Cedar Decks in Kirkland & the Eastside
A Western red cedar deck on the Eastside costs $45 to $75 per square foot installed, roughly 20% to 35% less than composite at the same size. Cedar is the warmest-looking and most natural deck material, it grows in this region, and in a sunny, well-ventilated yard with an owner willing to refinish it every two to three years, it is still the right choice.
Get a Free Design & Quote — we will tell you honestly whether your yard suits cedar.
Get a Free Design & Quote Call +1(425) 518-1187
Where cedar works and where it does not
Cedar does best where it can dry: full or partial sun, at least two feet of air under the deck, and no tree canopy dropping needles that hold moisture between boards. It does worst on low decks over damp ground in north-facing shade, where boards cup, grey and grow moss in a few winters. We look at exactly those conditions at the design visit before recommending it.
Cedar grades
| Grade | Appearance | Durability | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear (A and better) | Few or no knots, uniform color | Highest heartwood content, most stable | Premium |
| Select Tight Knot (STK) | Small, tight knots | Good stability, the common deck grade | Mid |
| Standard / rough knotty | Larger knots, more character | More checking and knot loss | Entry |
We build most cedar decks in STK for boards and use clear or STK for railings and caps that are touched every day. Framing stays pressure-treated, because cedar framing does not survive ground moisture.
How we build a cedar deck
- Footings below the frost line, ground-contact framing, flashed ledger, joist tape: identical to a composite build.
- Boards end-sealed at every cut so water does not wick into the end grain.
- Stainless steel screws, face-fastened or with a hidden system rated for cedar; plain steel stains cedar black.
- Gapping set for green or kiln-dried stock so the gaps stay open after the boards dry.
- A penetrating oil finish after the boards have dried enough to accept it, usually a few weeks after the build.
Cedar deck costs on the Eastside
| Deck | Installed range |
|---|---|
| 250 – 350 sq ft, ground level, STK, cedar railing | $14,000 – $24,000 |
| 300 – 450 sq ft, under 6 ft high, STK with clear cap rail | $22,000 – $36,000 |
| 400 – 600 sq ft, clear grade, picture frame, aluminum or cable rail | $34,000 – $58,000 |
The first finish coat is included. Refinishing afterward runs $2 to $4 per square foot by a contractor, or a weekend and the cost of oil for an owner.
Keeping cedar looking like cedar
- Refinish every two to three years with a penetrating semi-transparent oil; film stains peel in this climate. The full seasonal routine is in Deck Maintenance in a Wet Climate.
- Wash in spring to remove pollen and algae before they hold moisture.
- Sweep needles and leaves out of board gaps through the fall.
- Expect the boards to silver if left unfinished; some owners choose that, and the wood is sound underneath.
A cedar deck we built
Cedar deck questions
How long does a cedar deck last in the Northwest?
Fifteen to twenty-five years for the boards with regular finishing and good airflow; eight to twelve in damp shade with neglect. The framing beneath is the same as a composite deck's and lasts as long.
Is cedar cheaper over time than composite?
In a sunny yard with an owner who refinishes it, often yes. In shade, or with a contractor doing the refinishing, composite usually wins over fifteen years. The Composite vs Cedar tool calculates it.
Why not use cedar for the framing?
Cedar is soft and loses strength when it stays wet. Pressure-treated framing rated for ground contact is stronger and outlasts it under a deck.
Does cedar splinter?
Smooth-faced STK and clear grades splinter far less than pressure-treated decking. Keeping the finish up keeps the surface tight.
Can you match an existing cedar deck?
Closely in species and grade. New boards are lighter until they weather or until both are refinished together.
Send a photo with the sun direction marked. We will tell you if cedar will be happy there.