10 Washington Cedar Decks That Weather Gracefully

Cedar decks in Washington state face a unique challenge: standing strong against relentless rain, occasional snow, and those glorious but intense summer sunshine days. I’ve spent years helping homeowners create outdoor spaces that don’t just survive our Pacific Northwest climate; they thrive in it! These cedar beauties develop character with age, like fine wine or George Clooney’s hairline, turning silvery-gray or rich honey tones depending on how you treat them.

1. Puget Sound Panorama Platform

Perched on a bluff overlooking the sound, this salt-sprayed beauty takes a beating from maritime elements year-round. The owners chose rough-sawn cedar planks with extra-wide gaps; genius move for handling both summer expansion and winter contraction!

Marine-grade hardware prevents the rusty streaks that would ruin the silvery-gray patina that’s developed naturally over a decade. I often recommend clients visit this deck to see how cedar can age gracefully without stains or sealers, just embracing nature’s weathering process.

2. Cascade Mountain Masterpiece

Snow load? No problem for this burly beast! Constructed with thicker-than-standard 2×8 cedar planks, this mountain cabin deck handles six months of snow pack without flinching. The secret sauce? A slight pitch that encourages meltwater to run off rather than pool.

What makes my heart skip a beat is how the wood has darkened to a rich chocolate brown where exposed to sun, while maintaining lighter honey tones under the covered portions. The contrast creates a natural two-tone effect that no stain could ever replicate.

3. Seattle Skyline Showstopper

Urban environments can be brutal on outdoor wood, but this downtown Seattle rooftop deck defies city grime with style! Installed twelve years ago, the cedar has been maintained with a semi-transparent stain every third year; just enough protection without hiding the gorgeous grain.

The owners cleverly incorporated copper flashing between boards, which has developed a verdigris patina that complements the cedar’s reddish tones. During my last visit, I couldn’t stop running my hands over the silky-smooth handrails; proof that proper maintenance keeps cedar touchably perfect even in polluted city air.

4. Whidbey Island Wave Watcher

Storms roll in fast on Whidbey Island, and this cedar beauty has front-row seats to nature’s drama! Built with reclaimed cedar from an old boathouse, each plank tells a story through its knots and grain patterns.

The homeowner, a retired boat builder, used traditional shipbuilding techniques for the joinery; no visible screws anywhere! My jaw dropped when I learned they only apply a simple mixture of linseed oil and beeswax annually. The result? A water-resistant surface with a matte finish that feels alive under bare feet.

5. Winery Wonderland in Woodinville

Wine spills? Red wine at that? Most deck owners would panic, but not at this Woodinville winery where the cedar tasting deck has embraced its purple-stained destiny with pride. The owner deliberately lets wine drips become part of the deck’s character; a living record of tastings past.

Cedar’s naturally acidic properties actually help resist the mold that would quickly develop on other woods in this environment. What tickles me pink is how they’ve incorporated wine barrel staves as accent pieces, creating a seamless blend between the deck and its vineyard purpose.

6. Bainbridge Island Boat Dock Brilliance

Talk about baptism by water! This cedar dock extends directly into Puget Sound, experiencing daily tidal submersions. The architect selected vertical grain heartwood cedar; the cream of the crop; for its superior resistance to water damage.

Left completely untreated, it’s developed the most gorgeous silver patina that mirrors the water on cloudy days. My favorite quirky detail? The owner embedded beach glass between planks that catches sunlight and creates a twinkling pathway. After 15 years of salt water abuse, this deck remains structurally sound; a testament to cedar’s natural durability.

7. Spokane River Sunbather

Eastern Washington brings intense sun exposure that would bleach and crack lesser woods within years. This Spokane deck faces blazing summers and frigid winters, yet remains stunning after a decade of temperature extremes.

The homeowner’s brilliant move? Installing the cedar with the heart side up, minimizing cupping and checking as the wood expands and contracts. I nearly fainted when they told me they only apply UV-protective oil every other summer. The natural red tones have deepened over time, creating a warm contrast against the cool blue river beyond.

8. San Juan Islands Sunset Stage

Salty air, marine wildlife, and fluctuating humidity; this San Juan Island deck handles it all with grace! The owners chose a bleaching oil treatment that accelerated the silvering process, creating a driftwood-like appearance within months rather than years.

My absolute favorite feature is how they’ve incorporated curved cedar pieces that follow the natural shoreline contours. Despite enduring 14 years of harsh island weather, not a single board has warped or split. A clever drainage system underneath prevents standing water, while the silvery surface stays cool underfoot even on scorching summer days.

9. Mount Rainier Snow Country Champion

Surviving at 4,000 feet elevation with 200+ inches of annual snowfall? This cedar warrior deserves a medal! The secret to its decade-long success lies in the installation; each board has slight spacing that allows for expansion during summer months and drainage during the big melt.

The owners apply a penetrating cedar-tone sealer every other year to maintain the warm color. What makes me chuckle is the built-in snow shovel storage; practical Washingtonians at their finest! Despite bearing literal tons of snow weight annually, the structural integrity remains perfect, proving cedar’s remarkable strength-to-weight ratio.