Does cedar decking splinter?

Cedar Decking

Considered a soft wood, cedar has been used for decking for generations. Its natural resistance to rot and insects makes it desirable, however, it might to be too soft for decking and has a tendency to splinter, according to Gordon Whittaker.

In this regard, is Cedar good for decking?

Cedar has a long history of use in decking and housing. 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.

Similarly, what is the best material for a deck? How to Choose a Deck Material That Is Right for You

The Economic Answer: Pressure-Treated Lumber. Despite all the competition, this ubiquitous green-tinted wood is still the No.
Naturally Superior: Redwood and Cedar.
Exotic Import: Tropical Hardwoods.
Better Board: Composites.
Stay-Cool Option: Aluminum.

Additionally, how long should cedar deck last?

25 years

What is the best wood for outdoor decking?

Cedar. Using Cedar for decks is one of the most popular options because of it's durability and resistance to moisture.
Redwood. Redwood is another western soft wood that is frequently used in outdoor deck builds.
Pressure Treated Wood.
Tropical Hardwoods.
Composite Wood.

39 Related Question Answers Found

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.

Should cedar decking be sealed?

If you are looking to preserve the beautiful rich grain of, say, a mahogany or cedar decking, we recommend sealing the deck with a translucent penetrating stain within 1-2 weeks of construction. This will ensure minimal or no UV damage and give your deck that natural look.

Can I leave my cedar deck untreated?

Even if you don't do it this year, you can easily apply a cleaner/brightner next year and then stain, but if left untreated, it will just grey out. -cedar has natural oils in the wood, so provides a natural barrier to wood rought.

Is Cedar Wood expensive?

Cost. While cedar wood is less expensive than some similar lumbers, such as redwood, it is still incredibly costly. As the University of Minnesota mentions, it costs on average about twice as much as pressure treated lumbers, such as yellow pine and fir.

Is Cedar naturally waterproof?

Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most durable woods, as it has a natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. Northern White Cedar is the lightest of any commercial wood in the United States. It is even-grained and finely textured. The heartwood is resistant to decay and subterranean termites.

What is better cedar or treated wood?

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.

Should I use cedar or pressure treated wood for a deck?

Cedar vs. Pine Fences. As a general rule, cedar will remain in good condition and require less maintenance than pine if installed above the ground. Pressure-treated pine is less likely to decay if planted in soil, so the posts often last longer.

What color does cedar weather to?

In very dry climates, it weathers to a silvery grey color, but in most other climates, because of varying moisture and sun exposure conditions, the Western Red Cedar does not weather uniformly and is likely to develop a dark, blotchy, grey appearance.

How do you maintain a cedar deck?

Cedar Deck Winterization: Cleaning, Staining, and Sealing

Power wash. Be careful to keep the power washer on a low setting – too much pressure can damage your cedar deck.
Sand rough spots. Stains will come away with extra rounds of power washing and sanding.
Allow deck to dry.
Stain and reseal.

How do I keep my cedar deck looking new?

6 Cedar Decking Stain Tips

Seal Cedar Soon After Installation. As soon as you see moisture being absorbed into the deck, you should begin staining.
Clean Weathered Cedar Before Staining.
Stain All Sides of Cedar Decking.
Use a Brush is for Staining.
Choose a Quality Stain.
Choose the Right Day.

How well does cedar hold up outside?

Cedar, which contains natural oils, is especially resistant to damage caused by bugs, decay or water. Compared to many other types of outdoor furniture, it is more likely to retain its original attractive appearance. To retain the original look of your cedar furniture over the years, you can stain it, or apply paint.

What is the best sealer for cedar decking?

Olympic Stain. Olympic Stain 80111-1 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 1 Gallon, Mountain Cedar.
DEFY. DEFY Crystal Clear Composite Deck Waterproofing Sealer, 1 Gallon.
Wood Defender. Wood Defender - Transparent Fence Stain- Cedar Tone- 5 Gallon.
RELIANCER.
SaverSystems.

How long will cedar last untreated?

Average Life of a Cedar Fence

Fences made of untreated cedar can last between 15 and 30 years, depending on how well you care for it and the specific cedar species used. If it's treated, a cedar fence may last up to 40 years.

Do you need to seal cedar wood?

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're using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

What is the best treatment for a cedar deck?

TWP 100. This is the best deck treatment for your cedar deck. This is an oil-based sealer with no water base. A water-based treatment means that it is more likely to wear off in a short amount of time, but it also has UV protection.

What is the most durable decking material?

The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), although there are also versions made from polyethylene. Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop.

Can I leave my deck untreated?

It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date.