Cedar Versus Composites

REAL CEDAR VS. COMPOSITE DECKS

Comparison of key product attributes

APPEARANCE

Plastic is plastic. No man-made decking product can capture the warmth and beauty of a Real Cedar deck.
With plastic or composite decking, color fade from the sun is irreversible. Western Red Cedar decks can be restored and refinished, providing a decking surface that looks virtually new. Emergency repairs, such as scratches and stains, can be touched up with sandpaper and re-finished, a near impossibly with composite materials.

MAINTENANCE

Regardless of the material, all decks require some regular maintenance to maintain appearance. Mildew, as just one example, forms on decking surfaces of all types and should be removed from a deck soon after it appears. Indeed, many composite decking manufacturers provide “Care & Maintenance” instructions. Ironically, a Western Red Cedar deck will perform very well following maintenance tips similar to those recommended by composite decking manufacturers.

DURABILITY

Composite decking has no long-term performance history. Western Red Cedar, on the other hand, has a successful track record going back hundreds of years. Its natural resistance to decay and insects comes from compounds called “thujaplicins” that actually act as natural preservatives, making the wood fibers incredibly durable.

WARRANTIES

Composite decking, like other imitation materials, have come under fire for over-promised claims and warranties. Western Red Cedar doesn’t require manufacturer warranties to support its claims of durability and performance.

ENVIRONMENT

Many composite decking products claim to be environmentally friendly because they are produced from recycled plastic. However, being derived from petroleum-based products, plastics require a significant amount of scarce, non-renewable energy to produce, and can sit in landfills for years without breaking down.

Western Red Cedar is entirely biodegradable and renewable. In fact, America grows 30% more wood each year than it harvests and has more forestland today than 100 years ago.

COSTS

While perception is that Cedar is expensive, it is typically 40-50% less expensive than composite building materials, and only 15-20% more expensive than treated wood.

TIME-TESTED BUILDING QUALITIES

DURABLE

Cedar fibers contain compounds called thujaplicins that act as natural preservatives. When properly detailed and maintained, Western Red Cedar will last for many years.

STABLE

An even, straight grain and relatively consistent density make Western Red Cedar less likely to swell, warp, cup or twist.

EASY TO USE

Low density and consistency make it an ideal wood to saw, nail, glue and easy to handle on the job.

FINISHES WELL

Western Red Cedar is free of pitch and resin, ranking it at the top in its ability to accept and maintain a finish.

Insulator for heat,cold and noise

The open cell structure of Western Red Cedar helps increase insulation by conducting less heat, cold and noise through interior wall paneling or exterior siding as compared to brick, stone, vinyl and drywall.