Instructions / Assembly

W E S T E R N R E D C E D A R
Tips And Resources
FASTENERS
Hot-dipped galvanized, aluminium and stainless steel
fasteners are all corrosion-resistant and can be used to
fasten Western Red Cedar. Other types of nails are not
recommended. They can rust and disintegrate and react
adversely with the natural preservative oils present in
cedar resulting in unsightly stains and streaks. Copper
nails also react with cedar and should not be used.
Stainless steel nails are the best choice, especially if
trim boards are to be finished with transparent or semi-
transparent stain. Use No. 304 stainless for general
applications and No. 316 for seacoast exposures.
Large members require timber connectors other than
nails. Bolts, lag screws, split rings and shear plates, and
custom made hardware are commonly used in heavy
timber structures where the joint’s strength must be
greater than that which could be achieved with nails.
These types of connectors should be corrosion-resistant
Note that decks require products specifically formulated
to withstand the abrasive effects of foot traffic. Use of
varnishes or other types of film forming coatings are not
recommended for cedar decks. These coatings can crack
and peel and once applied are difficult to remove.
Before You Start:
•NeverletWesternRedCedarweatherformorethan2
weeks before staining or painting.
•Never usesteelorany‘ferrous’metaltoolor brush!
Iron or steel will react with Western Red Cedar and
cause staining.
• Never use a pressure washer on your Western Red
Cedar.
TIP - New Cedar is best when purchased ‘Machine
Stained or Factory Primed’ on all 6 sides of every
piece.
TIP - Best surfaces to hold finish in order of preference:
sanded with 50 to 80 grit; rough sawn; planed smooth.
TIP-Useabushora‘padpainterwithbristles’Ifyou
must spray on a coating, brush it in.
For more detailed information on finishing, order the
WRCLA’s “Guide to Finishing” or visit the website
www.wrcla.org
PRECUT AND PREBUILT OUTDOOR LIVING PROjECTS
Western Red Cedar fences of many styles are available
in pre-built panels. These time-saving fence sections
are sold in a variety of sizes and configurations.
Similarly, pre-cut kits for a wide selection of outdoor
living projects are available from Western Red Cedar
Lumber Association members. These include gazebos,
pergolas, gardensheds, playhouses and playground
sets. For more information on these, please visit the
“Cedar Outdoor” section of the Western Red Cedar
Lumber Association website.
or suitably coated to prevent corrosion and staining.
Generally, the design of mechanically fastened joints
must take into consideration a variety of factors such
as end- and edge-spacing distances, moisture content,
service conditions, and the effect of the number of
connectors used. Because the cost of fabricating and
installing connections may amount to a large percentage
of the cost of a heavy timber structure, it is important to
engineer the details of a structure before designing the
timber members.
Screws can be used to fasten decks. Double hot-dipped
galvanized screws can be used, however, stainless steel
screws are recommended. For most applications a 304
(18-8) grade provides adequate corrosion resistance. For
decks exposed to salt air, use 316 grade. Screws must
be long enough to penetrate 1” (25mm) into support
members. Penetration of minimum 1¼” (32mm) is
required for structural components.
Blind fastening systems create an attractive, fastener-
free deck surface. They employ metal clips and/or joist
top brackets that fasten the sides or bottom of the deck
board to the joists so that no fasteners are visible. Blind
fastening systems are the ideal complement to the
beauty of Western Red Cedar decking.
FINISHING
Although Western Red Cedar is naturally durable, a
surface coat is recommended to protect the wood
and extend its service life. Western Red Cedar accepts
a wide range of stains and other coatings and-
whichever is selected should be a good quality product
recommended by a paint or building supply dealer.
When selecting a finish coat, make sure it contains
the following: Water repellent; Fungicide/mildewcide;
Protection against ultra violet (UV) light. Penetrating
oil-based products, particularly those containing
pigments, are recommended for Western Red Cedar.
Pigments provide increased UV protection.
Semi-transparent stains can be used for decks,
landscape structures, fences, siding and trim. Solid
stains and paint can be used for siding, trim, landscape
structures and fences but never decks. Use an Alkyd Oil
base and Stain Blocking Primer, not shellac based. Top
Coats should always be 100% Acrylic stain or paint.
Surfacing Description Board Dimension Decking Timbers
Available
Rough Yes Yes No Yes
Rough sawn texture from either circular or band
saws is present on all four sides.
Rougher
Headed
No Yes No Yes
The lumber receives its texture from a milling process
which uses roughened planer knives. The rough
texture is clearly visible on all four sides.
S4S
No Yes Yes Yes
Surfaced Four Sides. The smooth surface on all four
sides presents a uniformly sized product with a quality
appearance. This surface finish is most commonly
found on Clear grades.
S1S2E No Yes No No
Surfaced One Side, Two Edges. This versatile product
is the most popular choice for trim boards. The surfacing
process resulting in a rough sawn face and a smooth
back provides uniform width and thickness tolerances.
Typically graded from the rough face.
AVAILABLE SIZES
Sizes of Western Red Cedar timbers and dimensional products are typically available in a wide selection of
thicknesses from 1” to 12” and widths from 2” to 12”. Consult with your local supplier to determine which sizes
are available in your area before you begin your project. Standard lengths are multiples of one foot, typically up
to 20’. Longer lengths and sizes may be available on a special order basis.
SURFACE TExTURES
Western Red Cedar products may be specified in different surface finishes
GRADES OF WESTERN RED CEDAR
Clear grades of Western Red Cedar have a limited
number of natural characteristics and is specified when
appearance of the highest quality is desired. Clear
grades are normally supplied green (unseasoned).
When required, seasoning is achieved by air-drying.
Kiln dried products are available on a custom order
basis.
Knottycedarpresentsamorerusticappearanceandis
typically supplied green (unseasoned) in the appearance
and structural grades. When required, seasoning is
achievedbyair-drying.KilndriedknottyWesternRed
Cedar products are also available upon request.
Assure yourself of quality Western Red Cedar, purchase
products from suppliers associated with the Western
Red Cedar Lumber Association. A listing of these
suppliers is available on the website www.wrcla.org.