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Quick Answers
Both cedar and pressure treated wood have their advantages and disadvantages for decking. Here are some quick pros and cons:
Cedar:
- Pros: Naturally rot-resistant, attractive appearance, doesn’t require chemical treatment
- Cons: More expensive, requires more frequent staining/sealing, not as durable as pressure treated
Pressure Treated:
- Pros: Less expensive, very durable, resistant to rot and insects
- Cons: Has chemical treatments, can warp/crack over time, doesn’t look as nice as cedar
For most homeowners, pressure treated decking provides the best value due to its durability and cost. But cedar is a fine choice if appearance and going chemical-free are top priorities.
Cost Comparison
One of the biggest factors in choosing a decking material is cost. Here’s a comparison of cedar vs. pressure treated wood decking:
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Cedar (5/4″x6″) | $4.50 – $9.00 |
| Pressure Treated (5/4″x6″) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
As you can see, even at the low end cedar still costs 50-100% more than pressure treated deck boards. There are ways to find cheaper cedar, but most quality boards will be in this price range. Pressure treated usually runs $3 or less per linear foot.
For a 500 square foot deck, this can mean a materials cost difference of $1000 or more between the two options. So pressure treated tends to be more budget friendly for most homeowners.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, cedar certainly has an advantage over pressure treated lumber:
- Cedar has a reddish-brown color and straight, uniform grain lines that many find aesthetically pleasing.
- Pressure treated wood often has a greenish tint and more varied, less attractive grain pattern.
- Cedar ages gracefully, turning silvery gray without splitting or cracking.
- Pressure treated will slowly fade to a grayish color as well, but is more prone to checking/cracking over time.
So if having a natural, rustic look is important for your deck, cedar is probably the better choice. Pressure treated will still get the job done, but doesn’t have the same visual appeal.
Durability
When it comes to longevity, pressure treated has a clear advantage:
- The chemicals used in pressure treating (such as chromated copper arsenate) make the wood resistant to rot, fungal decay, and wood-boring insects.
- Cedar has natural oils that provide some rot resistance, but not to the same level as pressure treated.
- Pressure treated lumber retains its integrity for 15-25 years on average.
- Cedar may start to show signs of wear after just 5-7 years if not properly maintained.
This durability difference means you’ll likely need to replace deck boards sooner with cedar than with pressure treated. As long as the pressure treated wood is properly installed and supported, it will easily outlast cedar in terms of decking life expectancy.
Maintenance Requirements
One advantage of cedar over pressure treated is that it doesn’t contain chemicals, so you avoid those potential health concerns. However, cedar does require more maintenance:
- Cedar needs to be stained/sealed regularly (every 2-3 years) to protect it from moisture damage and extend its life.
- Pressure treated wood also benefits from sealing, but doesn’t require it as frequently (every 4-6 years).
- Unfinished cedar will tend to crack, cup, and warp sooner than unfinished pressure treated.
- Mold growth is less likely on cedar due to its natural oils.
So while cedar avoids the chemical treatments, it does demand more regular finishing and upkeep. Pressure treated is a bit more forgiving if maintenance gets deferred or overlooked from time to time.
Environmental Impact
For eco-conscious homeowners, cedar has some advantages over pressure treated:
- Cedar is simply harvested and milled, with no chemical processing.
- Pressure treating uses heavy metals and preservatives that can be toxic if leached.
- Cedar is biodegradable at end of life, while pressure treated wood must be handled as hazardous waste.
- Cedar is renewable, coming from fast-growing tree farms.
- Oil-based cedar sealants are less toxic than chemical wood preservatives.
However, deforestation is a concern with cedar harvesting. And responsible pressure treating plants properly contain chemical runoff now. So both have environmental pros and cons.
Ease of Installation
Installation of cedar or pressure treated deck boards is largely similar in terms of technique and tools needed:
- Deck framing and substructure should be the same for either material.
- Boards are installed with deck screws into joists below.
- Proper gapping must be left between boards for drainage and expansion.
- Ends/butts of boards should be supported by joists.
- Stair stringers and railings do not depend on the decking type.
A few differences that may favor cedar:
- Cedar boards are slightly lighter than pressure treated.
- Cedar can be easier to saw and drill due to fewer knots.
- No need to let cedar dry out before sealing as with pressure treated.
But neither material poses significant installation challenges for an experienced DIYer or carpenter. With proper planning and technique, cedar and pressure treated decks go down about the same.
Resale Value
While a cedar deck may look nicer, a pressure treated deck will likely recoup more money in terms of home resale value:
- Since it lasts longer, pressure treated increases property value more than a deck that needs replacing sooner.
- Realtors tend to focus on structural integrity over cosmetics.
- Many homebuyers prefer low-maintenance over high-end materials.
- Cedar costs more upfront, but that added cost usually isn’t fully recouped upon selling.
That said, a cedar deck in good shape can still be a selling point. It just may not boost the sale price by as much as a comparable pressure treated deck would.
Weather Resistance
Both cedar and pressure treated wood resist weathering and moisture damage fairly well:
- Pressure treating makes wood more resistant to rot and fungal decay from rain and dampness.
- Cedar’s natural oils help repel water and protect it from moisture-related issues.
- Properly finished cedar and pressure treated wood can withstand sun, snow, and other elements.
- Cedar grays naturally without getting brittle; pressure treated tends to get drier and more crack-prone.
When maintained properly, neither decking option should cup, warp, or split excessively due to weather. Cedar may look nicer longer, but both have adequate resistance when sealed and cared for.
Workability
Cedar tends to be a bit easier to work with than pressure treated lumber:
- Cedar has fewer knots, allowing for cleaner cuts and less tear-out.
- The softness of cedar makes it easier to saw, drill, and shape.
- Pressure treated wood can be harder on blade teeth due to embedded chemicals.
- Cedar takes and holds screws and nails well due to its softness.
- Excess treated lumber waste requires hazardous disposal.
But pressure treated wood becomes more workable once it dries out after installation. The chemical retention does make it slightly more difficult to cut and fasten at first. Given proper sharp tools, both woods can be successfully worked into a beautiful deck.
Availability
Pressure treated lumber is easier to source than cedar at most home improvement stores:
- Cedar is often a special order item, while pressure treated is in stock.
- There are fewer varieties and sizes of cedar available.
- Pressure treated comes in grades from basic to premium quality.
- Cedar supply fluctuates more due to harvesting seasons.
- Pressure treated can be purchased pre-cut for projects; cedar usually cannot.
Those building a deck tend to have an easier time finding the specific pressure treated boards they need. Cedar may require shopping around or ordering well in advance from a speciality supplier.
Stain Color Options
One of the nicer aspects of cedar decking is the range of stain colors it accepts, from light honey tones to deep reds and browns. Pressure treated wood is far more limited:
- Cedar’s reddish-brown color allows a wide range of transparent stain tints.
- Pressure treated wood’s greenish hue clashes with many lighter stain shades.
- Multicolored cedar boards create a rich, varied stain effect.
- Pressure treated turns a single, solid color when stained.
- Cedar stains tend to enhance the wood’s grain, while pressure treated stains look more like paint.
So for homeowners who want certain deck stain colors – especially lighter, warmer transparent tones – cedar provides better results. But even pressure treated wood can be stained gray, brown, or red reasonably well.
Deck Fire Safety
Both cedar and pressure treated decking offer adequate fire resistance for residential decks:
- Cedar’s natural oils make it relatively flame retardant for a wood material.
- The chemicals in pressure treated wood help reduce its combustibility.
- Proper sealing of cedar or pressure treated wood raises fire resistance.
- Sparks or embers are more likely to burn through cedar over time.
- Fire ratings are similar for both; unsafe practices are the real danger.
Proper caution should be taken around open flames regardless of decking type. But under typical conditions, fire safety does not clearly favor cedar or pressure treated boards.
Cedar vs. Pressure Treated: The Bottom Line
When weighing cedar decking vs pressure treated, a few key takeaways help summarize the decision:
- Cost – Pressure treated is significantly cheaper in most cases.
- Appearance – Cedar has a more pleasing, natural look.
- Durability – Pressure treated lasts longer with less maintenance.
- Eco-friendly – Cedar is more environmentally sustainable.
- Ease – Both are relatively easy to install properly.
- Resale value – Pressure treated holds/adds more value.
For budget-minded homeowners wanting little maintenance, pressure treated makes the most sense despite cedar being the premium decking material. But those who value aesthetics and want to avoid chemicals may still opt for cedar despite the higher upfront investment and care required. Consider your priorities and needs carefully when deciding between these two great deck board options.