Is Cedar Good for Decks? Benefits of Choosing Cedar Wood
Dec 2, 2025
When you're planning your dream deck or looking to upgrade your current outdoor living space, choosing the right material is crucial. Among the popular options, many homeowners ask, “Is cedar wood good for decks?” Cedar decking, especially western red cedar, has earned a strong reputation for its natural beauty, durability, and classic appeal.
This article explores the many advantages of cedar wood, points out any potential drawbacks, and compares cedar to other popular decking materials. With these insights, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right decking option for your next project.
What Makes Cedar Stand Out as a Decking Material?
Cedar wood decking is a favorite among homeowners and deck contractors in New England for several reasons. Its warm, natural color, along with its fine grain and fewer knots, sets it apart from many other types of wood decking. Additionally, western red cedar trees produce boards with natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture, which is an advantage, especially in climates where the weather can be unpredictable. Cedar also lies flat, is lightweight, and makes the installation smoother for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
Is Cedar a Good Wood for Decks?
Whether cedar is a good wood for decks depends on the climate, your design goals, and how you plan to use your outdoor space. Cedar is a great choice for those seeking strength, charm, and eco-friendly credentials. Its low resin content, fewer knots, and natural oils help prevent common problems such as warping, rot, and insect damage. If you’re dreaming of a real wood deck with natural beauty and dependable performance, cedar can be a standout material for your project.
Cedar’s timeless look allows it to fit naturally with almost any house design, from classic to modern. Whether you want to host family gatherings, relax in the sun, or simply enjoy the view, a cedar deck brings style and functionality to your outdoor space. If you value a decking material that lasts, is easy to maintain, and stays true to the authentic character of real wood, cedar makes an outstanding choice for creating a long-lasting and beautiful deck you’ll enjoy for years.
The Numerous Benefits of Cedar Decking
Cedar decking offers many advantages that help distinguish it from other decking materials. Many homeowners are drawn in by cedar’s timeless look, but the reasons behind its popularity go much deeper. Cedar provides a winning blend of natural strength, eco-friendly appeal, low chemical needs, and lasting beauty—qualities that not only enhance the appearance of your outdoor living space but also make your deck more straightforward to maintain for years to come. Whether you care most about durability in a harsh climate, a sustainable and safe option for your family, or that classic “real wood” feel underfoot, cedar delivers in every category.
Here’s what makes cedar a top choice for your next decking project:
Natural Resistance
Cedar is resistant to rot, insect damage, and moisture thanks to its unique oils and tannins. This natural defense means cedar decks are less likely to suffer from deterioration, even in humid climates or on ground-level decks. You won’t need harsh chemicals to keep pests and decay at bay.
Durable and Beautiful
Lighter than many exotic hardwoods but still remarkably tough, cedar offers outstanding durability throughout all seasons. Its warm hue and straight, consistent grain give your deck an instant visual boost, complementing various outdoor styles and furniture choices.
Comfort and Safety
Unlike some composite decking, cedar deck boards don’t get overly hot under the sun, so they stay comfortable for bare feet and paws all summer. This makes cedar a safe, enjoyable choice for families, kids, and pets spending time outdoors.
Eco-Friendly Choice
Many cedar deck boards come from well-managed, sustainable forests, making cedar a renewable and environmentally friendly decking option. Cedar is biodegradable, lacks harmful resins or harsh chemicals, and requires less energy than composite decking or pressure-treated lumber.
Easy to Work With
Cedar’s lightweight and soft grain make it a favorite of contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Cutting, drilling, and fastening cedar are manageable for most, making it ideal for customized projects—think pergolas, built-in benches, or custom deck furniture—that require flexible, forgiving materials. If you’ve ever wondered, "Is cedar suitable for decks?", its easy workability and natural charm make it an excellent choice for creating outdoor spaces that balance beauty with practicality.
Low Chemical Needs
Homeowners looking for a more natural finish can use transparent stains or sealants to highlight cedar’s authentic color and grain. Compared to pressure-treated wood, cedar doesn’t need nearly as many chemical treatments, letting you enjoy a more natural and eco-conscious outdoor space.
Long-Lasting with Good Care
With basic upkeep like periodic cleaning and resealing every few years, cedar decks can last for decades. Cedar’s resistance to moisture absorption and its ability not to trap water help reduce the chances of warping, splitting, or decay, giving you peace of mind no matter the weather.
Potential Drawbacks and Maintenance Requirements
While cedar decks are known to be durable and attractive, they do come with a few considerations. Understanding the cons of cedar can help you decide if it fits your vision for a long-lasting and low-maintenance outdoor space. These points are critical if you want to balance up-front costs, ongoing maintenance, and the needs of your household.
Keep the following in mind when evaluating cedar as your decking material:
Needs Regular Attention: While cedar requires less maintenance than some types of wood, it does benefit from periodic cleaning and refinishing. Staining or sealing every couple of years helps preserve its color and natural resistance to moisture.
Not as Hard as Exotics: Cedar is softer than many exotic hardwoods or composite materials, which means it can be more prone to scratches or dents—especially under heavy furniture or high-traffic areas.
Natural Weathering: One of the cons of cedar is that, without a protective finish, it will weather to a silvery gray. This soft, aged look is beautiful to many, but some may prefer to refinish it to maintain the original hue.
Costs More Than Some Alternatives: Although not as pricey as certain exotic hardwoods, cedar does have a higher upfront cost compared to pressure-treated decks. However, its long-term value, durability, and less harsh chemical usage help balance out the initial investment.
Proper Installation Needed: Cedar needs adequate ventilation to prevent future issues, so it’s essential to ensure that the installation process allows for good airflow beneath your deck boards to prevent moisture buildup.
Knowing the pros and cons of cedar can help you make an informed decision that fits your needs, style, and budget.
Cedar Decking vs. Other Popular Decking Materials
If you compare your options, understanding how cedar stacks up to other materials will help you make a confident choice. Each type of decking comes with its own advantages, challenges, and looks. When choosing what’s best for your outdoor living space, consider how these alternatives measure up:
Pressure-Treated Wood | Pressure-treated lumber is a cost-effective and widely used option for decking. It offers plenty of durability, but it often includes harsh chemicals and usually doesn’t match the natural beauty or eco credentials of cedar. |
Composite Decking | Composite materials deliver impressive durability with minimal maintenance requirements. They resist rot and won’t splinter, but some homeowners find that composites get hotter underfoot and can lack the authentic wood feel. They can also sometimes show signs of warping or discoloration over time. |
Exotic Hardwoods | Hardwoods from South America or other regions are praised for their density and longer lifespan, but come at a premium price, often need a more complex installation process, and sometimes raise environmental concerns. |
Cedar | As many homeowners discover, cedar wood combines natural resistance, pleasing appearance, and ease of installation. It offers a balanced blend of quality, eco-friendliness, and lasting appeal—making it an excellent choice for wood decks in various environments. |
Pro Tips for Cedar Decks: Maintenance and Longevity
Keeping your cedar deck in top condition is easier when you follow a few time-tested practices. From maintenance routines to installation details, knowing how to care for cedar can help your outdoor living space look and perform its best for years. Here’s what industry experts recommend:
Annual Cleaning: Sweep away debris and gently clean cedar decking boards every spring to prevent staining and moisture buildup.
Protect with Stain or Sealant: Regular application of a transparent stain or sealant helps prevent moisture penetration and lets the grain shine through.
Smart Furniture Use: Soft pads should be used under deck furniture to protect it from scratches and reduce wear, especially in family or high-activity areas.
Correct Installation: Ensure deck boards are correctly spaced and ventilated, particularly for ground-level decks. Professional installers can advise on the best practices for your outdoor space.
Consult an Expert: Experienced deck contractors can help you find the right balance between cost, maintenance, and quality for your local climate and lifestyle, making your investment last.
Plan Ahead: Always confirm permit requirements and recommended practices with your local authorities before starting your decking project.
With thoughtful care and the right materials, your cedar deck can stay vibrant and strong for decades.
Ready for a Deck That Blends Lasting Value With Natural Beauty?
If you want expert guidance through every step of your decking project, from selecting the right materials to ensuring the finished product stands the test of time, the team at Threshold Construction can help. Our knowledge of cedar wood decking and commitment to customer happiness and satisfaction make us an excellent choice for turning your outdoor living dreams into reality. For personalized advice, custom designs, or to get started on your new deck, contact Threshold Construction today.
By considering all the advantages of cedar, understanding what’s involved in the installation process, and staying on top of regular maintenance, you’ll be able to create an inviting outdoor space that lasts for years. Don’t wait—contact us now to transform your yard with a deck that’s both beautiful and built for the future.
