Cedar Deck Building

Kingdom Builders Co. builds custom cedar decks throughout Topeka and Shawnee County. Western red cedar is one of the most prized natural decking materials available — it delivers the warm, rich color and natural wood grain that homeowners love, combined with inherent resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage that makes it a practical choice for Kansas outdoor living. Cedar has been used in outdoor construction for centuries precisely because its natural oils repel moisture, fungus, and wood-boring insects without chemical treatment. We build cedar decks using premium-grade Western red cedar lumber sourced from Pacific Northwest mills. Cedar decking is available in several grades — we primarily use Select Tight Knot and Clear grades that provide clean, consistent appearance with minimal defects. Cedar boards come in standard 5/4x6 decking profiles with eased edges for comfortable barefoot walking, as well as 2x6 boards for homeowners who prefer a heavier, more substantial deck surface. The natural beauty of cedar is its primary advantage over pressure-treated lumber. Fresh cedar ranges from honey gold to warm reddish-brown tones with pronounced straight grain patterns. Left unfinished, cedar weathers to a distinctive silver-gray patina over 1 to 2 years — a look many homeowners prefer. If you want to maintain the original warm tones, we apply penetrating oil-based stains and UV-protectant sealers that preserve the color while allowing the wood to breathe. Stain maintenance is typically recommended every 2 to 3 years in the Topeka climate. Every cedar deck we build starts with a properly engineered structural framework. We install concrete footings below the 36-inch Kansas frost line, set 6x6 pressure-treated support posts, and build the joist framework using pressure-treated lumber — the structural components that are in ground contact or close to the ground are always pressure-treated for maximum longevity, while the visible decking surface and railings use cedar for beauty and comfort. Joist spacing is typically 16 inches on center for 5/4 cedar decking, reduced to 12 inches on center for diagonal or herringbone patterns that span longer between supports. Cedar railing systems complete the look. We build cedar railings with 4x4 or 6x6 posts, 2x4 top and bottom rails, and cedar balusters spaced to meet the 4-inch code requirement. For homeowners who want unobstructed views, we also offer cable railing systems with cedar posts — combining the warmth of wood posts with the transparency of stainless steel cables. Cedar decking does require more maintenance than composite alternatives, but many homeowners feel the natural warmth, authentic wood feel underfoot, cooler surface temperature in direct sunlight, and lower environmental footprint make cedar worth the upkeep. Cedar does not get scorching hot in summer sun like composite and PVC decking — a meaningful advantage during Kansas July and August when deck surface temperatures on composite can exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Cedar deck costs in Topeka typically range from $35 to $55 per square foot installed, depending on deck size, height, railing style, and complexity. A standard 300-square-foot cedar deck with railings and stairs generally costs $12,000 to $18,000 installed, including footings, framing, decking, railings, stairs, and initial stain application. This positions cedar between pressure-treated wood ($25 to $40 per square foot) and premium composite ($45 to $70 per square foot). Ryan Felix will walk you through material samples, stain options, and design possibilities during your free consultation. We have built cedar decks throughout Topeka — from compact second-story decks in Potwin Place to expansive multi-level cedar deck and patio combinations in Shawnee County. Call (785) 329-4551 to start your cedar deck project.