Wood

There are several reasons why Western Red Cedar is a superior wood for exterior products:

Dimensional stability

Cedar is naturally dimensionally stable, meaning there is minimal expansion and contraction with the climate.  Whether it's the brutally frigid winters here in New England or the intense humidity in the South, Red Cedar will resist any warping, twisting or checking.  Two key pieces that aid in this is using heartwood lumber that has been 1) kiln-dried and 2) has tight vertical end grain.

Kiln-dried lumber is heated to reduce its moisture content, and vertical grained, clear grade lumber has end grain that is as close to 90 degrees off the face of the plank as possible.  All the lumber used in my products contain these characteristics which ensure a structurally sound final product that will last for years.

Resistance to rotting and insects

Western Red Cedar trees grow in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.  Since these trees have evolved in this wet and cool environment, the wood has become resistant to the damaging effects of long-term moisture exposure.  In addition, the tannins located in the heartwood (central column) of the tree make it virtually impervious to rot and insects, especially when not in contact with soil.  All lumber used for my products will be crafted using this high quality grade lumber.

Beauty

Natural Red Cedar, which has been shielded from the elements (no sun and no moisture), will have beautiful shades of vanilla and chocolate coloring.  However, once this natural wood is exposed to sunlight and moisture, it will weather to an equally beautiful silvery-grey, which is my recommendation.  Having said that, if you would prefer to have your pieces painted or stained, Red Cedar offers a great base for either of these finishing options (that is, if you don't mind the expense and labor involved with the periodic scraping, sanding and refinishing).

Maintenance

There is no such thing as NO maintenance outdoor materials.  All materials that are exposed to the elements will eventually require some maintenance, whether they are natural or man-made.  The goal should be to use materials that require the least amount of maintenance as possible, which will save you time and money.  PVC products, which are crafted to "resemble" real wood, will require power washing to eliminate dirt and mold, and refinishing if painted.  Unfinished cedar would require periodic cleaning to remove mold and bring back the like new coloring if desired, however this is not necessary if you prefer the characteristic weathering of a natural product.  Since Red Cedar will last for decades, and has similar maintenance as PVC products, I would prefer the real thing.

Sustainability

Studies have proven that natural wood is more sustainable than synthetic products.  Western Red Cedar actually removes greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, unlike other building material which generate them.  These other materials (composites, cement, bricks, etc.) are not renewable or biodegradable like cedar.  Red cedar is also sourced from the most sustainably managed forests in the world.

Vinyl Fencing

The below are pictures of vinyl fencing I've passed in my travels.  Although these fences serve their purpose, they are definitely structurally inferior to a well built natural wood fence.  They still require maintenance to clean mold and algae build-up, and in my opinion, do not compare to the beauty of real wood.