Pros & Cons of Cedar & Pressure Treated Wood Decks in Kansas City

December 5, 2021

What are the pros and cons of pressure treated wood decks vs cedar decks in Kansas City?

Do you want to install a deck on your property? Or do you want to redo a pre-existing deck? One of the first decisions you have to make is the type of material you will use.

Are you trying to decide between cedar and pressure-treated wood decks? If so, considering the pros and cons is a must. Keep reading to learn more about each of these materials and what they offer.

Cedar Decking

Cedar is one of the most demanded and popular products available today. That’s because it is an affordable and timeless wood species.

Some of the pros of cedar decking include:

Naturally rot-resistant
Able to withstand moisture
Less likely to split or warp over time
Remains flat when installed properly
Lasts 15 to 20 years
Affordable

While the benefits are appealing, there are a few cons to consider, too. These include:

Susceptible to scratches and damage (cedar is a softwood)
Must be sealed to retain the vibrant color
Deterioration happens quickly for ground-level decks

If you want to use cedar to achieve the weathered cabin look, you can use a transparent sealer and no additional stain.

Pressure Treated Decking

If you choose pressure-treated wood for your deck, it will probably be pine, as this is the most common option. Pressure-treating is a process that forces chemical preservatives into this wood. The chemicals are used to help prevent fungal decay and termite attacks.

While cedar is naturally resistant to those issues, if you choose pressure-treated decking, it is treated to be resistant to these elements.

Some of the biggest pros of pressure-treated wood for your deck include:

Budget-friendly
Long lifespan
Sustainable and resistant to wear and tear
Some come with lifetime warranties
More affordable than cedar

Again, there are some cons to this decking material, too. These include:

Inexpensive treated wood may be full of moisture and twist or shrink when it drives
It’s not eco-friendly due to the chemical infusion process
Does not accept most stains

If you choose to stain pressure treated wood, it will stay on the surface rather than soaking in and create a black, sticky mess through the years.

Also, an important note worth mentioning is that if you choose to install pressure-treated wood and then remove the deck, don’t burn the lumbar. This can lead to toxic fumes and other issues, so it is best to dispose of it some other way.

What Option Is Right for You?

After reviewing the information and pros and cons of cedar and pressure-treated decking, which one is right for you? As you can see, they both offer benefits and, in some cases, it comes down to your personal preferences. However, if you do have budget limits, then choosing pressure-treated decking may help you avoid overspending on the construction of your deck.

Which decking material do we recommend? Hand down the best decking material for Kansas City homeowners is composite decking.

Speak to the Professionals to Find the Right Material

Are you still on the fence regarding what material to use? If so, speak to the pros. They can review your needs and discuss your budget to help you choose the material that best suits your situation.

As the top rated Kansas City deck builders, our team of professionals is here to guide you to make the best design, installation and material choices for your goals and budget.

At Heartland Decks, you will find that we will help you decide on the material that suits your needs. Our goal is to ensure you are fully satisfied with the end results and material you ultimately choose for your deck. This is true regardless of the size or placement of the outdoor living area.