NATURAL WOOD DECKING
Cedar decks with natural warmth and real grain
Western red cedar is the classic deck board. It looks warm, feels solid, and stays cooler than any synthetic in the Texas sun. It needs a seal coat every couple of years, but if you want a deck that looks like real wood because it is real wood, cedar is the right choice. We build it to stay flat for years.
MATERIAL
Western red cedar
SURFACE TEMP
Cooler than composite
MAINTENANCE
Seal every 2-3 years
LIFESPAN
15-20 years sealed
Wood Decking
Western Red Cedar in Austin, TX
Western red cedar, clear and knotty
We use western red cedar in two grades. Clear cedar has no knots, a clean vertical grain, and a premium look. Knotty cedar has character and costs less. Both take stain beautifully and age to a silver-gray if left untreated. For most Austin decks, we recommend a semi-transparent stain that lets the grain show through while blocking UV.
Sealed for Texas sun
Cedar will turn gray in 6 to 12 months without a finish. That gray is not damage, it is UV oxidation, but most homeowners prefer the warm tone. We seal cedar decks with a penetrating oil-based stain that blocks UV and repels water. The first coat goes on after installation, and we recommend a refresh every 2 to 3 years.
Pre-drilled and spaced to stay flat
Cedar is a natural material and it moves. We pre-drill every screw hole to prevent splitting, and we space the boards to allow for expansion and contraction across a Texas temperature swing. Boards installed too tight cup and buckle. Boards installed right stay flat and breathe.
Framing and fasteners
We frame cedar decks with ground-contact pressure-treated lumber, which does not touch the cedar surface. Stainless steel or coated screws are used to prevent black streaks from the reaction between cedar and standard fasteners. The ledger is flashed to the house so water does not rot the connection.
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Other decking materials we install
Financing options
Managing the cost of your decking project
A roof or exterior replacement is a real investment. We make sure the payment side is not the thing that keeps you up at night.
Flexible monthly plans
Spread the cost of your project across manageable monthly payments instead of paying it all at once. We work with financing partners who understand that a roof or siding job is not a planned expense, it is usually an urgent one. Plans range from short-term payoff to longer terms that keep your monthly number low.
Don't wait for an insurance check
If your adjuster is still reviewing the claim or the payout is weeks out, financing lets us get the work started now. You stop the leak, secure the property, and pay the balance down once your insurance funds arrive. No tarp on your roof for a month waiting on paperwork.
Simple, upfront terms
Your estimator walks you through the financing application during the inspection, right at your kitchen table. No obligation, no hard credit pull until you decide to move forward. You see the rate, the term, and the monthly payment before you sign anything.
Works with insurance deductibles
Many homeowners use financing to cover their deductible portion of a storm claim, so the job does not stall on out-of-pocket cost. We coordinate the scope, the claim, and the financing so you understand exactly what insurance covers and what your plan handles.
Questions
Cedar Decking FAQ
How long does a cedar deck last in Austin?
A cedar deck with proper sealing and maintenance lasts 15 to 20 years in Central Texas. Without sealing, the surface degrades faster. The framing underneath, built with ground-contact treated lumber, should last as long as the decking.
Does cedar decking need to be sealed?
Yes. Cedar should be sealed with a penetrating oil stain every 2 to 3 years to block UV and repel water. Without a finish, cedar turns silver-gray, which some homeowners prefer, but the surface breaks down faster. We apply the first coat after installation.
Is cedar or composite better for a deck in Austin?
Cedar looks more natural and stays cooler in the sun. Composite is lower maintenance and lasts longer without sealing. If you want the look and feel of real wood and do not mind the maintenance, cedar is excellent. If you want a deck you never have to stain, go with composite or PVC.
Why do cedar decks cup and buckle?
Cupping and buckling happen when boards are installed too tight, without pre-drilling, or without proper spacing. Cedar expands and contracts with moisture and temperature. We pre-drill every hole and space the boards to let them breathe, so the surface stays flat through wet springs and dry Augusts.
Where we work
Cedar Decking near you
Citywide
South Austin
East Austin
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Central Austin
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Southwest Austin
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Free inspections with a same-day detailed estimate. We document the damage, show you the photos, and give you a number you can hold us to, backed by manufacturer and workmanship warranties.