Key Takeaways:
- Western Red Cedar costs $5–$12 per sq ft for materials — the mid-range option
- Naturally rot and insect resistant without chemical treatment
- Grown in British Columbia — a genuinely Canadian product
- Lifespan: 15–25 years with regular oiling, weathers to silver-grey without treatment
- Lighter than pressure-treated (50% less weight) — easier to handle and install
Why Cedar?
Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata) is the only major decking wood grown and harvested in Canada. The forests of British Columbia produce the world's supply, making cedar the most authentically Canadian decking choice — with shorter supply chains and lower carbon footprint than imported composite or exotic hardwood.
Cedar's natural oils — thujaplicins — make it inherently resistant to rot, insect damage, and fungal decay without the chemical pressure-treatment that PT lumber requires. These oils also give cedar its distinctive warm aroma.
Grades and Pricing
| Grade | Appearance | Price/sq ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear (A & Better) | No knots, uniform colour | $10–$12 | Premium visible surfaces |
| Select Tight Knot (STK) | Small tight knots, character | $7–$9 | Most residential decks |
| #2 Common | Larger knots, some defects | $5–$7 | Budget cedar decks, hidden areas |
| Knotty | Rustic appearance, many knots | $4–$6 | Cottage decks, rustic aesthetic |
Grading is governed by the BC Lumber Manufacturers' Association (BCLMA) standards.
Performance in Canadian Climates
Moisture and Rot
Cedar handles moisture better than any untreated softwood. The natural oils repel water absorption, reducing the swelling and shrinking cycle that destroys pressure-treated decks. In BC's wet coast climate, cedar has been the preferred decking wood for over a century.
Freeze-Thaw
Cedar performs well through freeze-thaw cycles because it absorbs less moisture than PT wood — less moisture means less ice expansion damage. However, cedar is softer than PT (Janka hardness 350 vs PT's 570), so it dents and scratches more easily under heavy furniture or foot traffic.
UV and Weathering
Untreated cedar weathers to a natural silver-grey patina within 12–18 months. Many homeowners in coastal BC and Atlantic Canada prefer this weathered look. If you want to maintain the original warm red-brown colour, apply a UV-blocking penetrating oil or stain annually.
Installation Considerations
- Stainless steel fasteners required — standard steel reacts with cedar's tannins, creating black stains around every screw
- Pre-drill for face screws — cedar splits more easily than PT wood
- Hidden fastener systems work well — cedar's consistent grain makes it ideal for edge-grip clips
- Allow 1/8" gap between boards — cedar has lower thermal expansion than composite but still moves with moisture
- Weight advantage: cedar weighs approximately 23 lbs per cubic foot vs 40+ lbs for PT SPF — significantly easier to carry and position
Cedar vs Composite: 20-Year Cost
| Factor | Cedar (STK) | Composite (Mid) |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost (300 sq ft) | $2,100–$2,700 | $2,700–$4,200 |
| Labour | $4,500–$6,000 | $5,400–$7,500 |
| Annual stain/oil (20 yrs) | $4,000–$6,000 | $0 |
| Board replacements | $500–$1,000 | $0 |
| 20-year total | $11,100–$15,700 | $8,100–$11,700 |
Cedar costs more than PT wood upfront and more than composite over 20 years — but it delivers something neither can match: the real look, feel, and smell of natural wood with genuine Canadian provenance.
Environmental Profile
- Renewable resource: BC's cedar forests are managed under the BC Forest and Range Practices Act
- FSC-certified options available from select mills
- Naturally durable — no chemical preservatives enter soil or waterways
- Biodegradable at end of life — unlike composite or PVC
- Lower embodied energy than manufactured products — no factory processing beyond milling
Who Should Choose Cedar?
Cedar is right if you value natural beauty and authenticity above zero-maintenance convenience. It's the choice for homeowners who want a deck that smells like a BC forest, feels warm underfoot, and ages with character. Pair it with stainless steel railings for a contemporary natural aesthetic, or with wood railings for a full rustic look.
