There are plenty of things to think about when building a new deck for your home. The location, shape, and size are some factors that can make a difference in results. Another crucial decision to make is which material to use. While you’ll find plenty of options today, cedar lumber remains among the top choices—and it’s easy to see why. Here are seven benefits you can expect when you build your deck with cedar lumber.
- High-performance wood
Cedar wood is a versatile material you can get as beams, timbers, shingles, or boards in any size to suit your requirements. One of the best qualities of cedar is its high performance that resists splitting, which can happen due to fasteners. Additionally, it’s free from the pitch.
- Easy to work with
Cedar produces lengthy timber with straight, fine, true grain and a uniform texture. These characteristics make cedar lumber easier to cut, nail, or saw without special tools. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to finish without compromising dimensional stability.
- Better structural stability
Cedar wood has a low density, so its insulation value is higher than other species of wood. Its hardness is rated at 900 on the Janka scale, but it makes up for the lack of hardness with structural stability and shock resistance.
- Naturally beautiful
You don’t need to worry about painting or doing extensive finishing touches to your deck with cedar lumber. It often has a thin layer of cream or light brown sapwood, with a red to deep reddish brown heartwood and tight knots. These natural features add more character and uniqueness to your space.
- Low-maintenance
Cedar wood is a durable material that complies with all building codes in North America. That means you can build your deck without preservative treatments. Cedar’s heartwood has natural extracts that deter decay-causing fungus.
- Customizable
Cedar lumber may come in a wide range of sizes and lengths, but some suppliers can customize their products for you. Just tell them your requirements, and they will be happy to deliver.
- Environmentally friendly
Like other natural woods, cedar is more environmentally friendly than synthetic products because it is biodegradable and renewable. Just be sure your supplier offers sustainably sourced cedar lumber from sustainably managed forests.
Build your deck with cedar now.
Ready to build your cedar deck? Connect with Advanced Building Supplies, Inc. to get high-quality cedar lumber at reasonable prices. Their cedar wood is guaranteed top quality with minimal bowing and imperfections.
About the Author:
Bruce Master is the general manager at Advanced Building Supplies. Advanced Building Supplies, aka ABSWood, specializes in a full line of Brazilian Hardwood products, including Ipe, Garapa, Cumaru, and Tigerwood. Exotic woods is a natural outgrowth for Bruce as he comes from a long line of woodworkers. His Grandfather and Father were both respected wood craftsmen and cabinet makers. In addition to managing ABS, Bruce designs, plans, and installs his own decks. Before selling Brazilian Hardwoods, Bruce worked as a generalist at a huge Ace Hardware in Miami, Florida, that catered to an almost exclusive clientele of contractors working on Miami Beach.
