What, if anything, should I do about cracks in the new cedar 4x4's on my rebuilt deck?

Question

I just had a carpenter rebuild the railing on my very large deck using cedar 4x4 posts with cedar 2x4 rails (90 linear feet of railing).

I have not yet treated it with stain or oil, but I noticed some long cracks running vertically in some of the posts, some of them are fairly wide (1/8 - 3/16 inch, approx). If it matters, they weren't there when I bought them. The carpenter said that's normal, and there's nothing you can do about it - cedar cracks.

I think they look bad, though. I'm not about to pay him to disassemble the railing & rebuild it, so what are my options?

I need something that won't be an obvious repair. Wood putty? Filler? The deck gets LOTS of sun, so wouldn't they crack & crumble in the sun & changing temperatures?

I don't know what to do. Or maybe there is nothing I can do?

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Normal for any kind of lumber you get today.  150 years ago you could get old growth lumber and the trees grew slower. The rings were closer together and much more stable from splitting.

Sounds like you could go ahead and stain it so it will be more stable from splitting.

Near impossible to find a 4 X 4 without a split in it somewhere.

I don't think the wood fill will make the lumber any stronger so I would just live with the cracks and enjoy the deck as it is.

Answer 2

DON'T STEP ON THEM. THOU SHALL BREAK THOUST MOTHER'S BACK.

Answer 3

Cedar splits very easily- that is why shake shingles are made of cedar because it splits right along the grain very straight and also that they stand up to weather and insects.

Usually cedar splits when nailed - or it splits when holes are not pre-drilled for lag bolts,carriage bolts. etc.

It probably isn't fair to hold the carpenter liable except if he/she has installed lag bolts or or large diameter screws without pre-drilling.

It's hard to say if the structural elements have been reduced because of the splits or if they are just unsightly.

I would fill them with a cedar tone caulking for now so you can get the deck usable.

Answer 4

Have a porch ( painted) w/ cedar posts , ballusters & railings , mainly for rot resistance.

Not a crack in sight since it is all clear "select" grade.

If the cedar used has any number of knots , rough or uneven surface ,it it is a lesser grade & would be subject to some checking esp if the contr. nailed / screwed it together w/ some fixings too close to ends of joints or if cracks originate at holes for bolts.

Options?

If the cracks are at structural joints could be a combination of wood grade , some poor workmanship & might cause weakness in the railing.

"Cedar cracks " is a poor answer.

If he bought the wood, might negotiate replacement of the bits that could  weaken w/ the pricier stuff.

One thing I learned ( the hard way ) is that cedar will eat up common fixings & screws should be stainless or min, coated for use w/ cedar.

Opened  the railing to add steps & found that the galvanized finishing nails used  were about gone.

Might check what was used & pitch a b..ch of the proper fixings were not used.

A Contr. should know better & there is good reason for a callback.

If you are painting , cedar needs to be well primed before paint & an outdoor filler ( used Zar where I caused nicks taking it apart) is OK.

Might have to wait before sealing & staining cedar....not sure how long.

If there is any workmanship or material guarantee, put the contr on  notice that he will be back if things start to come apart.

If the cracks are just cosmetic , do not get much worse & the deck is sound , might just live w/ the "charm".

Best regards.

Answer 5

Are you going to stain or paint the posts and rails?

If you decide to paint or solid color stain, you can fill with a product like MH Ready Patck by Zinsser.  Dries like a rock to fill the unsightly cracks, but will look silly if you plan to clearcoat or use a transparent stain.