Cedar Deck Builders

Halifax | South Shore

If you need cedar deck installation in Halifax and South Shore area we can help. Zebra Deck is experienced cedar deck builder. We do amazing cedar decks at reasonable and affordable prices. We do beautiful work with attention to detail on all backyard projects we take on.

Benefits of Cedar Wood for Your Deck Project

Cedar is probably the second most popular material for building decks in Halifax and the area. It is also widely used in the construction of pergolas, fences and other outdoor structures. Cedar is very popular due to two important properties – beauty and strength. Zebra Contracting has vast experience in building cedar decks. What are the main features of this material in relation to decks?

First of all, it is a beautiful material. This is the first thing the homeowner thinks about when choosing cedar for building a deck. It has a warm reddish-brown color and a nice texture. It is pleasant to touch and it has a delicious aroma. When we cut cedar boards everyone notes how good it smells around.

This is environmentally friendly material. No chemicals are used in its production. Children can walk barefoot on boards without any risk of an allergic reaction from chemicals that manufacturers use. It can even be used to make spoons). Cedar is perfect for building a deck around the pool because when it comes into contact with water it does not emit harmful substances and is safe for wet bare feet.

Cedar is dimensionally stable. This material does not change size when dried or, on the contrary, moistened. This is his huge advantage over the treated wood. After the construction of the deck, it will remain the same straight and with minimal gaps years later. It will not wrap, curl, or bend after exposure to moisture.

Cedar is very reliable and strong. Cedar contains natural extractive oils. These oils help resist weathering, it does not rot, it resists harmful insects perfectly. Also, the cedar deck easy to stain and holds stain for a long time. This is because cedar is a very hygroscopic wood. After staining, the deck looks great.

A deck made of cedar has few disadvantages. First of all, cedar is a very soft material. It is very easy to scratch or dent. During the construction of the deck, the wood easily splits and poorly holds screws. The second is that the cedar quickly turns gray. We recommend painting the new deck as soon as possible.

In general, cedar is a great choice for building a deck and it has significantly more advantages than disadvantages. You will get not only a beautiful deck but also an environmentally friendly and aging-resistant structure.

Cedar Decking installation & Maintenance

Cedar decking installation has several unique characteristics and considerations that set it apart from other types of decking materials. Here are some key peculiarities we keep in mind:

Wood Movement

Cedar is a natural material that can expand and contract with changes in moisture and temperature. It’s essential to account for this movement during installation by leaving appropriate gaps between boards for expansion.

Natural Resistance to Decay

Cedar contains natural oils that provide it with resistance to rot and insect damage. When installing, it’s important to maintain these characteristics by avoiding treatments that could diminish these natural protections.

Pre-Drilling and Fastening

Cedar is relatively soft, making it prone to splitting if nails or screws are driven directly into the boards without pre-drilling. Using stainless steel or coated fasteners is recommended to prevent staining and corrosion, as cedar can leach tannins.

Surface Finishing

To maintain its aesthetic appeal and protect the wood, cedar decking should be treated with a suitable sealant or stain. It’s best to apply these treatments shortly after installation to provide a protective layer against the elements.

Slope and Drainage

Proper slope and drainage are critical in cedar decking installation to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to warping or degradation over time. A slight slope should be incorporated in the design to facilitate water runoff.

Color Variation

Cedar has a natural variation in color and grain patterns. Choosing boards that complement each other can enhance the appearance of the deck, but it may require careful selection during installation.

Maintenance

While cedar is naturally resistant to decay, it still requires periodic maintenance. This includes cleaning, resealing, and inspection for any signs of wear or damage, ensuring longevity and performance.

Moisture Considerations

Installing cedar decking in climates with high moisture content requires careful consideration. It may be necessary to use barriers or specific construction techniques to protect the wood from excessive moisture exposure.

THE NATURAL PROPERTIES OF CEDAR WOOD

Beauty persisting over time. Regardless of whether the surface of cedarwood is treated with a protective finish, or the grain gets older in a natural way, the material always looks noble. The material is naturally resistant to deformation, rot, adverse weather conditions, and insects. Cedar has a high concentration of natural tannins and oils, does not require chemical processing, and is therefore environmentally friendly and safe. Cedar absorbs almost no moisture, does not warp if some water gets on it, and lies well and flat on a frame. Absorbs and holds various types of finishes well.

Multiple surface treatments during the deck’s lifetime do not affect the exceptional properties of the wood or its appearance. Thermal conductivity. Cedar conducts the sun’s heat well, so in hot weather, the deck surface will have a comfortable temperature (as opposed, for example, too hot decks of composite or vinyl materials).

FASTENERS FOR CEDAR DECKS

Cedar has a high concentration of tannin, which chemically reacts with metal parts of the deck. Therefore, special fasteners should be used for a cedar deck, i.e., the fasteners must be made from special materials or undergo special pre-treatment.

Nails. Zebra Deck uses nails mainly for the construction of fences when working with cedar. Boards are secured only using hot-dipped galvanized nails – these kinds of nails are corrosion resistant, and the metal product does not directly interact with the cedar.

Deck screws. When working with cedar, Zebra Deck uses powder-coated brown screws. This kind of hardware is specially designed for cedar and does not react with the oils contained in the wood. Any other types of hardware are oxidized when in contact with cedar, resulting in stains and streaks on the board surface.

Cedar Deck Stain

The products used for deck care should have a number of specific properties in accordance with the type of wood:

Increased resistance to the effects of sun, water, and temperature fluctuations;
Wear-resistance;
Optimum consistency that ensures uniform application and drying;
Antiseptic properties (if the wood does not have antiseptic properties of its own).

The expertise of our contractors shows that the best solution for cedar care is oil-based deep penetrating paraffinic finishes. These stains contain combined drying and non-drying oils. On the contrary, water-based stains are not recommended for several reasons, among which the main one is their low ability to permeate the material.