DECKING

SPECIFYING WESTERN RED CEDAR DECKING

To simplify specification, decking is now available in four grade categories offered exclusively by members of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. These few easily understood categories of decking provide a choice of quality clear grades or rustic knotty grades for outdoor decks of any style and budget.

Once the decision is made to build a deck, the choice of decking material is just as important as good design and quality construction. In today's environmentally conscious society, the natural choice is Western Red Cedar.

All wood used in the outdoors must be protected against decay and insect attack. Not only is Western Red Cedar one of the few woods with its own preservative oils, its freedom from pitch and resin makes it an excellent base for protective coatings. And cedar has other natural qualities that make it the best choice for decking. It is the most stable of British Columbia's softwoods, so Western Red Cedar decks stay flat and straight and resist checking.

Western Red Cedar decks are firm but resilient underfoot, not hard and unyielding. The wood is light weight, easily worked and ideal for almost all types of finishes. It has an elegance that complements any architectural style and a beauty that blends into all landscapes.

Whatever the reasons for building a deck, there is just one natural choice of decking material. Available in a wide range of grades and sizes, and price-competitive with lesser materials, Western Red Cedar decks are the beautiful, practical, long-lasting complement to any home.

The following information is required when specifying decking:

Grade: ARCHITECT CLEAR^™

Description

The ultimate in durability and appearance. Its fine grained heartwood appearance will meet the needs of the most demanding clients. All aspects of manufacturing and quality control are performed to the highest standards of the lumber industry. Architect Clear decking should be specified when only the best will suffice. This exclusive product is usually manufactured to individual order. Available seasoned or unseasoned.

Grade: CUSTOM CLEAR^™

Description

A quality product that combines the stability and durability of Western Red Cedar with a sophisticated clear appearance that will please the most discriminating taste. Its finely machined surface shows limited characteristics which do not detract from its natural good looks. Custom Clear decking can be used directly on the job and is a natural for custom residences and other applications where fine woodwork is desired. Available seasoned or unseasoned.

In addition to these clear grades, some suppliers will also offer clear grades of A & Better, C, and D & Better S4S for decking purposes.

Grade: ARCHITECT KNOTTY^™

Description

Rustic charm at its best. Durable, well manufactured Western Red Cedar decking that comes ready to use. This sound and tight-knotted decking limits both the size and quality of characteristics to meet the highest buyer expectations. The smooth, skip-free dressing over the entire face makes it the ideal deck surface. The top choice where the natural beauty and lasting charm of a knotty deck are desired. Available seasoned or unseasoned.

Grade: CUSTOM KNOTTY^™

Description

Widely used by homeowners and builders, this category of knotty decking combines the high manu facturing standards required for deckboards with a hole-free knotty appearance. This category limits the size and quality of characteristics to provide an economical and enjoyable knotty deck. Custom Knotty decking may be applied as received and is a natural choice for home deck builders, residential builders, and commercial applications where a durable knotty material is desired. Available unseasoned only.

Western Red Cedar Lumber Association
General Information: wrcla@wrcla.org
Toll Free: 1-866-778-9096

Administration
1501-700 West Pender Street
Pender Place 1, Business Building
Vancouver B.C.
Canada V6C 1G8
Telephone: 604-684-0266
Fax: 604-687-4930