About red cedar lumber...

Not only is Western Red Cedar one of the few woods with its own preservative oils, its freedom from pitch and resin makes it an excellent base for protective coatings. And cedar has other natural qualities that make it the best choice for decking.

Western Red Cedar decks are firm but resilient underfoot, not hard and unyielding. The wood is light weight, easily worked and ideal for almost all types of finishes. It has an elegance that complements any architectural style and a beauty that blends into all landscapes.

Available in a wide range of grades and sizes, and price-competitive with lesser materials, Western Red Cedar decks are the beautiful, practical, long-lasting complement to any home.

Cedar, a member of the cypress family, is richly colored with heartwood can last anywhere from 9 to 30 years. The top recommended grades of cedar decking are Architect Clear or Custom Clear deck grade. Western red cedar weathers rapidly to a beautiful deep glow. Port Orford cedar is a lighter in color than red cedar or redwood, allows more options for staining, and is rated for 20 years of wear. Predrilling is not usually required for cedar, but is recommended near the ends to prevent splitting. Deck fasteners may react to the tannic acid in the wood, so stainless steel fasteners are your best bet. Cedar, like redwood, is also a good insulator, making it a good choice for decks located above living space.