Yew vs. Cedar for Outdoor Decking - What is The Difference?

Yew wood offers high durability and natural resistance to decay, making it suitable for outdoor decking in moderate climates. Cedar provides superior rot resistance, insect repellence, and dimensional stability, making it a preferred choice for long-lasting outdoor decks.

Table of Comparison

Introduction to Yew and Cedar Decking

Yew decking offers exceptional durability and natural resistance to decay, making it a reliable choice for outdoor use due to its dense grain and moderate oil content. Cedar decking is renowned for its lightweight, aromatic qualities, and inherent resistance to moisture and insect damage, providing long-lasting beauty and stability. Both yew and cedar present sustainable timber options that enhance outdoor aesthetics while withstanding diverse climatic conditions.

Wood Properties: Yew vs Cedar

Yew wood is dense and highly durable, featuring natural resistance to decay and insects, making it suitable for outdoor decking in harsh climates. Cedar wood offers excellent rot resistance due to its high oil content, along with a lightweight structure and stable dimensional properties that minimize warping. Both Yew and Cedar provide distinct grain patterns, but Cedar's aromatic qualities also act as a natural repellent against pests.

Durability and Lifespan Comparison

Yew wood offers moderate durability with natural resistance to decay, typically lasting 15-20 years in outdoor decking applications, while cedar is renowned for its exceptional durability, often exceeding 30 years due to its natural oils that repel moisture and insects. Cedar's superior resistance to warping and cracking under varying weather conditions makes it a preferred choice for long-term outdoor projects. Both woods require maintenance, but cedar's lifespan and resilience against environmental stressors generally outperform yew, ensuring extended performance with less frequent repairs.

Resistance to Rot and Insects

Yew wood exhibits moderate resistance to rot and insects but requires regular maintenance and treatment to enhance durability for outdoor decking. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage due to its high content of natural oils and tannins, making it a popular choice for low-maintenance outdoor decks. When prioritizing long-term resistance to rot and insect infestation, cedar generally outperforms yew, offering greater longevity in outdoor environments.

Maintenance Requirements for Each Wood

Yew wood requires regular sealing and occasional sanding to maintain its natural resistance to decay and insect damage, making it essential for outdoor decking exposed to moisture. Cedar offers natural oils that enhance durability, reducing the frequency of maintenance such as sealing and staining, though it still benefits from annual cleaning to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Both woods perform well outdoors but differ in upkeep, with Yew needing more intensive care to preserve its appearance and structural integrity compared to the relatively low-maintenance Cedar.

Aesthetic Differences: Grain, Color, and Texture

Yew wood features a fine, straight grain with a smooth texture and a warm, rich golden to reddish-brown color that deepens over time, offering an elegant and classic appearance for outdoor decking. Cedar showcases a more pronounced, open grain pattern with a soft, fibrous texture and a naturally reddish hue that ranges from light amber to deep reddish-brown, providing a rustic and inviting look. The contrasting grain patterns and color tones between Yew and Cedar allow designers to select decking materials based on desired aesthetic effects, from sleek sophistication to natural warmth.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Yew wood is known for its slow growth, making it a less sustainable choice due to longer harvest cycles and potential overharvesting risks, whereas Cedar grows more rapidly and is often sourced from sustainable plantations promoting responsible forestry. Cedar contains natural oils that provide resistance to decay and insects without chemical treatments, reducing environmental toxins compared to some treated decking materials. Yew's density offers durability but demands careful sourcing to avoid impacting native ecosystems, while Cedar's renewability and lower ecological footprint make it a preferred option for environmentally conscious outdoor decking projects.

Cost Analysis: Yew vs Cedar Decking

Yew decking typically costs more than cedar due to its density and durability, with prices ranging from $8 to $12 per square foot compared to cedar's $5 to $8 per square foot. Maintenance expenses for yew are lower because of its natural resistance to decay and insects, reducing long-term costs despite the higher upfront investment. Cedar, while initially cheaper, requires frequent sealing and treatment, increasing total lifecycle expenses.

Installation Considerations

Yew wood offers moderate resistance to moisture and requires thorough sealing and regular maintenance during outdoor decking installation to prevent decay, while cedar boasts natural insect-repellent oils and high rot resistance that simplify installation and lower long-term upkeep. Both woods demand proper spacing and fastening with corrosion-resistant hardware to accommodate natural expansion and contraction due to weather fluctuations. Choosing cedar can reduce installation complexity and increase durability in moist or variable climates compared to yew, which benefits from enhanced protective treatments.

Final Verdict: Best Choice for Outdoor Decking

Yew offers a unique blend of durability and natural beauty, featuring tight grain patterns that resist warping and moderate rot resistance, making it suitable for outdoor decking in milder climates. Cedar stands out with exceptional decay resistance, natural insect-repelling oils, and superior dimensional stability, ideal for harsher weather conditions and longer-lasting outdoor installations. For outdoor decking, cedar is the best choice due to its proven longevity, low maintenance, and ability to withstand diverse environmental stressors.