Decking: Western Cedar

Reviewed by:
Rosemary Thornton

Naturally decay resistant and distasteful to most wood-destroying bugs, western red cedar is a strong wood that creates a long-lasting deck. When cut, the wood will have a salmon pink color which ages into a coffee brown.

With the natural oils present in cedar lumber, it can be left unfinished, but for longer life, the supplier recommends that a water-repellant finish be applied every one to two years.

Several plank sizes are offered, together with balusters (colonial or plain), and other finish lumber.

Western red clear cedar 5/4 by 6" is priced at $1.90 per linear foot (August 2005).