One of the most challenging choices to make when you’re building a new deck is deciding on the decking material. Your three main options are cedar, pressure-treated wood, and composite. Let’s examine the life expectancy of cedar decks and figure out what you can do to make your cedar deck last as long as possible.

With No Maintenance

Cedar is a naturally rot-resistant wood, so long as the wood comes from the heartwood of the tree. Cedar is a great option for environmentally conscious buyers and a far better choice over chemically treated lumber in that regard.

However, you’ll miss out on years of its potential life span with no maintenance. No maintenance means your deck receives no help despite constant seasonal changes and sun exposure. Cedar’s natural rotting defenses can only take you so far—you need to help the wood reach its maximum potential.

With Infrequent Maintenance

Performing simple maintenance on your cedar deck as infrequently as once every five years can practically double the wood’s life span. Proper maintenance involves power-washing the deck as well as sanding it. You’ll then need to reseal it with a vapor barrier—this will keep moisture out of the wood. You should also replace any warped boards and tighten any loose boards you find.

With Yearly Maintenance

An annual inspection and regular touch-ups are the best things for your cedar deck. With yearly cleaning, sealing, and board replacement, a cedar deck can easily last 25 to 40 years. You don’t need to be hypervigilant; just look out for rough areas that you’ll need to sand down. Also, keep an eye out for any spots that form on the boards. A simple rotary tool with a nylon brush and a cleaning solution should be enough to take care of them.

Now that you know what the life expectancy of a cedar deck is, you know that if you treat your deck right, it will be with you for decades—and having an expert team provide professional installation doesn’t hurt, either! At Stellar Construction & Remodeling, our outdoor living space contractors specialize in a variety of home improvement projects and are ready to lend their services to homes all over the Portland area. Reach out today to see what our custom deck builders can do for you.