Whenever selecting wood to build something, make furniture, or an outdoor project, the question many people tend to ask is: Is cedar a hardwood or a softwood? The solution is not as obvious. Although cedar is generally very successful in terms of strength, natural beauty as well as decay resistance, it qualifies as a softwood. Nevertheless, it does not imply that it is weak or does not fit hard-duty applications.
This guide will discuss the distinction between hardwood and soft wood, the properties of cedar, the longevity of cedar decks, and compare black locust and cedar decking, so that you will be capable of selecting the best material to use in your next construction. When choosing the appropriate wood to use in outdoor buildings, the experts at Black Locust Lumber will often explain these differences to the homeowners and builders.
Is Cedar a Softwood or Hardwood?
Cedar is a softwood; this is due to the fact that it is made out of coniferous trees which are trees that normally bear needles and cones. These trees are in the family of gymnosperm and they grow at a much higher rate than the hardwoods.
Hardwoods, however, have an origin in the trees which are deciduous and shed leaves once in a year. Examples of hardwoods are oak, maple and walnut.
Even though cedar has been classified as a softwood, it possesses a number of properties that render it one of the most useful woods in construction and outdoor work:
- Rot and decay by nature prevented.
- Excellent stability and resistance to warping.
- Light weight, but strong structure.
- Oils that prevent insects which are found naturally.
Due to these characteristics, cedar is applicable in most cases as decking, siding, fencing, and outdoor furniture.
Reasons Cedar Is the Best Choice of Outdoor Projects.
The natural oils and compounds which are present in cedar, serve as natural preservatives. These oils also make the wood become resistant to moisture, fungus and insect damages without applying heavy chemicals.
Cedar has some of the most popular applications, some of which are:
- Decking
- Fencing
- Outdoor furniture
- Garden beds
- Exterior siding
- Shingles and roofing
The other reason why the homeowners use cedar is the appearance that it has. Cedar is usually reddish or golden but as it ages, it develops a pretty silver-gray grayy shade when unprotected.
Constructors and manufacturers such as Black Locust Lumber frequently suggest cedar when aesthetics and natural weather resistance are those required.
How Long Do Cedar Decks Last?
The number of questions most often posed by homeowners is how long will cedar deck last. The life cycle of cedar deck is determined by a number of factors, among them being weather conditions, care and timber content.
On average:
- Untreated cedar decks: 10-15 years
- Properly taken care of cedar decks: 15-20 years.
- A cedar deck can be prolonged by a lot of maintenance including sealing, staining and cleaning which can greatly increase the life span of a cedar deck.
Nevertheless, cedar remains not as hard as most hardwoods. This implies that it is prone to:
- Surface scratches
- Dents from heavy furniture
- Wear in high-traffic areas
To the homeowners who need a longer lasting deck that is more durable, other options such as black locust are usually suggested.
Black Locust vs Cedar Decking.
There is a comparison of black locust and cedar decking whereby both types of woods are naturally resistant to rot and insects, but they vary greatly in strength and durability.
- Cedar Decking
- Pros
- Portable and user friendly.
- Naturally insect proof and rot resistant.
- Beautiful color and grain
- Widely available
- Cons
- Sweeter wood which bends and marks easily.
- Reduced life-span as compared to hardwoods.
- Needs frequent servicing.
- Black Locust Decking
- Pros
- Very dense wood that is extremely hard.
- It was one of the most rot-resistant woods in North America.
- Can last 30-50 years outdoors
- Naturally insect and rot proof.
- Cons
- More difficult to cut and install because it is harder.
Generally increased initial price.
Firms such as the Black Locust Lumber are working on the supply of high quality black locust wood to be used in decking and outdoor structures as well as heavy duty. Due to its outstanding durability black locust can be viewed as one of the best natural substitutes of tropical hardwoods.
What kind of wood will make a better decking?
The decision of cedar or black locust would depend on your objectives of the project, your budget, and the life you want.
Choose cedar if you want:
- A less expensive decking.
- It is made of lightweight wood, which is easier to install.
- A classic natural look
Mooch black locust, you say:
- Maximum durability
- A longer-lasting deck
- Excellent wear and heavy usage.
To most builders, the case of black locust vs cedar decking is usually reduced to life expectancy. Cedar is beautiful and cheap, whereas the black locust is unquestionably strong and durable.
Final Thoughts
To be more precise, then, is cedar a softwood or hardwood? Cedar is actually softwood but oils in it are natural and it does not decay easily; this makes it one of the most sustainable softwoods that can be used outside.
Cedar is a good material in decking, fencing and exterior work where people have to care about the appearance and the natural resistance. Nevertheless, in case you want to achieve maximum life and durability, materials such as black locust can be a better option.
Wood choices can be closely compared before initiating a project and experts at Black Locust Lumber typically encourage doing this. Learning about durability of a material, maintenance and lifespan may assist in making a decision about the material.
You can use cedar because of its beauty or you may use black locust because of its strength and with the right type of wood you will be sure that your outside project will be around a long time.
