Working with wood seems straightforward, as it is one of the oldest and most commonly used building materials. However, you actually have to be careful when installing certain types of wood, such as cedar timbers. Cedarwood is known for its good shock resistance, long-term elegance, insulation, and value. High-performing decking boards are resistant to fastener-induced splitting, and are free from the pitch. However, you might not be able to experience those features with poor installation. Here are some of the mistakes you should avoid when installing it:
- Failure to connect – A deck is likely to collapse when it separates from the main structure, which is your house or building. So, make sure that the ledger board made of cedar timbers is properly connected and installed. Consider using through-bolts or galvanized lag screws rather than simply nailing the deck to the ledger board. That way, you can establish a longer-lasting and stronger connection, while ensuring superior resistance as the wood contracts or expands due to the changing temperatures.
- Poor footing – Improperly installed footing will result in posts that are more likely to rot and a deck that will fail. Consider footings that are made of double 16×16 cinder blocks with 6×6 posts and concrete piers dug into a 12” to 18” deep hole.
- Not paying attention to the surrounding environment – Check the natural environment surrounding your property to make sure that there is nothing to affect the integrity and quality of cedar timbers.
- Not following the manufacturer’s instructions – Suppliers of cedar timbers can give you instructions on how to use and install the materials to ensure a durable and stable build.
- Buying from the wrong supplier – Choose only high-quality cedar timbers from an established, reputable, and trustworthy supplier that is known to carry authentic hardwoods. That way, you can be sure that you are installing genuine cedar wood that has been responsibly harvested and shipped directly to your job site.