Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Decks: Making the Right Choice

Adding a deck or updating your outdoor living space is, I believe, one of the best investments you can make in your home. Decks increase the value of your property and provide the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that I’ve seen as a growing popular choice with homeowners.

If you’re considering outdoor home improvement projects, today’s options for decking materials are vast and could feel overwhelming. Many homeowners wonder about the pros and cons of cedar decking versus pressure-treated decking. To help you make an informed decision, I will share the ins and outs of cedar lumber and pressure-treated lumber so that you can make the right choice for your home.

What Is Cedar Wood?

Cedar wood comes from cedar trees that grow primarily on the West and East Coasts of the United States. Recognized for its reddish hue and warm aroma, cedar naturally resists insects and rot, which is why it’s often used in closets and furniture to store and protect fabrics, linens, and other household goods. However, those same qualities also make it an excellent choice for exterior projects, such as decks.

Types of Cedar

Let’s go over some of the more common types of cedar.

Eastern Cedar – grows in the eastern U.S. and is known for its recognizable aroma, insect resistance, and reddish-brown color. Applications include indoor storage, cabinetry, outdoor furniture, and décor.

Western Red Cedar – grows in the western U.S. and is known for its beauty and durability. With its classic cedar color, natural resistance to decay and insects, and ease of use, Western Red Cedar is ideal for both indoor and outdoor projects.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar – grows in Alaska, making it highly durable and weather resistant. With its distinctive yellowish, golden color, this cedar is most often used for exterior applications: decking, siding, outdoor structures like pergolas, and shingles and shakes.

Spanish Cedar – grows in Central and South America and has an attractive appearance and natural beauty. It is most commonly used for interior projects: cabinets, musical instruments, millwork, and veneers.

Eastern and western cedar grow readily and are sustainably harvested, making them an environmentally friendly option. Yellow cedar is not as abundant, so sustainable practices are necessary to protect this species. As for Spanish cedar, the harvesting conditions are more questionable, and importing the cedar adds to the environmental impact. I find that homeowners are more interested in seeking materials that are sustainably harvested and that make minimal impact on the environment.

Benefits of Cedar Wood

If you’re choosing wood decking, I think cedar is an excellent option for many reasons:

Resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage
Lightweight and easy to use and cut
Variety of hues, styles, and grains
Natural, renewable resource
Ability to stain and refinish to restore the look
Lays flat and straight, making creative patterns possible

Best Applications for Cedar Wood

Cedar is a beautiful wood and should be appreciated and displayed. You have great options, whether a cedar-lined closet, a cedar hope chest for blankets and heirloom fabrics, or cedar boards for decking. Cedar also stands up well when used in deck boards, but with natural wood, it’s good to remember to use it in places without too much moisture, avoiding direct ground contact or in areas that stay shaded.

What Is Pressure-Treated Wood?

Pressure-treated wood undergoes chemical processes to make it hardy and durable. Placed inside a pressure chamber, the wood endures extreme levels of pressure, forcing preservatives deep into the wood. This treatment process makes the wood more resistant to moisture, weather, and insects, allowing the wood to have a longer lifespan.

Benefits of Pressure-Treated Wood

When considering pressure-treated wood, you can expect these benefits:

Cost – it’s one of the most affordable decking materials
Ability to withstand direct ground contact
Weather, moisture, and rot-resistant
Readily available supply of materials
Ability to stain and refinish to restore or change the look

But not all pressure-treated wood is the same. As with any material or product, quality can be inconsistent. I suggest you look for options with a warranty since pressure-treated wood can splinter, warp, and twist over time.

Best Applications for Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is good for ground-level decks since it can handle direct ground contact. It also makes for good fencing and fence posts for the same reason. If you need a large, expansive deck, pressure-treated wood is a more budget-friendly option.

Comparison Between Cedar and Pressure Treated Wood

I strongly encourage homeowners to thoughtfully consider the types of wood that will be best for their deck, focusing on their lifestyle and local climate. By comparing the most important factors of cedar wood and pressure-treated wood, you can understand the benefits and differences and make a more informed decision.

	Cedar	Pressure-Treated Wood
Cost		X
Durability	X
Longevity	X
Aesthetic appeal	X
Environmental impact	X
Maintenance requirements	X	X
Ease of finishing	X	X

Even though pressure-treated wood is the more affordable option, the durability, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of cedar wood make the higher cost of cedar worth it for more homeowners.

Conclusion

Cedar decks and pressure-treated wood decks are popular options for homeowners, but it’s best to understand all the pros and cons. I find that today’s homeowners are savvy. They spend time researching and understanding the products and choices available to them. By recognizing the benefits of each type of deck, you’ll be able to make the right decisions for you and get a deck that will serve you well for years to come.

Dave Kile

Dave Kile is the owner of IBP, LLC, the company behind some of the decking industry’s most successful innovations, including Trex® RainEscape®, Trex® Protect™ and Trex® Seal. Over the past three decades, he has achieved incremental success by immersing himself in the industry, listening to customers and bringing new products to market that improve efficiency and effectiveness.