A beautiful deck can transform your home and give you a space that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Cedar is a popular lumber option for the job and like anything, has its pros and cons. Here’s what you need to know about cedar, so you can determine if it’s the right wood for the project.

Pros

Cedar is a naturally beautiful wood with a straight grain and pink-brown color. These aesthetic qualities are a primary reason that homeowners choose this lumber for their decks. It’s also considered a “green” product since there’s no shortage of cedar trees and the lumber doesn’t contain harmful treatment materials.

Cedar is also highly durable, thanks to the naturally occurring oils the tree secretes. With proper care, it can last almost 25 years, and it’s a structurally stable wood—a crucial factor when choosing deck materials. Since it’s porous, it can easily adapt to changes in humidity, which makes the planks less likely to warp and twist over time.

Cons

The high quality of cedar lumber comes at a cost. It’s one of the more expensive decking materials and also requires regular maintenance. You’ll need to winterize the deck, power-wash it each season, and sand coarse spots before applying sealant. While it’s structurally durable, the surface of cedar lumber is slightly more fragile than other options; it can be scraped or dinged easily, so consider how you plan on using the deck before choosing cedar.

If you’re ready to purchase lumber for your deck, stop by Huber Lumber. This locally owned and operated company brings over 110 years of combined experience to its Cincinnati, OH, customers and carries a wide selection of products. You’ll find wood, general building materials, and home improvement supplies. They’re also happy to connect you with their network of local contractors. Call (513) 731-4035 to speak with a representative, and connect with them on Facebook for news and updates. You can also learn more about their products on their website.