The Benefits of Pre-Stained Cedar Siding and Decking
When it comes to deciding on whether to choose a pre-stained cedar siding or decking for their project, many people often prefer decking based on up-front costs alone. This isn’t always the best course of action though, as there are many added benefits to using pre-stained cedar for your project. In many cases using pre-stained cedar siding will actually save you more money over time over decking.
Unless you’re going for an aged look to your cedar siding or decking, it’s recommended to use pre-stained cedar before you begin your project. Untreated cedar often has some degree of “mill glaze” on it, this is a smoothness that is caused by the mill blades. The heat from the blades has a tendency to polish the wood, sealing the grain – mill glaze – making it more difficult to get a deep stain that won’t wear off in a year. If you’re going to pre-stain your own cedar siding or decking, make sure to use an oxalic acid on the cedar to help remove the mill glaze. Allow time for the wood to properly dry before applying the stain. All of the extra steps alone involved in staining your own cedar are enough to convince you in investing in a pre-stained choice. But wait, there’s more.
To save yourself a lot of time and money, purchasing a pre-stained cedar for your siding or decking is more than just a cost saver, it’s also a cost saver as you won’t have to worry about any pesky mill glaze, clean up, weather delays, and time. Using pre-stained cedar also ensures that all edges of the siding and decking will be sealed, and you won’t have to worry about moisture getting at areas you couldn’t reach. You will also have a more even distribution of the stain, keeping your stain colouring more consistent, helping you avoid any unsightly dark discolorations or other inconsistencies in coverage.
Although cedar contains oils which are naturally rot resistant, not many people know that it is only the heartwood of cedar that is resistant. Heartwood is generally darker wood closer to the middle of the tree trunk. Chemicals called “extractives” form in the heartwood as the tree grows, it is these extractives that give the heartwood its darker colour and its rot resistance. However, no extractives form in the sapwood, making it no more rot resistant that any other type of wood. Unless you are an expert in cedar, it may be hard to tell if your decking or siding is comprised of cedar heartwood. Using pre-stained cedar can help to ensure a uniform seal of protection throughout your entire project.
Longhouse Forest Products offers a wide selection of wood materials that are sustainably sourced from right here on Vancouver Island. As a demonstration of our commitment to sustainability, Longhouse is a member of the Canadian Green Building Council. The mission of this council is to transform building in Canada by promoting practices that further sustainability across the country. As a reflection of our devotion to practicing sustainable practices and providing high-quality products, Longhouse is the two-time Manufacturer/Supplier of the Year by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) for both 2019 and 2020.
With our decades of experience in the forestry product industry and numerous accolades, Longhouse can provide the products and the know-how to turn your dream project into a reality. Call us toll-free at 1-800-811-2010 or email us at info@longhousecedar.com to find out more about the products and services we can provide for you.