How much more is cedar than pine
William Taylor
Updated on March 22, 2026
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 pine fence, expect to pay around $10 to $20 per linear foot 1, which includes both the material and labor costs.
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.
Why is cedar more 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 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.
What is the price of cedar per board foot?
Aromatic Cedar Lumber Prices per Board Foot as of Dec 30, 2021Description100-249 B.F.1000+ B.F.4/4 Aromatic Red Cedar5.652.901 & Better GradeIs 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.
Is Treated wood better than cedar?When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
Article first time published onWhich is cheaper redwood or cedar?
Cost. In general, redwood fencing will be more expensive than cedar due to the relative scarcity of the redwood tree. This is especially true when it comes to wider versus narrow fence boards. White cedar is the most expensive of the three cedar varieties, while red is the most affordable.
What is good about cedar wood?
Cedar wood is extremely durable and holds up well to outdoor weather conditions. … In addition to its inherent durability, the natural oils within the wood will help to deter insect damage and rotting. Cedar does not need to be chemically treated, making it a good choice for families who prefer to use natural products.
Whats better redwood or cedar?
Redwood is measurably stronger than cedar – by about 23%. Redwood is therefore more durable than cedar.
How long will cedar last?
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 pressure treated wood cheaper than cedar?
Pressure-treated lumber is cheaper than cedar and can last a similar duration if maintained properly. Overall, cedar will require less maintenance than pressure-treated lumber, although the up-front cost can be significantly more than cedar lumber.
Why is red cedar so expensive?
Western Red Cedar wood is considered the most valuable of all softwoods because of its fine, straight grain, color, flexibility and strength in proportion to weight, however, the most important property of cedar wood is its high impermeability to liquids and its natural phenol preservatives, which make it ideally …
Is Pine expensive wood?
Pine. Pine is an inexpensive, lightweight wood that can be yellowish or whitish with brown knots. It’s often used for rustic pieces, like farmhouse-style tables. Pros: Pine wood is low-cost, and it takes paint well, so it’s great for kids’ furniture.
Is cedar similar to pine?
Both cedar and pine are excellent wood species. Cedar and Pine both are better for fences and have been used for a long time. Both are different species of wood, so both have some merits and some flaws.
Are Cedars evergreens?
All cedars are large, coniferous, evergreen trees. Because of their size, these trees are not often found in gardens and are usually seen lining streets or in parks.
What does a cedar look like?
Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled.
Is Cedar Wood expensive?
Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood. Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.
What cost more oak or cedar?
Cost Differences Between Oak and Cedar Eastern red cedar retails for around $6.29 per board foot, with red oak coming in slightly cheaper at $5.49 per board foot. On the other hand, white oak is considerably more expensive, at $9.99 per board foot.
Will lumber prices drop in 2021?
Lumber will be strong through 2021 and this drop in lumber prices is great news for homebuilders and real estate developers alike if they choose to take advantage of their low rates now.
What lasts longer PT or cedar?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
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.
Which lasts longer redwood or cedar?
Redwood is a harder wood than cedar. … Because it is a harder wood it will last longer and is more durable. Redwood has more natural occurring chemicals than cedar. This protects the wood so less maintenance is required over time.
Is Redwood stronger than pine?
If you’re looking to add a new tree to your yard, pine is almost certainly a better fit than redwood. … It is stronger than redwood even though both are classified as soft woods. Pine can be used for stairs and structural members, unlike redwood, and pressure-treated pine structures can resist rot for decades.
Which is more durable cedar or redwood?
Durability Redwood – with a janka rating of 450lbs – is about 23% stronger than cedar (janka rating of 350lbs). Whether or not the extra strength is necessary for your project is up to you, but clearly redwood is more durable than cedar in general.
Does cedar crack easily?
Cedar is more prone to cracking than most other species. Try to get the clearest cedar you can if you want to use it. Kiln dried if possible. To fix cracks I like to mix sawdust from the board with glue or epoxy to get a good color match.
Is cedar wood good for outdoors?
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.
Is all cedar red?
White Cedar vs Red Cedar: It’s What’s Inside That Counts Cut into these two trees, and the color of the wood differs greatly. Western Red Cedar gets its name from its red color, while Northern White Cedar is lighter and has a yellow hue.