Cedar decking is the classic choice for New England decks and porches. That’s not suprising: this attractive, durable wood has lots of good features to recommend it. If you’re thinking about adding some outdoor living space to your home this year, here’s what you want to know about cedar decks:
Cedar Decks are Tough!
Cedar is a very stable wood. That means it’s ideal to use in environments where it will be exposed to extreme weather and temperature fluctuations. Here in the Metrowest MA area, we’re blessed with scorching hot summers and frigid winters – yet cedar decking resists splitting, warping, twisting and cracking. A cedar deck will look great for years.
Cedar Decks Resist Insect Damage
The wood cedar decks are made of is the exact same wood cedar chests are made of. The reason people store fine linens in cedar chests is because insects hate the smell of cedar and avoid it as much as possible. When it comes to your home’s deck, choosing cedar means you don’t have to worry about ants making nests or termites chowing down.
Cedar Decking is Attractive
Natural cedar comes in a variety of warm reddish hues, ranging from a light amber shade to an intense mahogany. Untreated cedar will weather to a lovely silvery gray. Cedar takes stain very well, which allows the homeowner their choice of color while adding years to the useful life of the deck.
Cedar is a Sustainable Building Material
Unlike redwood, mahogany, or some other high end woods, the cedar used in deck construction comes primarily from managed forests. Most cedar decking is produced in America, creating jobs and supporting small local communities. Cedar is a green resource, a truly sustainable building material that helps the environment.
Cedar Decks are Affordable & Long Lasting
Every family has a budget, and you want to get maximum value out of the investment you make in your home. That’s why cedar decks are such a popular option locally. Ask any cedar deck contractor, and you’ll learn that cedar is a more affordable option than either redwood or composite decking. Furthermore, when well maintained, a cedar deck can last up to 40 years!