Building a deck involves making several critical decisions, not least of which is the lumber to use. Two of the most popular choices are the cedar deck vs pressure treated deck boards. While they both have unique advantages, only one of these is the right choice for your property. Factors like cost, longevity, maintenance needs, and appearance should be taken into consideration when assessing which type of lumber is best for your project.
To help you make an informed decision between cedar or pressure treated deck lumber, we’ll compare cedar decking vs pressure treated lumber to help you choose the right option for your home!
Quality Cedar Products can meet all your cedar board needs. This blog is informational only and not a replacement for expert advice. Please consult a professional before starting any building project as your needs and specifications may vary and it may not reflect the most current building codes, regulations, or industry standards.
Cedar Decking vs Pressure Treated Decking: Key Differences Between These Types of Lumber
Choosing cedar or pressure treated deck lumber can get a little tricky. So before we dive into the comparison of cedar decking vs pressure treated lumber, let's first take a look at what each of these types of lumber is.
Cedar Decking
Cedar decking is the perfect choice for outdoor projects due to its stunning, natural color variation that ranges from light brown to a distinctive reddish-brown. Not only does cedar wood possess remarkable beauty and durability, but it's surprisingly lightweight and simple to work with too - ideal for those who plan on taking on their own DIY project.
What's more, cedar wood has an inherent resistance against rot and insects making it even better suited for external applications. It’s low maintenance and lasts forever - and looks amazing along the way. What more could you ask for in decking?
Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure treated lumber, on the other hand, is made from pine or other softwoods that are chemical-treated to resist rot and insect infestation. Not only does this type of lumber guarantee durability, but its characteristic greenish tint can be easily transformed into any shade you desire with a coat of paint or stain.
As you decide which type of lumber to use for your deck project, it is essential that you understand the distinctions between cedar decking and pressure-treated lumber. Let's further investigate these pros and cons in the next section.
What is Better for a Deck Cedar or Pressure Treated Lumber?
Choosing the right material for your deck is an important decision that can impact the look, feel, and overall value of your property. So, what is better for a deck cedar or pressure treated?
Both cedar decking and pressure treated lumber offer their own unique advantages that are worth considering. But as you’ll soon discover, one of these is far better than the other. Let’s assess these lumber choices side by side by analyzing longevity, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost.
Longevity
For lasting durability, cedar decking has the edge over pressure treated timber. Rich in oils and resins to help ward off weather damage, cedar is naturally resistant to rot. It's also more insect-proof than pressurized lumber due to its innate properties, making it a durable choice for outdoor structures.
Unlike pressure treated lumber, whose preservatives can break down eventually, leaving it vulnerable to decay and rot, cedar decking has a longer life expectancy. And if you take proper care of your cedar decking, it is likely to last much longer than its counterpart would. In fact, a cedar deck can last up to 30 years or longer!
Maintenance
When selecting cedar or pressure treated deck lumber, maintenance is a factor worth considering. Cedar might require more upkeep than the latter, yet could be well worth it in the long run with proper care.
To uphold its beauty and withstand weather conditions, regular cleaning, finishing sealing, and staining are necessary for cedar decking. Check out our guides that teach you about staining a cedar deck, refinish cedar deck, and how to seal a cedar deck.
Cedar deck maintenance is important if you want to preserve its vibrancy and extend its lifespan. Although pressure treated lumber requires less maintenance, it needs to be cleaned as well as sealed periodically in order to ward off rot or other forms of damage. By devoting a bit of time each year to caring for your cedar decking, you can ensure that it will last for decades.
Aesthetics
When selecting the perfect decking material, aesthetics should be given a top priority. Cedar is an ideal choice due to its unique warmth and beauty that can't be found in other materials. Its inviting colors range from reddish-brown to honey tones, creating a cozy atmosphere you'll love.
Some people ask if can cedar be painted. The answer is yes! You can achieve any look you desire with cedar by simply painting or staining it to match your home. But it must be maintained well to keep it in top condition. And frankly, most people end up choosing cedar for it’s natural beauty - you don’t need to paint it.
While pressure treated lumber can be painted or stained to match your property aesthetic, cedar decking gradually develops a stunning silver-gray patina that adds unparalleled warmth and character. With its natural beauty, the unique look of cedar decking will far surpass any staining or painting job available with other materials.
Cost
When selecting decking materials, cost is always a consideration. Despite cedar decking cost appearing more pricey at first than pressure treated lumber, cedar decking can offer long-term savings and advantages that should be taken into account.
Not only does it last longer with less maintenance needed over time compared to other options such as pressure treated wood, but its initial expense will likely pay for itself in the future. So while purchasing a higher grade of cedar may be pricier at first glance, it will be worth every dime when considering its extended lifespan as well as severe consistency in appearance.
Cedar Deck Boards vs Pressure Treated Decking: the Verdict
When you're deciding what is better for a deck cedar or pressure treated, the winner is clear: cedar. Not only does it have a natural charm and beauty that adds to the value of your property, but it also has exceptional durability when properly taken care of - far greater than what pressure-treated wood can offer.
For cedar deck boards vs pressure treated, sure, pressured timber may be more economical in the short run; however, its maintenance requirements are higher and won't last as long compared to cedar's longevity. After all, how long cedar decking lasts and other types are directly related to the maintenance efforts.
Now That You Know Which is Better Between Cedar Decking vs Pressure Treated Lumber, Get Your Project Started at Quality Cedar Products!
Now that you know which is better between cedar deck vs pressure treated lumber, it's time to get your project started! At Quality Cedar Products, we are committed to providing the highest quality cedar deck boards at unbeatable prices.
As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in offering only the finest cedar products, from decking to siding and everything in between. Our clean cedar deck boards are of the highest quality and are guaranteed to stand the test of time.
Why Shop With Us?
Situated in Bancroft, Ontario, Quality Cedar Products is here to serve both retail customers of Ontario and wholesale customers across Canada and the United States. If you're a homeowner looking for the raw material to construct your new deck or a contractor needing an efficient supplier - you can count on us to deliver the quality you need with customer service to back it up.
When you shop with us, you can rest assured that you're getting the best possible quality at the best possible price. We stand behind every product we sell, and are committed to providing exceptional customer service from start to finish. As the top western red cedar lumber supplier in Ontario, you can count on Quality Cedar Products for all your cedar project needs.
We’ve Got More Than Just Cedar Deck Boards…
At Quality Cedar Products, we have much more than just cedar deck boards. We also offer a wide variety of cedar products to meet all of your needs, including cedar sauna wood, cedar fencing, sound barrier fencing, and more.
Whatever you're in the market for, Quality Cedar Products has you covered. With unbeatable pricing and exceptional quality, we are your one-stop shop for all things cedar.
Final Thoughts on the Cedar Deck vs Pressure Treated Lumber Debate
For cedar deck boards vs pressure treated, there are several factors you should consider when choosing between cedar decking and pressure treated lumber. Cedar decking is beautiful, durable, and provides natural resistance to insects and decay. While it may require more maintenance than pressure treated lumber, it offers a unique aesthetic appeal that many homeowners prefer, and can ultimately save you money over time due to its longevity and minimal maintenance requirements.
On the other hand, pressure treated lumber is a cost-effective option that offers superior resistance to moisture and rot. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and is widely available at most lumber yards.
Ultimately, the choice between cedar decking and pressure treated lumber comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of your project. But if you ask most homeowners if they’re glad they went with cedar, they’ll tell you themselves what an excellent choice it is.
And at Quality Cedar Products, we offer a wide selection of wholesale lumber. And with unbeatable pricing and exceptional quality, we are your go-to source for all of your lumber needs. Our team of experts is always here to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us today to learn more and get started!
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