Is cedar more expensive than pine?

Cedar truly stands the test of time, and maintains its look for decades. … Cedar is rarer, which is why it’s more expensive than pine– however, because it is low maintenance and aesthetically pleasing it’s more of an investment.

How much more expensive is cedar?

In general, cedar costs about 20% to 30% more than pressure-treated lumber. Price factors also depend on: Total square footage. Additional materials (other than boards)

What is the difference between cedar and pine?

Both types are very different in their appearance. Cedar has a reddish color, white accents, and unique grain pattern, making for a warm, rich-looking wood. Pine, by contrast, is lighter in color, ranging from light brown to cream. Pine has to be pressure-treated so it can withstand the elements and wear and tear.

Is cedar more expensive than treated wood?

Price – Cedar can cost about twice as much as pressure-treated wood. Softness – Cedar is a soft wood. Over time, high traffic areas such as the stairs will wear down.

Is pine cheaper than cedar?

Cedar is generally more expensive than pressure-treated pine. The reasons behind this are that cedar is rarer, more resistant, and generally considered more attractive. … For a cedar fence, the price goes up to around $20 to $35 per linear foot ¹, which also includes material and installation costs.

Is cedar a pine tree?

Cedar pine is an attractive pine with an open crown. … The species is also known as spruce pine because of the texture of the bark of a mature tree. Young trees have grayish bark, but over time they develop rounded ridges and scales like spruce trees, turning a deep shade of reddish brown.

What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?

Cedar Disadvantage

• Requires Maintenance. Due to being softwood, cedar needs regular maintenance. …
• Flammable. Cedar is a flammable wood. …
• Fading Color. Changes color over time due to chemical reactions. …
• Sensitive. Cedar is a sensitive wood. …
• Weakness. While cedar is a common material in construction.

Is cedar cheaper than pressure-treated?

Cedar is also soft; when used for stairs or for decks where furniture gets dragged around a lot, the edges in particular can get beat up. Finally, the cost of the cedar is moderate, more than pressure-treated but somewhat less than composite.

Why is cedar wood so expensive?

You may have been surprised by the recent and/or impending price increases on Western Red Cedar lately. This has been caused by a large trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. that has been going on since the 80’s on all softwoods imported from Canada.

How long will cedar last outside?

In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it’s used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.

Is cedar a soft or hardwood?

No, cedar is not a hardwood. This iconic wood, known throughout the world for its beauty, versatility and spicy aroma, is a softwood. It belongs to a group of plants known as “gymnosperms,” which includes most conifers, such as pine and fir trees.

Is cedar water resistant?

Properties. Western Red Cedar is one of the world’s most durable woods, as it has a natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage.

Does cedar need to be sealed?

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. … If you’re using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.

Does cedar wood repel insects?

Cedar has long been used as a natural way to repel and inhibit insects like termites, certain ants, moths, mosquitoes, and cockroaches.

Does cedar wood warp?

Wood species and warping

The following species are known to be relatively resistant to warping: … Cedar is among the densest wood species, which helps prevent breaking due to changes in moisture.

Can you leave cedar untreated?

If you leave cedar wood untreated, it will not succumb to the devastating effects of mold, rot and insect damage. However, it will lose its typically golden-brown color. … However, even with the proper maintenance, cedar will eventually succumb to fading—usually after about 10 years—and lose its natural tone for good.

Is cedar wood good for outdoor use?

Cedar. Cedar is soft, light, and easy to work with. A drawback of working with cedar is the fact that it has poor screw-holding capabilities because of the overall softness of the wood. Although, it does make good outdoor furniture because it’s rot, termite, and Powder Beetle resistant.

How do you keep cedar from turning GREY?

To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.