Western red cedar is a very special wood and a very popular material for decking and fencing. Western red cedar is grown in the western United States and has been an integral part of the Native American culture of that region. The Native Americans, who have used the wood of the western red cedar for centuries, also believe cedar trees to possess spiritual powers and healing properties.

What accounts for the continued reverence of western red cedar is its beauty, its integrity, and its ability to endure even the most extreme climactic changes. Another special characteristic of cedar is its lovely fragrance. Homeowners enjoy cedar's crisp, wonderful smell, but this smell also serves as a natural repellent to wood-eating ants and termites.

The Special Properties of Cedar

Another positive aspect of cedar is its ease of use. It's very lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and handle. Also, it is easy to saw, fasten and shape, and easily takes nails and screws without splintering. Cedar is a wood with great integrity, meaning that it can be relied upon to retain its shape. It will lie flat when you want it to, and never twist, warp, or splinter.

Cedar, however, is a soft wood, so it should not be placed in direct contact with the ground. Harder heartwoods should always be used for this type of application, with the softer woods placed on the top surfaces of the deck. However, cedar is made to handle the constant onslaught of rain, wind, and scorching sun, for it contains a naturally-occurring oil that protects it against deterioration, even in extreme weather.