How To Design High-End Decks With Cedar Deck Boards

While size can be equated with grandeur, the largeness of a deck alone does not make it high-end. What does it mean by material quality, attention to detail, and long-term performance? In fact, you might not know, but something as small as your choice of fasteners can also play a major role in how premium the space ends up looking once you are done building it. 

 

So if you are currently working on a custom home, you might want to pay extra attention to how you build its deck. For most builders and contractors, cedar deck boards continue to be a popular choice, thanks to their rich aesthetics and durability. 

 

However, designing a high-end cedar deck takes a lot more than selecting the best boards in the market. You have to take every single consideration into account – from layout and orientation to finishing and fastening so the final result meets your client’s expectations. 

 

In today’s blog, Fonthill Lumber Inc. – the top supplier of premium cedar deck boards in Ontario – will reveal the factors you need to consider when designing high-end decks that remain timeless for years to come. 

 

 

What Are The Must-Haves For Premium Cedar Decks?

 

Much like Rome, sophisticated cedar decks cannot be built in a day. However, with time and patience, builders can create a marvellous deck for their clients, provided they keep the following factors in mind. 

 

 

Select the cedar grade that matches your project 

 

If you want to deliver truly high-end results, you cannot buy the first cedar deck boards you find in the market and expect magical results. Each grade type yields different structural and visual outcomes. 

 

In our experience, using clear cedar is the best option. Its minimal knots, uniform grains, and clean lines make it a solid choice for most luxury projects. Other choices include: 

 

• Select Tight Knot (STK) Cedar: This grade features controlled knot sizes along with a natural, warm character. 
• Knotty Cedar: If you want your project to have a rustic look, you can opt for knotty cedar. It has the maximum knots. However, we recommend restricting its use to casual or budget-driven projects

Clear cedar is our top recommendation for luxury projects as it pairs well with modern architecture and building styles. 

 

 

Take board width, thickness, and orientation into account

 

Take our word for it – symmetry is luxury. To build a high-end deck, you need to get perfectly symmetrical and proportional boards that flow into each other when stacked side by side. This is possible when you take their dimensions into account. Here is how different cedar deck board sizes influence the finished result: 

 

• Wider boards create a bold and contemporary vibe
• Standard-width boards are the best way to achieve a timeless look
• Consistent thickness ensures a delightful underfoot experience 
• Directional layouts – whether it’s straight, diagonal, or picture-frame style – create an interesting visual impact

By thoughtfully planning and designing the deck, you can create a luxurious experience for your clients. 

 

 

Make room for natural movement

 

Consistent performance is what distinguishes a premium property from a budget-friendly one. However, cedar tends to move with a change in season. That is part of its natural character. So if building a high-end deck is your aim, you need to plan for its expansion and contraction by:

 

• Maintaining a proper gap between each board
• Providing adequate ventilation beneath the deck
• Acclimating the wood to the local moisture content before installation 
• Following a balanced fastener pattern to prevent cracks or chips around the edges

Neglecting the natural movement of cedar does not make it go away. Instead, it can lead to a ton of issues, including cupping, cracking, and uneven spacing, which can quickly turn into eyesores in an upscale build. 

 

 

Choose the appropriate fastening style

 

As a builder, you already know you have two major options here – hidden vs. visible fastening. The truth is, both of them can impact the aesthetics and longevity of your project. Here are your choices when it comes to fasteners:

 

• Stainless steel fasteners: The traditional choice, they provide a very strong hold. However, steel fasteners are always visible, and if you want them to look nice, you need to install them cleanly. 
• Hidden fasteners: The sleeker option of the two, this fastening system fits better if you are working on an ultra-modern, sophisticated project. 

If you are using high-end cedar deck boards in the Niagara region, it will be wise to invest in hidden fastener systems. The uninterrupted sightlines they provide can make the entire structure look seamless. However, if your clients prefer a classic look, exposed fasteners work too. Just be sure to use corrosion-free materials and maintain consistent spacing. 

 

 

Provide your deck with structural support

 

Solidity is the hallmark of a refined structure. When building a deck, make sure its polished appearance is matched by its durability. 

To ensure the deck feels solid, you must maintain: 

 

• Proper joist spacing
• Adequate blocking 

You should also use high-quality substructure materials to make sure your clients experience a solid underfoot feel when walking over the finished deck. Bear in mind that there is no substitute for poor framing – even the most gorgeous wood cannot save a deck then. 

 

 

Integrate cedar with railings and stairs properly 

 

Remember, premium decks are not standalone structures. They are complemented by a host of additional components that include: 

 

• Custom staircases
• Integrated seating areas
• Privacy screens 
• Railings and mixed material guard systems

Fortunately, cedar is a highly versatile material, and its rich tones pair well with almost everything. This allows you to create a cohesive outdoor structure where trims, railings, and additional elements flow organically into each other without causing aesthetic gaps. 

 

 

Time your finishing right

 

Rushing to finish cedar deck boards is counterproductive to achieving a luxurious effect. You need to know when and how to finish to guarantee high-end results. So before you begin, consider these: 

 

• What type of finishing does your client want? Natural weathering or stained finish? 
• What is their preference in coating – transparent vs semi-transparent? 
• Which would be more convenient for you – finishing onsite or post-installation? 

Each of these is a critical question to answer. If you decide to apply finishing touches to the boards too early, you risk trapping in moisture. If you postpone it, you end up with boards of uneven color. 

 

 

Educate clients about cedar’s natural color variations

 

Customer satisfaction is a part of the entire process. However, many clients and homeowners do not understand that some amount of color variation is part of cedar’s natural appeal. As builders, you should let your clients know that the following is likely:

 

• Cedar’s initial color will change over time
• UV exposure can turn the boards grey if they are left untreated
• Regular maintenance is the only way to preserve its natural tone and appearance 

Clearly communicating everything your clients need to know about cedar deck boards in the Niagara region will help you prevent any sort of dissatisfaction later. 

 

 

Factor in Ontario’s climate

 

One of the last and best ways to deliver a deck that retains its sophistication is to build it with Ontario’s weather in mind. Its varying climate demands the use of smart materials. You must factor in:

 

• The province’s freeze-thaw cycles
• Snow loads 
• Moisture content during springtime 
• Heat and UV exposure during summer 

Now, cedar is an excellent material as it can withstand the rigors of Ontario’s climate. However, you can also use other wood decking materials, such as composite wood or pressure-treated wood. 

 

 

Conclusion

 

The primary component you need to build a luxurious deck is cedar deck boards. Selection of the right material ensures consistent grading and quality, durable performance, and rich aesthetics that elevate the look of the entire build – not just the deck. 

 

Fonthill Lumber Inc. supplies dependable, high-quality cedar deck boards well-suited for Ontario’s building conditions. We also provide compatible fasteners that contribute to the premium aesthetics of your build. Contact us to get contractor-focused guidance and consistently high-end materials. 

 

 

FAQs

 

Is it necessary to re-seal cedar decks every year?

 

While it is not necessary to re-seal cedar decks every year, regular maintenance is still a must to preserve their original color and performance. 

 

Is it possible to install cedar deck boards in winter?

 

Certainly. With proper planning, you can install cedar deck boards in winter. However, you must acclimate the material onsite first, take moisture considerations into account, and maintain consistent spacing for it to work. 

 

Can hidden fasteners be used for all cedar deck boards?

 

Almost all, if not all. That said, we recommend confirming the thickness of the board and the design of the deck before selecting fasteners.