CEDAR AND NATURAL WOOD DECKS in RED DEER & CENTRAL ALBERTA
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Unmatched Natural Beauty, Built for Alberta
Many homeowners in Red Deer and surrounding area rightfully select the warmth, character, and natural beauty of a real wood deck. Western red cedar in particular has been a premium decking choice in Central Alberta for generations. It is highly valued for its rich colour, its natural resistance to moisture and insects, dimensional stability, and the way it weathers gracefully over time. For homeowners who prioritize authentic natural aesthetics and are willing to invest in regular maintenance, cedar remains one of the most rewarding decking materials available. At a cost point between typical "entry-level" pressure treated options, Cedar offers a little more longevity, a great natural wood look, and dependency at a cost point lower than composite and other counterparts.
At Green Ladder Contractors, we love to build cedar and natural wood decks with the same structural rigour we apply to every project. Green Ladder cedar decking options always start with the correct footing plan for Alberta's frost line, properly engineered framing, and fasteners rated for the wood type. We help you select the right grade of cedar for your application and budget, and we're upfront about the maintenance commitment (and cost investment for maintenance) that comes with choosing natural wood in Central Alberta's complicated climate.
Why Western Red Cedar
Western red cedar is the most popular (and appealing) natural wood decking choice in Alberta for a few good reasons:
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Naturally rot and decay resistant: Cedar heartwood contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that resist fungal decay without chemical treatment. In theory, it is a naturally oiled wood.
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Naturally insect resistant: The same oils deter wood-boring insects and make a great choice for low to ground natural wood platforms.
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Dimensionally stable: Cedar does not shrink, swell, warp, or twist like other softwoods (Pine and Spruce - your typical building options). This makes cedar well-suited for exposed deck applications
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Lightweight: Easier to handle during construction than denser hardwoods. (The smart construction worker enters the "lumber carrying competition" with a load of cedar. It's strength is equal to other woods, while the density and weight are lower.
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Beautiful grain and colour: Rich reddish-brown tones with tight, straight grain patterns that accept stain beautifully
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Warm underfoot: Cedar stays more comfortable barefoot than some PVC's in both hot and cold conditions (though composite technology is getting pretty good at mimicking cedar, cedar is the natural option with a bit less upfront cost).
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Temperature control: Natural wood does not absorb and retain heat the way synthetic decking does
Cedar Grades and Selection
Not all cedar is actually equal. When it comes to building a cedar deck in your backyard... we help you choose the right grade for your project:
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Clear or Select grade: Tight, knot-free grain with consistent colour. The premium choice for visible deck surfaces where appearance matters most.
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STK (Select Tight Knot): Allows small, tight knots. A popular balance of appearance and cost for most residential decks.
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#2 and Better: This cedar is technically known for more knots and colour variation. Suitable for structural applications or projects where a rustic character is your desired outcome.
What to Know About Maintenance
Cedar is not a low-maintenance material. In Central Alberta's climate — with intense UV, freeze-thaw cycling, and seasonal moisture — unfinished cedar will grey within one season and can begin to check (formation of narrow, lengthwise surface cracks in wood that occur as it dries and shrinks, caused by the wood fibres separating along the grain) and crack within a few years without protection.
A cedar deck in Alberta should be cleaned and re-stained every 2–3 years with a quality penetrating oil or semi-transparent stain to maintain colour, prevent moisture absorption, and protect against UV degradation. South and West facing surfaces will likely need attention more frequently.
With regular maintenance, a quality cedar deck can last 25–35 years in Central Alberta. Without maintenance, the lifespan drops significantly.
If you own a Cedar deck and want to assess it's condition, or create a maintenance plan for this investment give us a call for a free consultation today. Green Ladder Contractors provides deck staining and maintenance services to help protect your cedar investment year over year.
Cedar vs Composite: An Honest Comparison
Factor | Cedar | Composite / PVC |
|---|---|---|
Environmental | Natural, renewable resource | Recycled content varies by brand |
Lifetime cost | Higher (maintenance adds up) | Lower (no staining costs) |
Upfront cost | Mid-range | Higher |
Lifespan | 20–30 years with maintenance | 25–50+ years depending on product |
Maintenance | Stain every 2–3 years required | Virtually maintenance-free |
Feel underfoot | Warm, comfortable barefoot year-round | Can be warmer in summer depending on brand |
Appearance | Natural, warm, authentic | Realistic wood-look but manufactured |
If you, like many, are comparing and considering the choice between natural wood (like cedar) or composite products for your outdoor space project, we truly believe that neither is the "better" material in all situations. Really, wood and composite serve different priorities, and these priorities ultimately help you make the selection for your project. We'll walk you through the honest tradeoffs for your specific project (balancing upfront vs longterm investment and the many other considerations in detail).
Who are Cedar Products Best For
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Homeowners who want authentic natural wood, not a synthetic imitation
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Higher-end backyard projects where aesthetics are the priority
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Homes with natural landscaping or traditional architectural style
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People who are willing to maintain their deck to preserve its appearance
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Outdoor spaces where barefoot comfort matters
What We Build With Cedar
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Feature decks where natural beauty is the priority
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Elevated and multi-level deck designs
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Ground-level platforms and entertaining spaces
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Stair systems, benches, and built-in seating
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Pergolas and shade structures
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Privacy screens and accent features
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Railing systems (cedar or paired with aluminum/glass)
How It Works
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Free Design Consultation & Site Assessment: We discuss your vision, walk the site, and assess conditions including sun exposure — which directly affects cedar maintenance scheduling.
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Cedar Grade Selection & Detailed Estimate: We help you choose the right cedar grade and provide a clear written estimate covering design, materials, hardware, and timeline.
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Permits & Scheduling: We handle permit applications and coordinate your build date.
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Footings, Framing & Cedar Installation: Structure built to code with correct fasteners for cedar. Deck boards installed with proper gapping for drainage and seasonal movement.
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Final Walkthrough & Maintenance Guidance: We walk through the completed deck, explain your warranty, and provide a clear staining and maintenance schedule so your cedar performs for its full intended lifespan.
Service Areas
Red Deer • Sylvan Lake • Lacombe • Blackfalds • Penhold • Innisfail • Rocky Mountain House • Olds • Ponoka • Bowden • Wetaskiwin • Drumheller • Stettler • Camrose • Drayton Valley • Carstairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cedar better than pressure-treated wood for decks?
Cedar offers superior natural beauty, dimensional stability, and a warmer feel underfoot. Pressure-treated wood is more cost-effective and still structurally strong. Cedar requires staining every 2–3 years; pressure-treated requires the same on a 2–4 year cycle. The right choice depends on whether aesthetics or budget is your primary driver — we'll help you compare both during your free consultation.
How often should a cedar deck be stained in Alberta?
Every 2–3 years for most exposures. South- and west-facing decks that receive more direct sunlight may need attention more frequently. A quality penetrating oil or semi-transparent stain is the best protection against UV greying and moisture cycling in Central Alberta.
Does cedar last in Red Deer weather?
Yes — with proper maintenance. Cedar's natural oils provide inherent resistance to rot, decay, and insects. However, Alberta's UV intensity and freeze-thaw cycling will weather unprotected cedar quickly. Regular staining is essential to protect the wood and maximize lifespan.
Is cedar more expensive than pressure-treated lumber?
Yes. Cedar typically costs more per board foot than pressure-treated SPF, and higher grades (Clear, Select) command a further premium. The gap narrows over the deck's lifetime because cedar's natural oils mean fewer treatment chemicals, though both materials require regular staining in Alberta.
Will cedar turn grey if I don't stain it?
Yes — and some homeowners prefer it. Untreated cedar weathers to a silvery-grey patina that many people find attractive. If you prefer the grey look, you can leave the cedar untreated, though we still recommend applying a quality UV-protective clear sealant to prevent surface checking and moisture damage even without colour stain.