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The genuine warmth and richness of Real Cedar adds a natural elegance to this backyard addition.
Family gatherings and dining al fresco is a pleasure on this classic and versatile Western Red Cedar deck. Cedar has a straight grain that resists twisting, warping, cupping, settling and shrinking, making it ideal for your first-class deck.
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Turning the backyard into an outdoor living retreat is one of the hottest trends among American homeowners, and escaping to a quiet corner of the yard provides a necessary respite. With the right planning, you'll be able to create an outdoor paradise that will become a welcome break from the hectic pace of everyday life.
In developing your own concept for an outdoor retreat, be sure to consider the following:
Decking Materials – Despite composite and plastic decking manufacturer's best efforts, no man-made decking product is able to capture the all-natural warmth and beauty of a Real Cedar deck...Nature still knows best. Such differences in aesthetic beauty are easy to understand. After all, no matter what color it is, or what wood "grain" is stamped into its surface, plastic is still plastic.
In addition, Cedar is resilient and does not transfer heat which means you can kick off your shoes and enjoy your deck with friends and family long into the night, even during the hottest summer months. The same can't be said for plastic based products.
Be aware that regardless of material, all decks require some annual maintenance to remain looking their best. In fact, many composite decking manufacturers provide thorough "Care & Maintenance" instructions to help care for their various products. In reality, Western Red Cedar decking often performs better than most heralded "maintenance free" decking materials. Western Red Cedar's natural resistance to mildew and overall deterioration comes from compounds called "thujaplicins" that actually act as natural preservatives – making the wood incredibly durable.
Before you buy, check the facts and read the fine print. You'll soon realize that Western Red Cedar is the natural choice for a beautiful, low maintenance and environmentally sound deck.
Layout – Know the activities you'd like to include on the deck. The deck can then be separated into different zones – one for the grill, one for the hot tub, one for a sitting area, etc. The zones can be designated by steps and different levels, laying the deck boards in different directions, or simply how the furniture is arranged.
Decorating – Placing some furniture just outside the main deck entrance invites guests to move freely between the indoors and outdoors. Built-in benches add both style and function to your deck and adding Western Red Cedar planter boxes at select locations can create focal points.
The WRCLA has developed a collection of architecturally-designed deck project ideas for homeowners and builders. For these deck project ideas and more information on making your new deck a reality, visit www.cedar-deck.org.
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