Composite decking has gotten good at looking like wood — some products even print a wood grain texture right onto the surface.
It's a sign of what people actually want: the warmth and character of real wood, without some of the upkeep that comes with it.
The good news is you don't have to choose between the two. Cedar offers that natural look and feel while holding up better than most people expect.
Natural Aroma and Insect Resistance
Cedar has a distinct, natural aroma that most people associate with cottages, saunas, and cedar closets — and that same scent naturally helps deter insects, without needing chemical treatment.
Composite doesn't offer this; any insect resistance comes from the material being synthetic rather than from any natural property.
Temperature Underfoot
Surface temperature comes down to more than just material — colour and sun exposure matter just as much. That said, on average, wood surfaces (including cedar) tend to run cooler underfoot than composite decking in direct summer sun, especially with darker composite colours. If heat underfoot is a concern for bare feet or pets, lighter-coloured finishes help either material stay more comfortable.
Working With The Material
Cedar is lightweight and easy to cut, shape, and finish compared to denser composite boards, which makes it a practical choice for custom work — fencing, siding, sauna builds, or anything beyond a straightforward deck installation.
Environmental Impact
Wood is biodegradable and renewable in a way composite materials aren't — composite doesn't break down the way wood does once it reaches the end of its life. Western Red Cedar specifically comes from a well-managed resource: for every Western Red Cedar that is harvested, 3 are planted. It's so well-managed that North American forests have actually grown by 20% since 1970.
Durability Over Time
Cedar contains natural oils that protect against decay, rot, and insect damage, which is part of why it's held up as an outdoor building material for so long.
With proper care — cleaning and the occasional coat of stain — cedar maintains its strength and appearance for years. Composite doesn't require the same maintenance, but it can fade or show wear differently over time depending on the product and manufacturer.
The Bottom Line
Composite decking exists because people want the wood look without full wood upkeep — but going with real cedar means you're not settling for an imitation. With the right care, cedar delivers the natural beauty composite is trying to replicate, along with genuine durability and a material that only improves with age.
Thinking through cedar vs. composite for your own project? Cedar Shoppe is here to help you weigh the options and find the right boards for what you're building.
