Why Cedar Wood Decking Has Been Used for Centuries?

Cedar decking has been a preferred choice for outdoor décor across the United States for centuries. The decking gives extra usable space in the backyard or at the front of the home and can be used as a gathering spot for family and friends.

Cedar decking has unmatched quality and comes in two basic types: treated and untreated. The decking is often used untreated as it is naturally immune to moisture, weather and pests. Some house owners prefer treated cedar as they want their decking to last for years. The treatment is done using chemicals. The cedar wood is pressurized and then treated with chemicals, which give it extra resistance against inclement weather and pests.

The choice of cedar depends on how it will be used by the homeowner. Generally, cedar is not used for heavy-duty decking. If the decking will be mostly used to walk on, then the highest quality cedar must be chosen. This will ensure the decking remains strong and durable for a long time.

Here’s why cedar decking has been popular over the years:

• While other words have their USPs, cedar is vibrant in nature and upgrades the overall look of any home or premises.
• The decking can be painted easily to give it an additional dimension though most house owners prefer the natural shades. If you are not happy with the natural color of the cedar, then you can point it differently as it accepts other colors and stains. This ensures it matches your overall décor. In addition, stains and colors also provide a protective coating to the wood.
• Cedar has a natural oil that protects it from weather and pests. In addition, the oil buildup increases as it ages and this protects the wood from pests like carpenter ants and termites. This is another reason why people preferred cedar in earlier days when pest and insect repellants were not so common.
• Cedar decking can be sealed easily for extra protection.
• Cedar grows in America and is processed locally. This makes it more easily available than other types of wood. It is also lighter than others and can be carried effortlessly to the job site.
• It is also easy to apply and even DIY enthusiasts can have a go.

Like all the other decking options, cedar decking comes with a cost. This cost is closely related to the quality of the cedar. High-quality cedar not only lasts longer but also needs lesser maintenance over time. The cost of a cedar decking can start from somewhere around $4.63 / foot and go up to $6.56 / foot. Choosing cedar for decking is definitely a good option as it ensures the money is well spent and helps give the home an exquisite look.

This article is written by Bruce Master. He gained an interest in woodworking at an early age. Bruce Master started working with contractors in the 1970s as a salesman at Ace Hardware in Miami.