There are a number of reasons why homeowners have made the switch from traditional pressure-treated wood to red cedar or western red cedar for their decks. Cedarwood is rot and insect resistant, it’s tough and durable, easy to work with, looks great on your home and can make your outdoor living spaces seem like they’re out of this world. But what are the main benefits of adding hardwood decking to your home? Western red cedar offers many benefits over other types of wood that homeowners use for their decks. These include;
• It will last longer without needing any kind of maintenance.
• It’s more attractive.
• You can install it yourself or pay a professional to do the job for you.
• Once you’ve finished your deck makeover, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy it in peace without worrying about any problems with rot or decay.
And more generally, what are the main benefits of hardwood over traditional wood? When it comes to making an investment that will last for many years, one of the best types of wood to use is hardwood. A good example would be red cedar which has excellent properties when it comes to dealing with rot, insects and decay. People choose hardwood because of its natural beauty, but it also has other benefits such as the fact that:
• It’s safe and easy to work with.
• Hardwood is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use so you could even use it in your living room if you wanted.
What about softwood decking? And is it a good choice if you’re on a budget?
Softwood decking, unlike hardwood, is constructed of coniferous or evergreen trees that are fast-growing. However, softwood timber must be properly treated before being used to prevent fungal diseases and insect infestations.
Softwood boards are the most popular material for decking yet it’s mainly because they are simple to work with, widely accessible, and less costly. If you want a fast solution that will look wonderful after installation, softwood decking is the way to go. However, it will only retain its beauty for a few years before beginning to fade.
Hardwood decking is a great way to save money and enjoy your outdoor space longer. Hardwoods are denser than softwoods and they hold up better to the weather and use. They do not require as much maintenance or pre-treatment, either. Hardwood decking boards will look fresh and alive for decades without fading or warping.
Decay resistance: Compared with softwood, hardwood is more decay-resistant so it won’t rot away as quickly if left outside year after year. Hardwoods have natural insect-resistant properties, which means you will never have problems with termites eating at your board. So there you go, these were the main pros and cons of each decking type. We hope you enjoyed it!