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Discover the Beauty, Durability, and Versatility of Yellow Cedar for Your Outdoor Projects
Yellow Cedar combines durability, workability, and a clean, pale tone that suits contemporary outdoor spaces. It machines well, holds fasteners, and ages to a silver-grey patina when left unfinished. Below are suggested uses, finishing steps, and answers to common questions.
Applications for Yellow Cedar
Ideal for exterior projects that need long-term performance and a refined look:
- Decks and docks — see Yellow Cedar deck boards
- Outdoor walkways and stairs
- Pergolas, arbours, shade structures — cedar timbers and posts
- Fencing, railing, and trail delineation — cedar fence components
- Raised garden beds and landscaping
Unfinished, Yellow Cedar weathers to a natural silver-grey. If you prefer to keep the creamy color, follow the finishing steps below.
Finishing and Maintenance
To preserve the light tone, use a penetrating exterior oil with UV inhibitors. Film-forming clears are not recommended for decks due to traction and maintenance complexity.
- Choose a high-quality penetrating oil for cedar with UV protection.
- Prep: for smooth boards, sand to ~100–120 grit; for textured boards, clean per stain label. Remove dust and contaminants.
- Apply with a brush or pad. Allow penetration, then wipe excess with a lint-free cloth. Follow the recoat and dry times on the label.
Maintenance: Clean yearly with a deck wash or a mild oxygenated cleaner. Avoid aggressive pressure washing that can raise grain. Re-oil as color fades.
Installation Tips
- Use corrosion-resistant fasteners. Prefer stainless steel deck screws. Hot-dipped galvanized is a secondary option.
- Pre-drill near board ends to reduce splitting.
- Provide ventilation and drainage. Follow manufacturer spacing guidance for your board profile and climate.
- Where in contact with soil or constant splash, consider hidden membranes or spacers to reduce standing moisture.
Common Sizes and Profiles
- Decking: 5/4x6, 2x6 nominal
- Dimensional: 2x4 through 2x12
- Timbers: 4x4, 6x6 and up for pergolas
- Siding and specialty profiles vary by store — check local availability
Yellow Cedar FAQ
How does Yellow Cedar compare to Western Red Cedar?
Yellow Cedar is typically denser and slightly harder, with a pale straw color versus the reddish tones of Western Red Cedar. Both are durable outdoors with proper design and maintenance. Choose based on the look you want and local availability.
What fasteners should I use?
Use stainless steel for best long-term appearance and corrosion resistance. See stainless deck screws. Avoid electro-galvanized fasteners in coastal or wet environments.
Do I need to finish Yellow Cedar?
No. It can be left to weather naturally. If you want to retain the light color or enhance water repellency, use a penetrating oil with UV inhibitors and maintain as needed.
What about hidden fasteners or clips?
Hidden systems can work with compatible profiles. Confirm the board profile and the clip’s requirements. Ask in-store for systems that suit your board thickness and groove style.
Can I use Yellow Cedar for ground contact?
For direct ground contact or permanent wet locations, design to minimize constant moisture. Consider membranes, spacers, or alternate materials for posts in soil. Ask your store about best practices for your site conditions.
How do I clean and refresh the finish?
Use a deck cleaner or a mild oxygenated solution. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid high-pressure blasting that can fuzz the grain. Reapply a penetrating oil when the surface lightens.
