Seattle Cedar Decks - Custom Design and Construction
Quality Cedar decks.
We specialize in crafting stunning, long-lasting cedar decks that bring your outdoor living dreams to life. Each custom deck we design and construct showcases a unique array of rich, warm tones and intricate grain patterns, making it a one-of-a-kind masterpiece tailored to blend seamlessly with your home's architecture and personal style.
The Natural Beauty of Cedar Wood
Revered for its stunning natural beauty, cedar exudes a warm, inviting ambiance with its rich color palette and distinctive grain patterns. Beyond its visual allure, cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It is an excellent choice for any construction project, particularly for outdoor applications like decks, railing, and fences. It's also naturally insulating, keeping areas cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, enhancing comfort and reducing energy costs.
The aromatic scent of cedar trees adds an intangible quality to its surroundings, plus environmentally conscious builders and homeowners can appreciate cedar's sustainability as a renewable resource. Whether for structural integrity, environmental stewardship, or timeless beauty, cedar provides an unmatched blend of qualities that can elevate any deck project.
Experience the Benefits of Cedar Decking
A new cedar deck offers key advantages for homeowners seeking durable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance deck boards that bring value to any home, including
Rich Aesthetic Appeal: Cedar decks are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, featuring a spectrum of warm tones, from light ambers to deep siennas, complemented by a distinctive grain pattern.
Resistant to the Elements: Cedar's natural oils make it inherently resistant to moisture, decay, and insect damage, ensuring a longer lifespan than other decking materials.
Stays Cool: Unlike composite or plastic decks, cedar does not absorb excessive heat, making it the sunniest and most comfortable.
Renewable Resource: Cedar is a sustainable and renewable resource, meaning that your cedar deck not only adds beauty to your home but also supports eco-friendly practices.
Biodegradable: At the end of its long life, cedar wood can be recycled or safely returned to the environment, as it is entirely biodegradable.
Easy to Work With: Cedar's versatility allows for a wide range of traditional and contemporary designs. Its flexibility and ease of use make it ideal for custom new deck designs.
Finish Options: Cedar accepts and holds a wide range of finishes, including stains, oils, and paints, allowing you to tailor the look of your deck to match your home's style perfectly.
Natural Insulation: Cedar provides natural insulation properties, keeping the surface cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Low Maintenance: While no decking material is entirely maintenance-free, cedar decks require less upkeep than other materials. Regular cleaning and occasional staining or sealing will keep your cedar deck looking beautiful for years.
Increases Property Value: A well-maintained cedar deck is a valuable addition to your home that enhances outdoor living space and increases your home's market value.
Health Benefits of Cedar's Natural Aroma: The distinct cedar aroma is pleasant and known for its calming and stress-reducing properties, providing a therapeutic environment in your outdoor space.
Cedar vs. Other Wooden Deck Materials
Overview
Cedar is an excellent decking choice due to its balanced attributes that offer value and performance. It stands out as a cost-effective option that is more affordable than some premium options like Mahogany, Ipe, and Teak.
Pros
Cedar's heat transfer rating is relatively low compared to other materials, meaning it doesn't absorb and radiate as much heat as other materials, a desirable feature for comfort during sunny days. It also scores well as a durable wood, showing it can resist wear and tear through regular use. Maintenance is another strong point for cedar. It requires care but not as intensively as some higher-end woods, striking a good balance between upkeep and the natural aging process. Aesthetically, cedar is highly rated, offering a natural beauty sought after for outdoor living spaces.
The environmental impact of cedar is also a significant advantage, as it is known for being a sustainable choice when sourced responsibly. Installation ratings indicate that cedar is a user-friendly material for builders, which can translate to lower labor costs and a smoother installation process. Finally, cedar provides decent slip resistance, an important safety factor for any deck surface.
Cons
Cedar decks require periodic staining and sealing to maintain color and protect against the elements. It can be more expensive than some other decking materials. It is a softer wood, which can be prone to scratches and dents, and over time, cedar wood can fade to a grayish color if not correctly maintained.
Takeaway
Cedar provides better quality than low-quality materials like pressure-treated lumber. Cedar boasts a respectable lifespan, ensuring that your investment endures over time.
The Gibson Installation Process
With meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, our team will guide you through every step - from the initial design to the final construction. At the heart of our service is a deep-rooted passion for carpentry. With over 100 years of collective experience, we have honed a unique blend of modern techniques and vintage sophistication, ensuring each project is not just built but crafted with precision. Choosing us means entrusting your dream to artisans who view carpentry as a way of life, not just a profession.
Step 1: Blending Tradition with Modernity
Our approach begins with fusing traditional wisdom and modern innovation. We use the latest building technologies while keeping the timeless beauty of classic carpentry alive. This approach ensures your cedar deck is not just a structure but a piece of art infused with character and elegance.
Step 2: Detailed Planning and Execution
We're focused on the details when we plan your deck. We pay attention to every little part, like cedar boards, siding, and even the screws, to make sure your deck is strong and lasts a long time against weather and wear.
Step 3: Transparent Communication
Communication is key. We believe in building relationships as strong as our decks. We maintain open and honest communication throughout the installation process, ensuring you are informed and involved at every stage. Your input is valued, and we strive to incorporate your vision into our work while being upfront about what is feasible.
Step 4: Quality, Inside and Out
We don't compromise on quality. Every element is chosen for its durability and aesthetic value. Our careful selection of materials for decking ensures longevity, especially in the challenging Seattle climate. Our commitment to quality means focusing on the intricate details that guarantee the endurance of your cedar deck.
Step 5: Completion with a Promise
As we complete your cedar deck, we leave behind a structure that is a testament to our craftsmanship. Our work reflects our love for carpentry and a dedication to the beauty of endurance. We don't just build decks; we create enduring legacies that testify to our skill and your vision.
FAQs - Cedar Decks
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With proper maintenance, a cedar deck can last between 15 to 20 years. The lifespan can be extended with regular cleaning, staining, and sealing to protect against weathering and decay.
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The cost of a cedar deck varies depending on the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, and the cost of the deck board at the time of construction. It's more expensive than common materials like pressure-treated wood but less expensive than high-end composite decking. Contact us to schedule a free estimate to get an accurate quote on a new cedar deck.
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Cedar decks should be cleaned at least once a year. The cleaning process usually involves:
Sweep to remove debris and dirt.
Wash with a mild deck cleaner or a mixture of soap and water to wash the deck gently. Avoid harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as they can damage the wood.
Thoroughly rinse the deck with water.
Allow the deck to dry completely before applying any stain or sealant.
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We recommend staining your cedar deck every 2 to 3 years, but this can vary based on your deck's exposure to sunlight, rain, and other environmental factors.
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Cedar is more cost-effective and offers a good balance of durability and aesthetic appeal with relatively low maintenance. It's also cooler to the touch in sunny conditions and has a pleasing natural scent. Mahogany, on the other hand, is more expensive but is highly valued for its rich color and luxurious appearance. It tends to be more durable and long-lasting than cedar, with a higher resistance to weather and wood-destroying insects.
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Cedar is more affordable and offers a classic, warm aesthetic with moderate durability and maintenance levels. Ipe is a much harder wood and is incredibly durable and resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a long-lasting deck that can withstand harsh conditions with minimal maintenance. However, ipe's density makes it a more challenging material to work with during installation and generally requires more labor, which can add to the overall cost.
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Cedar is a natural wood that provides a traditional, warm aesthetic and can be more cost-effective upfront. It requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, to maintain its appearance and longevity. Composite decking is typically more expensive upfront but offers a low-maintenance solution that does not require staining or sealing and often comes with extended warranties. It’s the most common material for homeowners wanting a waterproof deck. Composites are also available in various colors and textures, made from recycled materials, which might appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. However, composite materials can get hotter underfoot in direct sunlight and may not have the natural wood scent and feel that cedar offers.