Services
Wood decks with real timber character
Cedar and pressure-treated decks for homeowners who love natural wood, built with the details that help timber survive a Northwest winter.
Materials
Cedar or pressure-treated lumber
We build both, and we're happy to build a wood deck when it's the right choice. The two woods behave quite differently, so the choice is worth a minute.
Western red cedar
A lightweight, stable wood that resists decay naturally, with a warm color and a pleasant smell when freshly cut. Left alone it weathers to a soft silver; with a penetrating finish it keeps more of its honey tone.
It's softer than many woods, so it can dent under furniture legs.
Pressure-treated lumber
Treated to resist rot and insects, strong and the most budget-friendly decking option. It's also what we use for the framing under nearly every deck, wood or composite.
It's prone to checking and some movement as it dries, and it looks best once it has been stained.
Honest fit
When wood makes sense
- The budget is tight and a lower up-front cost matters more than future upkeep
- You want the real thing — natural grain, natural smell, boards that age with the house
- The deck is sunny and well ventilated, so boards dry out quickly after rain
- You enjoy the upkeep or plan to refinish on a regular schedule anyway
- It's a rustic or cabin-style setting where composite might look out of place
If your yard sits under firs, faces north or stays damp into June, we'll tell you plainly that composite decking will probably be happier there.
Built for rain
How we help timber last
Proper gaps
Board spacing that lets water and debris fall through as the wood swells and shrinks.
Sealed cuts
End grain soaks up water fastest, so cut ends are treated before installation.
Right hardware
Corrosion-resistant fasteners and connectors suited to treated lumber and wet weather.
Flashing
A properly flashed ledger keeps water out of the wall where the deck meets the house.
Upkeep, honestly
What a wood deck asks of you
A wood deck needs care to look good and last. Plan on a yearly cleaning to lift algae and grime, and a fresh coat of penetrating stain or sealer every few years. On a shady deck that will come around sooner, and on a sunny one a little later. Between coats, watch for boards that stay dark and wet, raised nails or screws, and splinters on the stairs and handrail.
None of this is difficult, but it is real time. If you'd rather skip it, ask us to price the same layout in composite so you can compare side by side.
Questions
Wood deck questions
Should I let cedar go grey or keep it stained?
Both are valid. Silver-grey cedar is a classic look and still performs well if the deck drains and dries. A penetrating, semi-transparent stain keeps warmer color and adds some UV and water protection, but it needs renewing.
Can I stain a new pressure-treated deck right away?
Usually not. Freshly treated boards are often still wet and need time to dry before they'll take stain evenly. We'll explain how to check readiness for the lumber we use on your deck.
Can you mix wood and composite?
Yes. A common approach is composite decking with cedar accents such as a privacy screen, planter boxes or a bench, which puts the natural wood where it's easy to maintain.
Related
Keep exploring
Ready to plan the next level of your yard?
Tell us what you have in mind. The on-site estimate is free and comes with a clear written scope.