Cedar or Composite Deck? Pros & Cons Explained

Cedar vs. Composite Decking: Which Material Is Best for Your Outdoor Living Space in New Westminster?

If you’re planning a new deck in New Westminster or anywhere in the Greater Vancouver area, choosing the right decking material is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Both cedar decking and composite decking offer great advantages depending on your style, budget, and long-term goals. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the best option for your home.

Cedar Decking: Natural Beauty for New Westminster Homes

Benefits of Cedar Decking

✔ Classic West Coast Look Cedar’s warm, natural tones pair beautifully with the West Coast style common throughout New Westminster and Greater Vancouver.

✔ Naturally Rot-Resistant Cedar’s natural oils help protect against moisture and insects—ideal for our coastal climate.

✔ Cooler Underfoot Cedar stays cooler in direct sunlight, making it great for sunny decks and patios.

✔ Eco-Friendly As a renewable resource, cedar appeals to homeowners looking for an environmentally friendly option.

Drawbacks of Cedar Decking

✘ Requires Regular Maintenance Cedar needs to be stained or sealed every 1–2 years to protect it from weathering.

✘ Shorter Lifespan Compared to composite, cedar typically won’t last as long.

✘ Natural Weathering Without consistent care, cedar can fade, crack, or warp over time.

Composite Decking: Low-Maintenance & Long-Lasting in Greater Vancouver

Benefits of Composite Decking

✔ Minimal Maintenance No staining, sealing, or sanding. Just occasional cleaning—perfect for Vancouver’s rainy seasons.

✔ Long Lifespan Composite is engineered to resist rot, fading, warping, and moisture damage.

✔ Smooth, Splinter-Free Surface Great for families and pets.

✔ Wide Variety of Colors Composite offers many modern and natural-looking design options.

Drawbacks of Composite Decking

✘ Higher Upfront Cost Composite is more expensive at installation, though lower maintenance costs balance this over time.

✘ Can Get Hot Dark composite boards can heat up more than cedar on hot days.

✘ Appearance Less Natural Than Wood Though highly improved, composite still doesn’t fully replicate real cedar.

Installation Difference: Solid Fastening vs. Clip Systems

One key difference many homeowners don’t consider is how the boards are attached.

Cedar decking can be screwed or nailed directly into the joists, creating a very solid, tight, and stable feel underfoot. This traditional fastening method gives cedar decks a firm, secure connection to the frame.

Composite decking usually uses hidden clip systems, which create a clean, seamless look with no visible fasteners. However, depending on the board brand and clip style, some homeowners notice that composite boards can feel slightly less rigid or have a bit of movement, especially as clips settle over time.

This installation difference is often a deciding factor for people who want the most solid-feeling deck surface.

Cedar vs. Composite: What’s Best for Your New Deck?

Choose cedar if you:

• Prefer the natural beauty of real wood

• Want a cooler surface on hot days

• Don’t mind regular maintenance

• Want a lower-cost starting point

• Want the most solid, fastened-down feel underfoot

Choose composite if you:

• Want a durable, low-maintenance deck

• Prefer fade-resistant materials

• Value long-term performance in wet climates

• Want a clean, fastener-free appearance

Both materials can look incredible—what matters is choosing the one that aligns with your lifestyle and your home’s needs.

**Build Your Dream Deck With Westminster Fence and Deck

Serving New Westminster & the Greater Vancouver Area**

At Westminster Fence and Deck, we specialize in:✔ Custom cedar deck construction✔ Composite decking installation✔ Hand built Cedar fencing✔ Custom outdoor structures✔ High-quality craftsmanship designed for West Coast weather

If you're planning a new deck in New Westminster or anywhere across Greater Vancouver, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

✨ Contact Westminster Fence and Deck today for a free estimate!