Are you looking for the best way to protect your backyard deck from the elements? As any homeowner knows, taking care of your home isn’t always easy. And when it comes to building materials, there are so many options out there that choosing what’s right can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here – to break down the pros and cons of two popular choices: cedar vs pressure-treated wood.
If you want to make sure you get a beautiful, durable finish that will last through rain, sleet, snow, wind…and whatever else Mother Nature throws at you, we’ll help you decide which one is right for you and give you all the information needed on these handy (yet often misunderstood) materials.
Cedar Wood
Cedar is actually a type of conifer tree from the Pinaceae family and can be found growing in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It’s known for its reddish-brown coloring as well as its distinct aroma when cut or burned. The heartwood of this type of wood contains compounds called thujaplicins which makes it naturally resistant to moisture damage such as rot and decay – plus insects like termites! Cedar also takes stain easily, so you can customize the look with any number of colors if desired.
When compared to pressure-treated wood, cedar tends to be more expensive due to its durability and attractive appearance. However, depending on budgeting considerations, there may still be an advantage to using cedar over other types of wood.
Advantages Of Cedar Wood
A popular outdoor construction material is Cedar wood. It’s known for its beautiful natural color and unforgettable smell. It’s also:
- lightweight
- durable
- resistant to rot and decay
Cedar wood is a popular choice for outdoor projects due to its natural durability and resistance to rot, insects, mildew, and moisture. It’s an aesthetically pleasing material that can add charm and beauty to any backyard or garden space. Plus, since cedar isn’t treated with chemical preservatives like pressure-treated lumber.
One of the biggest advantages of using cedar over pressure-treated lumber is that it naturally holds up better against pests and weathering without needing additional treatments. This makes it ideal for decks and fences around pools or in wet climates where water damage is a concern with traditional lumber products. In addition, because cedar has higher insulation values than many other materials, it helps increase energy efficiency—especially when used as siding on homes located in colder climates.
To summarize a few benefits of cedar wood –
- Contains natural oils and resins which act as preservatives against rot and insect damage.
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Requires minimal maintenance due to its natural resistance to water damage and fading from UV exposure.
No matter what your project calls for, cedar is sure to bring lasting beauty while providing protection against the elements all year round!
From its natural durability to its beauty and environmental benefits, there are plenty of reasons why homeowners opt for cedar over pressure-treated lumber.
Disadvantages Of Cedar Wood
Cedar is often used for outdoor projects, but it does have its drawbacks. The biggest issue with cedar is the cost – it can be more expensive than pressure-treated lumber due to its limited availability and high demand.
Additionally, cedar will break down and become soft if left untreated, so regular maintenance and sealing are a must. And that amazing smell that keeps insects away will only last about six months to a year, depending upon conditions.
Pressure-Treated Wood
More affordable than cedar is pressure-treated lumber. This is a process where lumber is placed in a vacuum, and the air is sucked out to allow the pores to open. It is then sprayed with chemicals containing fire retardants and preservatives, making it durable and giving protection against insects. Because of this, it can withstand the elements better than cedar but requires more maintenance throughout its lifespan. Here is a brief comparison of cedar and pressure-treated wood:
Cedar
- Natural resistance to rot & insects
- Requires little maintenance
- More expensive upfront cost
Pressure Treated Wood
- Protected from decay & insect damage with chemical preservatives
- Must be re-sealed or painted every 2–3 years to maintain protection from moisture & pests
- Cheaper upfront cost but may require more long-term upkeep costs
As you can see, both types of wood have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to exterior use. When deciding between the two materials, consider your budget, how much time you’re willing to commit to maintenance, and the desired look of your project.
Pressure-treated lumber is ideal if you want a low-maintenance product at an economical price point. Whichever material you choose, make sure to research all aspects before starting any outdoor project!
Disadvantages Of Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood isn’t without drawbacks. Even with its many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the cons before you commit.
Toxicity
Since the 1940s, the chemicals to pressure treat lumber included preservatives containing chromium, copper, and arsenic. Thankfully the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) phased out the use of arsenic for home use in 2003, but structures prior are grandfathered.
Now lumber is infused with more environmentally friendly chemicals – alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA), or micronized copper azole (MCA).
Durability & Appearance
When compared to cedar and redwood, pressure-treated pine doesn’t measure up on either count—it tends to splinter easier than harder woods like cedar and doesn’t weather gracefully. Additionally, preservative treatments are designed to protect against rot but don’t necessarily make the wood look any better. Some homeowners find the yellowish hue unattractive even after staining or painting.
Cost
As one of the least expensive options available for building decks and other structures outdoors, pressure-treated lumber often seems like a bargain at first glance. However, its relatively short lifespan means frequent replacement costs down the road, so you may want to consider quality alternatives such as cedar or composite materials.
Maintenance & Upkeep
To keep your deck looking great season after season requires regular maintenance, including –
- sanding rough spots
- replacing warped boards
- periodic re-staining every 1–3 years
Maintenance depends on how heavily trafficked the area is and how much sun exposure it receives (darker stains fade faster). Failure to maintain your deck puts it at risk of developing moldy patches or, worse, rotting.
Alternatives To Cedar Vs Pressure Treated Woods
If you’re looking for a few alternatives, Redwood is great for decks and fences. Like Cedar, it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, namely termites. The color is beautiful, with red, brown, and gold. Other alternatives include tropical hardwoods like ipe and mahogany.
Composite materials are another great option, especially for those environmentally conscious. It’s made from recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed wood fibers that are reconstructed to give the appearance of real wood. And not only is it low-maintenance, but it’s durable.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between cedar and pressure-treated wood, the decision can be a bit tricky. Both have advantages and disadvantages – aesthetics, cost, and durability all play a part. Ultimately, the best material for any particular project will depend on its specific needs as well as budget considerations.