Finish is part of the build
Bare cedar turns gray and checks. We include the first finish in the scope and tell you the recoating year, instead of pretending the wood is maintenance-free.
DECKS · CEDAR
Cedar Decking, Built and Finished for the Rain
Cedar is still the right deck when you want real grain and a lighter frame look. On the Eastside it only lasts if the species, the fastener and the first finish are chosen together. We build cedar decks with ventilated framing, stainless or hot-dip fasteners, and a finish plan you can actually keep up with.
Included in this scope
- Select-grade cedar decking, not construction-grade boards sold as a finished surface
- Stainless or hot-dip fasteners that will not stripe the boards black
- Spaced decking and ventilated framing so the underside can dry
- A first coat of stain or oil while the wood is still clean
- Stairs, benches and trim in the same species
Details that change the result
Fasteners show
Electro-galvanized screws bleed through cedar. We use fasteners rated for the tannins, so the deck does not freckle by fall.
Shade changes the spec
A deck under firs stays wet. We open the gaps, keep soil and planters off the boards, and say so if a covered bay would save the wood.
Where this fits
Related pages
Most projects touch more than one trade. These are the pages homeowners open next, and the scopes we most often bundle into a single estimate.
Questions
Before you call
How often does cedar need stain?
On an open Eastside deck, plan on a wash and recoat about every two to three years. Covered decks and north walls go longer. We will put the interval in writing with the product we used.
Cedar or composite on the same frame?
Yes. Many houses run cedar on a small entry landing and composite on the main yard deck. We detail the transition so it looks intentional.
Can you match an older cedar deck?
New cedar will be lighter until it weathers. We can stain to pull it toward the existing boards, and we will show you a sample board before the whole order is placed.
Ready when you are
Get a written estimate this week
Call (425) 555-0123, or send the form and we will schedule the visit. We reply within one business day.