadvantages of Cedar Wood Decking:Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood.Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.
Are cedar decks worth it?
It's a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn't warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.
Is cedar too soft for decking?
Cedar measures on the soft-side at 350, which means the wood can easily obtain dents, dings, and scrapes. Overall, western red cedar is a great choice to use for a new deck. In fact, cedar can be used for the substructure as well, making a beautiful deck from bottom to top, literally.
Is pressure treated wood more expensive than cedar?
On average, cedar deck planks cost between $3 and $7 per square foot, while regular pressure-treated lumber costs between $2 and $5 per square foot. In general, cedar costs about 20% to 30% more than pressure-treated lumber.
Does cedar need to be sealed?
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western red cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.
How long does a pressure treated deck last?
Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.
Is pressure treated wood good for decks?
In all, pressure treated wood, like anything, has its good qualities and its not-so-good qualities. But, with excellent features such as its resistant to fungal decay and termites as well as its attractive price-point, pressure treated wood is an outstanding choice to use for the construction of your deck.
What is the most cost effective decking material?
The cheapest decking material is usually pressure-treated pine, which can cost as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. There are solid wood and composite options that run $4 to $5 per square foot.
Which is better redwood or pressure treated wood?
Redwood specifically designed for structure use is still a natural wood, but pressure-treated wood contains harmful elements, such as arsenic, copper and chromium. Care must be taken when installing this type of wood by using face masks and gloves to reduce contact with these chemicals.
Is treated pine OK for decking?
As one of the most commonly used and versatile timbers in the world, treated pine is an old favourite and is often used around pools, for fencing, in gardens, to create the sub frames for decks, and as decking material itself.
Cedar vs. Pressure Treated Posts - Eng-Tips Forums
AAJ216 - The previuos are good studies for fences. The older one is almost as old as my diploma and registration. Decks and playhouses have different loadings, verificationability, constructability and code requirements that do not apply to fences.
Is Cedar or Pressure-Treated Pine Better for Fences? - HomeAdvisor
Should I Use Cedar or Pressure-Treated Pine for Decks and Fences? By HomeAdvisor. Updated December 10, 2021
Cedar Vs Pressure Treated Pine Fence: A Brief Comparison Guide
When it comes to fence, cedar and pine are the two most popular materials to choose from, but choosing between them can be difficult. Cedar Vs Pressure Treated Pine Fence both of them have their own pros and cons and Sometimes buyers end up buying both due to their unique characteristics. This article will draw a clear line between cedar and pine wood with the aim of helping you make the right ...
What type of wood is used in pressure treated wood?
This forces the preservative into the wood. Pressure-treated wood is either southern yellow pine (SYP), spruce, fir, pine (SPF), Douglas, or hemlock fir. The species of wood depends on your geographic location.
What is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber that is infused – treated – with preservatives to make it last in outdoor conditions.
How much does treated lumber cost?
For treated lumber, the same length of deck board will cost around $13. An 8’ 2×6 of treated lumber is about $9. The cost difference is, therefore, around 30% cheaper for treated wood versus cedar. Treated deck boards for a 10×10 deck would cost $200.
What are the advantages of cedar wood?
Advantages of Cedar Wood. Cedar is nature’s own pressure-treated wood, so let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using it. Decay and Rot Resistant – The acids and oils within the cedar tree are what give it the properties to resist decay, particularly when exposed to moisture.
How long does a cedar deck last?
Expect a cedar deck, with annual cleaning, to last at least 20 years without any rot or decay issues. After that, expect some of your boards to decay simply from water penetrating cracks from wear and tear.
Why is cedar wood resistant to rot?
Cedar resists rot and decay because of the chemical makeup of the heartwood. Its low density allows it to flex in temperatures, resisting cracking, which ensures less moisture penetrates. This makes the cedar last longer in wet weather.
What type of cedar is used in reno?
Depending on where you are in North America, you may have a different type of cedar. In the Northeast and Eastern Canada, the cedar at your local home reno store is more than likely eastern white cedar. The rest of the country likely has western red cedar.
What to wear when cutting pressure treated lumber?
No matter what pressure-treated lumber you decide to use, always wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting pressure-treated wood, and wear gloves when handling the material.
How long does pressure treated lumber take to dry?
You can give pressure-treated wood an extra measure of protection by finishing it with a sealer or stain but give newly purchased pressure-treated lumber a few months to dry out before you do. New treated lumber invariably is still wet from the treatment process and won’t accept a finish until it dries completely.
What is the purpose of liquid preservatives in wood?
Liquid preservatives are introduced to the chamber and the resulting pressure forces the chemicals into the wood. Manufacturers have tried to include colored dyes with the preservatives to give pressure-treated lumber an organic appearance, but the results are mixed.
Is cedar fence weather resistant?
Keep these three DIY tips in mind when you're installing a cedar fence. Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. But over the years it can crack slightly and develop a fuzzy surface texture unless it’s periodically refinished.
Is cedar good for decking?
This is where cedar comes into the picture. Tight-grained, good-looking and weather-resistant, cedar is the best choice anywhere aesthetics are important. Cedar makes beautiful decking, railings, arbors and trellises. It can be sanded to a smooth finish that makes it ideal for handrails, bench seats and children’s play structures.
Can cedar be darkened?
If you plan to keep your cedar’s natural color, note that cedar can darken dramatically when exposed to sunlight. You’ll want to be vigilant about applying clear sealers with UV (ultraviolet light) blockers to keep the rich color of the natural wood.
Is pressure treated wood weather proof?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades. Pressure-treated wood excels when used for structural members such as support posts and joists.
How long does cedar wood last?
Most carpenters figure a lifespan of 15 to 20 years for cedar wood deck boards, but it can deteriorate faster when used for ground-level decks and for shaded decks that are slow to dry out. To retain the color, you have to clean it and reseal it every year or two, and even then it’s a losing battle.
What is composite decking made of?
If near-zero maintenance is your goal, buy composite wood decking. Most is made from recycled plastic and wood chips or sawdust. It’s more expensive than cedar for a wood deck, but once it’s down, it won’t rot, splinter or twist.
How much more per linear foot for kiln dried boards?
At about 40 percent more per linear foot, you’ll pay more, but the boards have fewer knots and straighter grain. And, since many of the higher grade choices are kiln-dried both before and after pressure treatment, they have less tendency to warp.
Is pressure treated wood good for decking?
Pressure-treated decking pros and cons. If economy and longevity are your bag, go with pressure-treated wood. It’s stainable, hard enough to resist abuse, and many brands carry a lifetime (though limited) warranty. But beware, not all treated woods are created equal.
Can you use composite decking every inch?
Since composite deck material is defect free, you can use every inch. Maintenance involves spraying it off with a hose. Some people don’t like the look of the stuff and it’s cold on bare feet. But if you want to relax on your deck instead of work on it, bite the bullet and spend the extra cash.
Is there a perfect wood deck?
But alas, there’s no perfect wood deck material or best outdoor decking material. All have tradeoffs. Figure out what characteristics are most important to you, then make your selection based on that for the best decking material.
Is cedar wood soft?
Cedar is also soft; when used for stairs or for decks where furniture gets dragged around a lot, the edges in particular can get beat up. Finally, the cost of the cedar is moderate, more than pressure-treated but somewhat less than composite.
What type of wood is used for outdoor decking?
There are many wood species that can be used for outdoor decks, but not all offer the same benefits and maintenance requirements, and price and availability vary by region. As Bob Mion, of the California Redwood Association, points out, “In the Southeast you’ll find lots of Southern yellow pine; in the North Central Midwest, ...
What wood is best for a deck?
Redwood. Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting.
Why is cedar wood hardy?
This hardiness is due to the fact that cedarwood will actually change its moisture content to closely match the atmosphere.
How long does redwood last?
Premium woods like red cedar and redwood offer comparable levels of durability and longevity, lasting an average of 20 years.
What is the difference between cedar and redwood?
Both woods are naturally resistant to shrinking and warping. The primary difference between the two woods is color: Redwoods range from light to dark red, while cedar hues run from light brown to salmon pink. Advertisement. Photo: southernpinedecks.com.
How long does a wood deck last?
Initially, wood costs significantly less than either vinyl or composite, and if properly constructed and maintained, a wood deck will last for years. And unlike petroleum-based materials, wood is renewable if sustainably harvested.
Can you use redwood for a deck on Cape Cod?
You can certainly use redwood for a deck on Cape Cod—if you pay to ship it there. Now that you know that where you live and how much you can afford to spend will probably be the deciding factors, here are the most common natural-wood choices for deck building:
What is pressure treated wood used for?
Generally, pressure treated (aka 'PT') wood is used in the construction of decks, pergolas, and sheds.
What happens to wood decking in the winter?
In other words, during the Winter we have ice and during the Summer we have rain. What happens to the wood during this time is that water enters the pores of the wood, causing the wood to expand and contract as the water enters and leaves the wood. This process causes splits (or 'checking') in the wood (which occurs with every wood deck). But, applying water sealant will decrease the effects of this natural process.
How much does it cost to maintain a PT deck?
Upkeep: The biggest downside to PT wood decks is the upkeep. PT wood decks can withstand weather and stand strong for 30+ years, but they must be maintained regularly. This includes applying water sealant every year, staining the deck every two years, and pressure washing the deck twice a year. In all, you will spend approximately 20 hours and $250 every year to maintain a deck. Over a 30 year period, that is 600 hours (or 30 weekends) and $7,500 maintaining a wood deck.
What happens to wood when water enters the pores?
What happens to the wood during this time is that water enters the pores of the wood, causing the wood to expand and contract as the water enters and leaves the wood. This process causes splits (or 'checking') in the wood (which occurs with every wood deck).
What causes wood to turn gray?
There's a scientific process called photo-oxidation that causes the surface of the boards to gray, but, the process can be slowed through the application of stain or paint.
Does lumber have a warranty?
Warranty: The good news is that most lumber manufacturers offer a long-term warranty, which generally covers fungal decay and termite infestation. The bad news is that most consumers don't know it.
Is pressure treated wood good for decking?
In all, pressure treated wood, like anything, has its good qualities and its not-so-good qualities. But, with excellent features such as its resistant to fungal decay and termites as well as its attractive price-point, pressure treated wood is an outstanding choice to use for the construction of your deck.
What is the best cedar to use for a deck?
Overall, western red cedar is a great choice to use for a new deck. In fact, cedar can be used for the substructure as well, making a beautiful deck from bottom to top, literally. It's an option that is more stable and less harmful to the environment than pressure treated wood. And, it's an option that is more cost-effective ...
How much does a cedar deck cost?
Cost: Granted, the cost of a cedar deck is about twice the cost of a pressure treated deck, but it is about half the cost of a composite deck; so, cedar can be a great upgrade to a pressure treated deck, but you can expect to spend between $25-$30 per square foot for the deck.
How long is Western Red Cedar good for?
In other words, selecting western red cedar for your deck can guarantee a durable product for at least 15 years.
What is the meaning of "durable" in wood?
Durability: Durability, in terms of wood, is defined by the wood's ability to resist elemental and natural forces of decay. Western red cedar is, by design, a durable wood. The tree secretes oils to aid in its durability - these are called extractives.
What is Western Red Cedar?
Aesthetics: Western red cedar (aka WRC) is a beautiful wood, naturally. It has a red to pinkish brown color with random streaks and a straight grain, which is appealing when used for a deck. Plus, the wood is aromatic, which is a big plus. Durability: Durability, in terms of wood, is defined by the wood's ability to resist elemental ...
Where does lumber come from?
The lumber comes from the forests on the coast of the Pacific Northwest. It is a lightweight, naturally outside-tolerant wood that is red-to-pink in color. Its scientific name is Thuja plicata.
Is cedar a porous wood?
But cedar is a porous wood that expands and contracts with the humidity in the air, so the wood will always adjust to, or favor, equilibrium. The term for this property is hygroscopic and western red cedar has this characteristic.
Why Should Deck Joists Be Pressure Treated?
Many contractors and home builders call using pressure-treated lumber for your deck joists the “logical choice.” It’s easy to see why.
Other Materials to Consider
In addition to pressure treating deck joists, many recommend using materials such as a wood protectant or joist tape, which both help protect the ends of lumber from damage caused by moisture.
Pressure-Treated Wood Ratings and One Big Thing To Avoid
If you’ve settled on pressure-treated lumber, you may encounter its rating system. All pressure-treated lumber is rated, based on the preservative pounds retained in each cubic foot.
What to wear when cutting pressure treated lumber?
No matter what pressure-treated lumber you decide to use, always wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting pressure-treated wood, and wear gloves when handling the material.
How long does pressure treated lumber take to dry?
You can give pressure-treated wood an extra measure of protection by finishing it with a sealer or stain but give newly purchased pressure-treated lumber a few months to dry out before you do. New treated lumber invariably is still wet from the treatment process and won’t accept a finish until it dries completely.
What is the purpose of liquid preservatives in wood?
Liquid preservatives are introduced to the chamber and the resulting pressure forces the chemicals into the wood. Manufacturers have tried to include colored dyes with the preservatives to give pressure-treated lumber an organic appearance, but the results are mixed.
Is cedar fence weather resistant?
Keep these three DIY tips in mind when you're installing a cedar fence. Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. But over the years it can crack slightly and develop a fuzzy surface texture unless it’s periodically refinished.
Is cedar good for decking?
This is where cedar comes into the picture. Tight-grained, good-looking and weather-resistant, cedar is the best choice anywhere aesthetics are important. Cedar makes beautiful decking, railings, arbors and trellises. It can be sanded to a smooth finish that makes it ideal for handrails, bench seats and children’s play structures.
Can cedar be darkened?
If you plan to keep your cedar’s natural color, note that cedar can darken dramatically when exposed to sunlight. You’ll want to be vigilant about applying clear sealers with UV (ultraviolet light) blockers to keep the rich color of the natural wood.
Is pressure treated wood weather proof?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades. Pressure-treated wood excels when used for structural members such as support posts and joists.
