Good maintenance practices for cedar decks include allowing proper water drainage; keeping the surface free of dirt, leaves, pine-needles and other debris; and moving planters, benches and other deck accessories from time to time to permit the deck beneath them to dry thoroughly.

Do I need to treat my cedar deck?

Cedar is naturally rot resistant and will last for a long time with little or no maintenance, but sealing your deck will extend its life, ensuring that your deck will be around for many years to come.

How often do you need to seal a cedar deck?





For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

What is the best protection for a cedar deck?

If you’re ready to make an investment in your cedar deck, Cedar Oil is the perfect choice. It not only provides long-lasting protection from the elements but also brings out the natural tones in your wood and allows its beauty to shine through.

Do cedar deck boards need to be sealed?

If you are looking to preserve the beautiful rich grain of, say, a mahogany or cedar decking, we recommend sealing the deck with a translucent penetrating stain within 1-2 weeks of construction. This will ensure minimal or no UV damage and give your deck that natural look.

Can you leave cedar untreated?

Left untreated, cedar shakes — individual planks of one of several varieties of cedar — will discolor and begin to soften, with a possibility of rot after about five years, depending on the climate. There are several options for covering cedar siding, including stain, a clear treatment or paint.

Should you stain or seal cedar?





Rot, premature aging, and warping can occur from the weather and elements when the boards aren’t sealed. Finishing off your newly-installed cedar deck with a sealant or wood stain will help to prolong the life, beauty, and appeal of the deck for years to come.

How long will an untreated cedar deck last?

15-20 years

It’s a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn’t warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

Does cedar need to be sealed?



Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western Red Cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.

What is the best way to clean a cedar deck?

At minimum, use an all-purpose deck cleaner with a mild detergent to scrub the surface. Pressure washing isn’t recommended on soft cedar because the high pressure can damage the wood and create large gouges. Pressure washing can also create a rough surface that will need to be sanded down.

How do you finish cedar deck boards?

Four best practices for finishing cedar decking include:

  1. Never power wash cedar decking. While it can be tempting to get every last piece of dirt off of the boards, never power wash your cedar decking. …
  2. Pick the right kind of stain. …
  3. Stain prior to construction. …
  4. Reapply the finish regularly.


Why is my cedar deck rotting?

Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay. Because dry rot is a fungus, it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle.

When should I replace my deck boards?

When Should I Repair or Replace My Deck? When the cost of repairs starts to get close to the cost of replacing the entire deck, you should consider replacing the whole thing. Even decking materials that are structurally sound are still old, and you may have to replace them anyway in just a few years.

Will vinegar stop wood rot?

Fungicides to defeat brown rot include: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, tea tree oil, boron solutions, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, vinegar, etc. Since the dry rot fungus requires an acidic environment from pH 0 to 5.5, certain of these fungicides work because they change the pH.

How do I know if my wood deck is still good?



Check these 8 signs to help indicate whether or not you need a replacement deck.

  1. Significant, Noticeable Damage. Every form of building material experiences wear and tear. …
  2. Unsecure or Bowing Boards. …
  3. Loose Railings. …
  4. Wood Rot. …
  5. Deteriorating Ledger Board. …
  6. Questionable Posts. …
  7. Rusted or Missing Hardware. …
  8. Age.

Can I just replace deck boards?

If your existing deck is old, shabby and a maintenance nightmare, you don’t have to tear it all down and start over. Chances are that the structural parts are still in good shape. If so, you can simply remodel it with new decking, rails and stairs, and save tons of money over the cost of a complete rebuild.

How often do you need to refinish your deck?

every two to three years

Decks should be refinished every two to three years. Deck maintenance, and when you should do it, depends on variables such as the type of deck material, the current condition of the wood, and more.

How long do deck boards last?



Traditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.

What can I do with old cedar decking boards?

5 Common Ways How to Dispose of Old Deck Wood

  1. Sell it.
  2. Give it away.
  3. Trash Pick-up.
  4. Reuse It.
  5. Trash removal services.
  6. Local landfill.

What is the longest lasting deck material?

Aluminum and Steel

Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.