Cedar Decking – Ages Beautifully
There are several reasons to incorporate natural wood elements into your backyard hardscaping. For one thing, wood blends beautifully with landscaping. It provides a soft transition between greenery and other hardscaping components, such as concrete or gravel.
It also embodies the psychological concept of soft fascination, characterized by effortless interaction with the natural environment, leading to a relaxed and restorative state. One of the best ways to embrace this aesthetic is with beautiful, durable cedar decking.
This softwood adds a welcoming warmth to your outdoor entertaining space, and its natural properties resist the elements and pests. It also ages well with minimal maintenance, making it a favorite of homeowners. Here are a few reasons why a cedar deck is a great option for Oregon homes.
Cedar Is a Real Beauty
Cedar is among the loveliest of wood species. Planks typically feature a rich, warm, reddish-brown hue, sometimes with variation in shades of pink, purple, and amber.
A fine, straight grain pattern is pleasing to the eye, and individual trees may include just a few knots throughout or more abundant knots, adding unique character to each plank. In addition to these charming characteristics, cedar is sweetly aromatic, with a scent like fresh pencil shavings.
Decking That Ages Gracefully
Some woods will quickly rot or warp if left untreated, but cedar doesn’t fall into this category. If anything, the aging process only makes it more attractive. Exposure to the elements causes the wood to develop an elegant, silvery patina.
Over time, planks mature to a soft, weathered look, popular in finishes for interior wood surfaces like flooring and wall treatments. Additionally, the wood won’t lose integrity in the process. Planks remain straight and true, despite weathering, delivering the extended performance modern homeowners expect.
Color That Stains Supreme
While many people choose to let nature transform cedar decking, you can also stain and seal it if you prefer. Although this will require regular upkeep, it can extend the usable life of the wood.
Light staining preserves the warm, natural hue of the wood so that it won’t silver with time, and stains tend to absorb readily into the fibers, providing lasting protection from the elements, especially when paired with sealant.
Strong, Stable, and Sustainable Cedar
There are many decking types to choose from. What makes cedar so desirable for exterior applications? In addition to aesthetic attributes, cedar is incredibly resilient. The composition of the wood is both strong and lightweight, making it ideal for home upgrades, and it offers a sustainable option for homeowners looking to curb waste.
Maximum Resilience
Cedar naturally contains oils and compounds that protect it from harm. It not only repels insects but also withstands the assault of the elements, holding up well to UV rays and resisting moisture intrusion.
In other words, it’s naturally durable without the need for any treatment. It resists rot, warping, shrinking, and cracking, even in wet conditions and extreme temperatures. This natural resilience means cedar requires minimal maintenance, which is great news for busy homeowners.
Also, cedar not only grows quickly, but planks have a long lifespan for use, making it a sustainable option.
Sturdy, Adaptable Composition
Since cedar is a softwood, you might have concerns about strength and longevity, as opposed to hardwood alternatives. You needn’t worry because the composition of cedar works in your favor.
Unlike some denser wood species, cedar is strong but forgiving. Solid and lightweight, it maintains stability and structural integrity under pressure. It also handles the strain of construction, resisting splitting and cracking from nails and screws, while holding fasteners securely in place.
Cedar planks adapt well to changing weather conditions as well. The wood transitions from hot summers to wet winters without warping or shrinking.
Comfort and Ease
Reliable cedar planks are easy to install when building a deck or fencing. However, the nature of the wood itself, being soft, lightweight, and easy to work with, allows for detailed craftsmanship and custom designs.
For decking, specifically, the texture of cedar makes for a grippy surface underfoot, increasing safety in wet conditions. It also offers excellent insulating properties, staying cool in warm weather, so you won’t burn the soles of your feet. With both temperature and moisture regulating properties, cedar decking is comfortable in any season.
Cedar is the Ideal Choice for Outdoor Applications
Oregonians are known for their love of the great outdoors, and considering the lush environs, it’s not hard to see why. A backyard conducive to outdoor lounging and entertainment is a huge benefit.
Cedar is a great choice for everything from decking and patio covers to fencing and decorative applications. The wood itself can endure all types of weather with no treatment and minimal maintenance. It not only ages beautifully but also offers exceptional function and performance, with resistance to moisture and pests.
If you’re ready to get your decking upgrade underway, Sunno Construction can help you outfit your backyard retreat in glorious cedar planks. Contact us now to request a free quote and get started.
