The Pros and Cons of Cedar Wood Decking Material

When building a new deck or porch for your home, there are several things to consider. Size, shape and location are all factors that go into your new project, but one of the most important decisions to make regarding your new deck is what materials to use. Nowadays there are several different options. You could use composite decking boards that are made from recycled materials instead of natural wood. Or you could go with a more traditional look with cedar wood decking. What's the difference? Both materials have several advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs. Let's take a closer look.

Composite Decking

Composite technology has come a long way in recent years and because of its durability and low maintenance, has become a top choice of homeowners for decks and porches.

Advantages:

• Textured to look and feel like real wood
• Resistant to fading and staining
• Insect Resistant
• Never has to be sealed, stained or painted
• Long lasting and durable

Disadvantages:

• Expensive- Composite boards can cost up to 5 times as wood
• Not real wood- No matter how authentic the wood look is, there's no changing the fact that is not real wood
• Some types of composite need specific fasteners for installation

Cedar Wood Decking

Cedar has always been a popular choice for decking materials because of its distinctive colour, look and smell.

Advantages of Cedar Wood Decking:

• Won't warp because of moisture
• Naturally resistant to insects and rot so no chemical treatment is necessary
• Requires less maintenance than other types of wood
• Resistant to temperature and weather conditions
• Doesn't need to be stained

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.

Although both composite and cedar wood decking materials can be expensive compared to other wood, they are worth the extra price. Both are low maintenance materials, so the extra cost may seem excessive at first, but will save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars over the years since no expensive maintenance or repairs are needed. Be sure to consult with the professionals at The Deck Store Edmonton for all your deck questions. Come browse all our options of cedar wood decking, today!