Custom Woodworking: Why Cedar and Ipe Outlast Pressure-Treated Lumber
When you look at a quote for a custom deck or fence, the material cost is often the biggest variable. A pressure-treated deck might cost $15,000, while the exact same design in Western Red Cedar is $25,000, and in Ipe (Brazilian Walnut), it could be $40,000+.
It is tempting to look at those numbers and say, "Wood is wood. I'll take the cheaper option."
But in Toronto’s climate—where wood is subjected to baking UV rays in July and deep-freeze moisture in February—all wood is not created equal. At Tekton Landscapes, we prioritize materials that age gracefully rather than those that simply rot slowly.
Here is why we champion Cedar and Ipe decking over standard pressure-treated lumber for our custom projects.
1. The "Checking" Factor: How They Age
The biggest difference between luxury lumber and "hardware store" lumber isn't how it looks on Day 1; it’s how it looks on Day 365.
Pressure-Treated (PT) Lumber
PT lumber is typically fast-growth pine injected with chemical preservatives to prevent rot. Because it is grown quickly, the grain is loose. As it dries out in the sun, it twists, warps, and develops "checks" (deep cracks).
The Reality: After two Toronto winters, a PT deck often feels rough on bare feet and looks splintery, regardless of how much stain you apply.
Western Red Cedar
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects without chemicals. It is dimensionally stable, meaning it lays flat and straight.
The Aging Process: Cedar doesn't crack aggressively. If left untreated, it weathers to a distinguished, silvery-grey patina that looks intentional and architectural, not neglected.
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Ipe is in a league of its own. It is three times harder than Oak and carries a Class A fire rating (same as concrete).
The Durability: Ipe does not scratch, splinter, or check. An Ipe deck in Toronto can last 40-75 years. Like Cedar, it will turn silver if un-oiled, but the surface remains as smooth as furniture.
2. Horizontal Fences: Why Material Matters
One of our most popular requests is the custom horizontal wood fence. These look sleek and modern, making small backyards feel wider.
However, building a horizontal fence with pressure-treated lumber is a mistake.
The Sag: PT boards are heavy with moisture and prone to warping. Laid horizontally, gravity will cause them to sag and twist between posts within a year, ruining the clean lines.
The Tekton Standard: We use Kiln-Dried Cedar or Ipe for horizontal fencing. These woods are lighter and stable, ensuring those parallel lines stay razor-straight for decades.
3. The Hardware: What You Don't See
Installing premium wood requires premium hardware. You cannot use a standard green deck screw on Ipe.
Ipe Installation: Because the wood is so dense, we cannot just drill a screw in. We must pre-drill every single hole and use high-grade stainless steel screws.
Why Stainless? Standard screws will corrode and leave black "tear streaks" (tannin stains) down your beautiful wood. We use stainless steel or hidden clip systems to ensure the only thing you see is the wood.
4. The Maintenance Myth
Many clients believe that "Natural Wood" = "High Maintenance." This is only true if you are fighting nature.
The "Furniture Look": If you want your Cedar or Ipe to retain that rich, warm brown color, yes, you must oil it annually.
The "Low-Maintenance" Route: If you embrace the silver-grey patina (which is very trendy in modern design), your maintenance drops to almost zero. You simply wash it once a year. The wood remains structurally sound for decades without a drop of oil.
Summary: What is the Best ROI?
Pressure-Treated: Best for structural framing underneath the deck where you can't see it.
Cedar: The best balance of price and aesthetics. It smells great, looks beautiful, and lasts 20+ years.
Ipe: The "Forever Deck." It is an investment in your property value. If you plan to be in your home for 10+ years, Ipe decking is cheaper per year of life than any other material.
Ready to upgrade your carpentry? Contact Tekton Landscapes to see samples of how these woods look after surviving a Toronto winter.