Are you building your deck? Maybe your fence needs remodelling, but you don’t know what type of stain brand is the better choice, or better yet, which colour of stain you’re going to use. Do I want a cheaper option? Should I go all out and go to expensive deck boards as my choice of purchase? The list of questions is endless. These are all important elements to think about when redoing your fence, or deck or whatever the case may be. But there’s one main question that we tend to skip past. One question that makes or breaks that fence or deck idea…
Do you use Pressure Treated fence boards or Cedar fence boards?
Before I begin, this piece is completely opinionated, but, will provide you, the reader, some insight on the pros and cons of the material discussed. How well the stain bleeds into the wood, and how much maintenance is required. Along with maintenance, we will discuss the durability of both products, versatility and affordability. So, without further adieu, let’s jump right into it!
Affordability: Through experience, the number 1 question is, what’s more cost-efficient wood material that will look nice without breaking the bank? Pressure treated wood compared to other wood such as redwood, and cedar, is more cost efficient. The ‘“almost always” used size for fence boards are 1” thick x 6” wide x 6’ or 8’ in length. If we compare the topic of discussion, in this case Pressure Treated vs. Cedar Wood, using the fence board dimension of 1” x 6” x 8’, pressure treated wood beats cedar wood in price by more than half! At $5.89CAD a piece (Source: Home Depot website). On the other hand, Cedar Wood costs $15.28CAD for 1” x 8” x 8’ a piece. I know, there’s a difference of 2 inches between the boards and perhaps that’s why the price is more costly for cedar….. or is it? To give some perspective, if you have 150 linear feet of fence that you want to build cutting straight down between your property and your neighbours, and for the purpose of this discussion I am referring only to the fence board and just material and nothing more – Cedar will cost just over $2,500. Pressure treated fence boards will cost just under $1,000. Winner: Pressure Treated fence boards are less expensive.
Maintenance: Maintenance is an important factor that one too many people tend to forget. For starters, are you the type that likes to build, but that’s it OR you don’t mind the upkeep? Spending less may not always be the right choice you have to take into consideration climate and re-sale value. What’s more important? Do you mind maintaining the deck every year or so? Is this your forever home, and you don’t mind spending money on the best quality? As a builder, many of our clients prefer pressure treated wood because it’s more cost efficient. To wrap it up, when comparing Cedar to Pressure Treated Pine, Cedar requires more maintenance. After about a year or so, the natural colour of cedar fades, causing you to stain the wood again… or you can leave it looking grey-ish black. Please… don’t do that. Your wife will freak and I’m not being held accountable.
Versatility: When it comes to versatility, cedar takes the cake… Cedar finishes beautifully. Cedar effects the ambience of a home in its simplicity. It enables homeowners to add a rustic and nature inspiring look or a clean contemporary chic finish. You can use cedar outdoors because it naturally keeps out moisture, this helps to minimize decay. Whereas, pressure treated wood is more for indoor applications, although it can be used outdoors. If building a fence, pressure treated wood posts are better. Especially if the wood is being placed into the ground with concrete around it for more durability. Pressure Treated Pine can withstand 290-470 pounds of force per square inch. Whereas Cedar can withstand 220 pounds of force per square inch. Question is, are you really going to test it out fully? https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/cedar-vs-pressure-treated-pine/#strength You choose which is better.
Durability: Pressure Treated Pine can withstand 290-470 pounds of force per square inch. Whereas Cedar can withstand 220 pounds of force per square inch. Question is, are you really going to test it out fully?
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/cedar-vs-pressure-treated-pine/#strength
Recap:
● Affordability – I have to give it to pressure treated pine wood. If you can save, great!
● Maintenance – Pressure Treated Pine is less to maintain, but shows really badly if not maintained.
● Versatility – Cedar. If I can use the same product inside and outside my home, I will. Cedar has my vote!
● Durability – Pressure Treated Pine.
Thank you for reading this!
Renato Cancelli