FASTENING & FINISHING

SURFACE TEXTURES

Western Red Cedar products may be specified in different surface finishes

Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminum and stainless steel fasteners are all corrosion-resistant and can be used to fasten Western Red Cedar. Other types of nails are not recommended. They can rust and disintegrate and react adversely with the natural preservative oils present in cedar resulting in unsightly stains and streaks. Copper nails also react with cedarand should not be used. Stainless steel nails are the best choice, especially if trim boards are to be finished with transparent or semi-transparent stain. Use No. 304 stainless for general applications and No. 316 for seacoast exposures.

For best results use splitless fasteners designed for siding installation. This type of nail has a thin shank and blunt point and is available with a ring or spiral shank. Fastener length should be adequate to provide a minimum penetration of 1 1/4" into solid wood.

Large members require timber connectors other than nails. Bolts, lag screws, split rings and shear plates, and custom made hardware are commonly used in heavy timber structures where the joint's strength must be greater than that which could be achieved with nails. These types of connectors should be corrosion-resistant or suitably coated to prevent corrosion and staining. Generally, the design of mechanically fastened joints must take into consideration a variety of factors such as end- and edge-spacing distances, moisture content, service conditions, and the effect of the number of connectors used. Because the cost of fabricating and installing connections may amount to a large percentage of the cost of a heavy timber structure, it is important to engineer the details of a structure before designing the timber members.

Screws can be used to fasten decks. Double hot-dipped galvanized screws can be used, however, stainless steel screws are recommended. For most applications a 304 (18-8) grade provides adequate corrosion resistance. For decks exposed to salt air, use 316 grade. Screws must be long enough to penetrate 1". (25mm) into support members. Penetration of 1 1/4" is required for structural components.

Blind fastening systems create an attractive, fastener-free deck surface. They employ metal clips and/or joist top brackets that fasten the sides or bottom of the deck board to the joists so that no fasteners are visible. Blind fastening systems are the ideal complement to the beauty of Western Red Cedar decking.

Although cedar is naturally durable, a surface coat is recommended to protect the wood and extend its service life. Western Red Cedar accepts a wide range of stains and other coatings and-whichever is selected should be a good quality product recommended by a paint or building supply dealer. When selecting a finish coat, make sure it contains the following: Water repellent; Fungicide/mildewcide; Protection against ultra violet (UV) light.

Penetrating oil-based products, particularly those containing pigments, are recommended for Western Red Cedar. Pigments provide increased UV protection. Note that decks require products specifically formulated to withstand the abrasive effects of foot traffic. Use of varnishes or other types of film forming coatings are not recommended for cedar decks. These coatings can crack and peel and once applied are difficult to remove.

Before You Start:

• Never let Western Red Cedar weather for more than 2 weeks before staining or painting.
• Never use steel or any 'ferrous' metal tool or brush! Iron or steel will react with Western Red Cedar and cause staining.
• Never use a pressure washer on your Western Red Cedar

Although cedar is naturally durable, a surface coat is recommended to protect the wood and extend its service life. Western Red Cedar accepts a wide range of stains and other coatings and-whichever is selected should be a good quality product recommended by a paint or building supply dealer. When selecting a finish coat, make sure it contains the following: Water repellent; Fungicide/mildewcide; Protection against ultra violet (UV) light.

Semi-transparent stains can be used for decks, landscape structures, fences, siding and trim.

Solid stains and paint can be used for siding, trim, landscape structures and fences but never decks. Use an Alkyd Oil base and Stain Blocking Primer, not shellac based. Top Coats should always be 100% Acrylic stain or paint.

TIP - New Cedar is best when purchased 'Machine Stained or Factory Primed' on all 6 sides of every piece

TIP - Best surfaces to hold finish in order of preference: sanded with 50 to 80 grit; rough sawn; planed smooth.

TIP - Use a bush or a 'pad painter with bristles' If you spray on a coating, brush it in.

If you have already installed/built using unfinished Western Red Cedar clean the surface and finish as quickly as possible and before 2 weeks exposure to sunlight have elapsed.

TIP - Clean with Oxi-Clean or 'generic' equivalent solution. Use a soft brush and rinse using a Garden Hose.

For more detailed information on finishing, order the WRCLA's "Guide to Finishing" or visit the website www.wrcla.org

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