Clear Cedar is a Clear Choice for Natural Wood Decks

While low-maintenance decking has certainly won out many homeowners looking to upgrade their outdoor space, for those who prefer the natural wood look, there’s nothing that compares to clear cedar. The highest in industry standards, clear cedar’s unique features have maintained its popularity in the decking industry. This type of cedar comes from older trees.

Natural Deck Wood

While low-maintenance composite and PVC decking is a popular choice for many homeowners, many still prefer the look of a natural deck to enhance the atmosphere of their outdoor space. Clear cedar is top-of-the-line when it comes to natural wood decking.  Demand has made this wood harder to obtain and more expensive, and it is now in line with low-maintenance products when it comes to cost.

Cedar Grades

Cedar decking comes in four grades. The most common are knotty and clear. Clear cedar has fever knots and blemishes and is considered an excellent choice when it comes to building decks. It’s denser, harder and more resilient, and has a lower rate of expansion and contraction, making it a clear choice for homeowners looking for a natural wood deck.

Most cedars contain natural oils (Phenols) allowing it to resist moisture, decay and insects. While knotty cedar may be a good, less expensive alternative to clear cedar, knotty cedar is cut from younger trees and, therefore, has yet to fully develop these natural oils. These oils give clear cedar longevity. Clear cedar can be left to the elements, where it will maintain its durability but will take on a silvery grey appearance. Likewise, you may choose to apply a finish that will preserve its rich colours.