Cedar vs. Composite Decking: What’s Best for Pacific Northwest Homes in 2025?

A Varhan Design expert guide for homeowners in Lake Oswego, Tigard, West Linn & Tualatin

Choosing the right decking material is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make when planning an outdoor living project. Here in the Pacific Northwest — where we see heavy rain, thick moss seasons, and long stretches of sun during summer — the material you select determines how long your deck lasts and how much maintenance it needs.

At Varhan Design, we build hundreds of cedar and composite decks across Lake Oswego, Tigard, West Linn, and Tualatin every year. Each material has its own strengths — but one might be better suited for your style, budget, and long-term goals.

Here's our 2025 expert breakdown.

1. Cedar Decking: Warm, Natural & Architecturally Timeless

Cedar continues to be one of the top choices for Northwest homeowners who want natural warmth and a classic wood look.

Benefits of Cedar

• Natural beauty — unmatched grain and color variations

• Aromatic & naturally rot-resistant

• More affordable upfront

• Pairs beautifully with black metal picket or cable railing systems

• Easy to customize with stains (transparent, semi-transparent, or solid)

Things to Consider

• Requires annual or bi-annual staining/sealing

• Can fade or silver naturally

• More susceptible to scratches and dents

• Shorter lifespan than composite unless maintained consistently

Cedar is ideal for homeowners who love the warmth of natural wood and don’t mind light maintenance to keep it looking pristine.

2. Composite Decking: Low-Maintenance Luxury Built for Northwest Weather

Composite decking — especially brands like Trex — has improved massively over the past decade. Many homeowners in Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Tualatin are choosing composite because it offers a high-end look without the upkeep of natural wood.

Benefits of Composite

• Extremely low maintenance — no staining, no sanding, no sealing

• 25–50 year manufacturer warranties

• Color stays consistent year after year

• Resistant to moisture, moss, and fading

• Ideal for modern railing systems like aluminum, cable, or glass

• Adds strong resale value

Things to Consider

• Higher initial cost

• Surface can be warmer in full sun

• Requires proper substructure ventilation

Composite is perfect for homeowners who want a clean, modern look and long-term durability with virtually no upkeep.

3. Which Material Is Better for Pacific Northwest Weather?

Both cedar and composite perform well here — but for different reasons.

Cedar performs best when:

• You want a warm, natural wood look

• You prefer softer aesthetic lines

• You're open to regular staining or refinishing

• You like the value of natural materials

Composite performs best when:

• You want the lowest maintenance possible

• You want a modern, luxury deck

• You plan to use your deck year-round

• You want longevity through every season

In terms of pure durability, composite decking will outlast cedar in almost every category — especially with heavy rain and moisture cycles.

4. Our Most Popular Deck Builds in 2024–2025

Based on recent Varhan Design projects, here’s what homeowners are choosing most:

Lake Oswego – Trex Lineage & Transcend decks with black aluminum railings

West Linn – Two-tone cedar decks with horizontal cedar privacy screens

Tigard – Composite decks with wrapped posts and covered pergola systems

Tualatin – Cedar decks paired with polycarbonate pergola coverings

These trends show a clear shift toward cleaner, modern outdoor living with a heavy emphasis on privacy and year-round usability.

5. Our Expert Recommendation

If you want a timeless, natural deck and enjoy the look of real wood, cedar is a beautiful choice — especially with a modern railing system.

But if your goal is long-term durability, low maintenance, and a luxury finish that stays beautiful for decades, composite decking is the best investment for Pacific Northwest weather.

Either way, materials matter — but the builder matters more. A perfectly-installed cedar deck will outperform a poorly-built composite deck every time.

Start Your Deck Project With Varhan Design

We design and build high-end decks and outdoor structures throughout:

Lake Oswego • Tigard • West Linn • Tualatin • Portland Metro

Whether you want cedar or composite, our team designs each project with architectural intention, premium materials, and clean Northwest craftsmanship.

Reach out today for a free design review and quote. Let's build the outdoor space your home deserves.