LumberCalcs: The Straight-Grain Figures for the Hand-Hewn Builder
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Western Red Cedar

For outdoor furniture and fencing where natural rot/insect resistance and a warm look matter, without pressure treatment.

Runner-up: Pressure-Treated Pine · Retake the quiz

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Why this fits you

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  • The project stays outdoors and you want natural rot resistance.
  • You\'d rather avoid pressure-treated lumber\'s chemicals.
  • Appearance and a lighter weight than PT pine matter to you.
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Western red cedar contains natural oils that resist rot and insects without chemical treatment, making it a long-standing choice for outdoor furniture, fencing, and siding. It\'s lighter and easier to work than pressure-treated pine, machines and finishes cleanly, and weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left unfinished. It costs more than PT pine and is softer, so it dents more easily.

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How it compares

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OptionBest forDurabilityCost
Pressure-Treated PineDeck framing, posts, structural outdoor useChemically treated for rot/insect resistance$
Western Red CedarOutdoor furniture, fencingNaturally rot/insect resistant$$
RedwoodPremium decking, siding, furnitureNaturally rot/insect resistant$$$
IpeHigh-end deckingExtremely dense, rot/insect resistant, 25+ year lifespan$$$$
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Buying checklist

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  • Untreated cedar still benefits from a protective finish if you want to keep its original color rather than let it silver
  • Softer than PT pine -- more prone to denting from hard use
  • Confirm you\'re buying actual Western red cedar, not a different, less rot-resistant cedar species sold under a similar name
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Run the numbers

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Wood Weight CalculatorLumber Cost Calculator
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Frequently asked questions

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Does cedar need to be sealed to last outdoors?

Not strictly -- its natural oils provide real rot resistance untreated, but a sealer or finish helps it keep its original color rather than weathering to gray, and adds some UV protection.

Is cedar as strong as pressure-treated pine?

Cedar is generally softer and less dense, so while it resists rot well, PT pine typically has an edge in raw strength and dent resistance for structural outdoor applications like deck framing.

Why is cedar more expensive than PT pine?

Cedar is a naturally rot-resistant species that doesn\'t require chemical treatment, and it\'s typically a smaller-volume, slower-growing crop than the fast-growing pine species used for PT lumber.

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Other Which Wood for My Project Finder results

Pressure-Treated PineRedwoodIpe (Brazilian Hardwood)
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