Sizes & Spans

Sizes and Spans of Western Red Cedar Decking

WRCLA Cedar Decking

WRCLA Western Red Cedar decking is available in a selection of thicknesses, widths and lengths as shown in the table opposite.

Maximum spans for decking shown in the table are based on a continuous beam with two equal spans and a concentrated load of 220-lb at the center of one span. The true span of the decking board is used, taking into account the thickness of the supporting joist beneath it. Wet end-use conditions and unseasoned (green) lumber sizes are assumed.

Deck Spans

Thickness (in.)	Width (in.)	Grade Category (in.)	Span
1-1/4	4	All clear grade categories	16
1-1/4	4	All knotty grade categories	12
1-1/4	6	All clear and knotty grade categories	16
2	4	All clear and knotty grade categories	24
2	6	All clear and knotty grade categories	24

To help figure the amount of decking needed for a project, use the following linear footage calculator:

To Cover 100 Square Feet of Deck
Nominal Size (in.)	Linear Feet
1-1/4 x 4	325
2 x 4	325
1-1/4 x 6	211
2 x 6	211

Building and Maintenance Tips

Space deck boards apart to allow proper water drainage. A deck that dries after wetting will last longer than one that stays damp.

Keep the deck free of leaf, pine needle and other debris build-ups. These can retain water and clog drainage channels resulting in a deck that cannot drain and dry properly after wetting.

Moisture and debris can collect where butt joints occur over-joists. To create drainage, butt decking boards between double joists as shown, leaving a 1/8-in. space between the ends of the boards.

Move planters, benches and other deck accessories from-time to time to allow the deck under them to dry thoroughly.

Building & Finishing

Cedar Decking

Quotes

For optimum performance, the WRCLA recommends that Western Red Cedar is preprimed or pre-finished prior to job site delivery.
Western Red Cedar produces fewer greenhouse gases, generates less water and air pollution, requires less energy to produce than alternatives and comes from a renewable and sustainable resource.
Western Red Cedar from WRCLA members is independently certified as legal and sustainable.
Western Red Cedar requires significantly less energy to produce than fibre cement or wood composite materials.
Unlike man-made alternatives, Western Red Cedar is biodegradeable.
Western Red Cedar has the lowest environmental impact when compared with other materials such as brick and fibre cement.
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA) is non profit association representing Western Red Cedar producers, distributors and retailers throughout North America.
Western Red Cedar is one of the most durable coniferous species and can be counted on to give long and trouble free service under most conditions.
Western Red Cedar is light weight, easily worked and ideal for almost all types of finishes.
Western Red Cedar has centuries of proven performance which cannot be said of new man made products.
The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Western Red Cedar decking shows it has the lowest environmental impact when compared with wood composite and PVC decking.
Western Red Cedar is one of the most stable softwoods, so decks stay flat and straight and resist checking.
All outdoor materials (including composite decking) require modest but regular care and maintenance.
Unlike plastic or composite decking which come from non-renewable petroleum based materials, Western Red Cedar is renewable and biodegradable.

For exterior home siding information visit www.cedar-siding.org|For wood fence, fencing, gazebo and arbor info visit www.cedar-outdoor.org