Which is better cedar or Redwood for smoothness?
In terms of smoothness, redwood is slightly better than cedar. But then, with all the equipment available for smoothening wood surfaces, even cedar can be made super-smooth. Ultimately, you will decide on the type of wood, depending on your project requirements and the wood’s availability.
What is the difference between Cedar and Redwood fencing?
Meaning a redwood fence is denser, stronger, and less susceptible to damage than a cedar fence. The natural oils in cedar fencing act as a temporary natural water-resistant feature protecting your cedar fencing from moisture damage, including rotting, twisting, or warping.
Why is cedar wood called the Redwood?
The reason is because the cedar has a lighter natural color with low costs. Coming with more reddish-brown shade, it is a reason why the wood is called as the redwood. If you are really like a wood color, maybe this can be your choice without painting and staining.
Should you choose cedar or Redwood for your outdoor furniture?
Hence, if you think of applying a stain to your outdoor woodwork, cedar would be the right choice because it will stain well. If you would like the natural color of the wood to come out, of course, you could do better with redwood.
Does cedar last longer than redwood?
Longevity and Value Redwood is a harder wood than cedar. It was found to be 23% harder than cedar when the Janka hardness test was used. Because it is a harder wood it will last longer and is more durable. Redwood has more natural occurring chemicals than cedar.
What is more expensive redwood or cedar?
Redwood is more durable, but the cost is around 20% more expensive, on average, than cedar. Redwood may be a slightly better wood, but the cost and access make cedar the winner.
Is cedar or redwood better for outdoor use?
Redwood contains protective oils much like cedar, making it a safe option for outdoor projects. It's denser than cedar, which means it's a sturdier wood for long life, but also heavier and therefore a bit more labor-intensive.
Is redwood better than cedar for a fence?
Redwood Fencing is measurably stronger than cedar – by about 23%. Redwood is therefore more durable than cedar.
Is redwood good for outdoor use?
Redwood. Redwood is most commonly used in outdoor furniture due to its natural insect and moisture resistant qualities. Redwood's structure has little pitch and resin, so it holds finishes extremely well.
How long does redwood last outside?
It is recommended that you use a protective finish with a water repellant, mildewcide and ultraviolet inhibitor. Redwood can last up to about 30 years on a well-maintained deck under good circumstances. Redwood is the most fire-resistant decking material on the market.
Does redwood fade in the sun?
Some homeowners prefer the distinct driftwood-gray that aging redwood can develop, while other may wish to restore the wood's warm red tones. Most fading or discoloration due to sunlight or moisture can be easily remedied and the redwood restored to its original beauty.
How do you tell the difference between redwood and cedar?
Cedar trees, unlike redwood trees, have a distinct odor possessed by no other tree in the forest. Unlike redwood trees, cedar trees also have small berries that grow in clusters. The berries are a bluish-green color and are generally not dangerous. Cedar and redwood trees are easily mixed up.
Is redwood naturally weather resistant?
With its inherent dimensional stability and decay resistance, redwood lumber is one of few wood species that can be allowed to weather naturally.
How long will a redwood fence last?
25 yearsIt is naturally resistant to insects, decay and warping. “A redwood fence will typically last 25 years or more with little or no maintenance,” Jourdain says. “Treated wood and cedar fences will begin to exhibit performance problems in half this time.”
Should I stain a redwood fence?
Once your wooden fence has been installed, it should be stained soon afterward. Not only can an outdoor-graded stain enhance the color and beauty of redwood or red cedar fence; it also can protect the wood from the elements.
Can redwoods rot?
The characteristics of redwood make it a popular choice for outdoor applications. Redwood's color and grain are attractive even in an unfinished state, but more important is the wood's pronounced resistance to decay and insects. Yet even though redwood is more resistant to decay, it will eventually succumb to rot.
What is the difference between redwood and cedar?
It’s tough to determine a winner in this category, but there is definitely a difference in appearance. Western red cedar, unless stained a different color, will naturally have a yellowish tone, while redwood has a noticeably more reddish-brown hue (there’s a reason it’s called “redwood”).
How long does it take for cedar to grow?
Since it takes 50+ years for cedar or redwood seedlings to be harvestable, the growth process isn’t an exact science. According to a cedar growth study, second growth western red cedar is just beginning to be harvested and is producing a high quality product.
How to get rid of mildew on cedar?
Mildew can be taken care of with a little bleach and water. For restoring color (due to extractive bleeding or iron stains) use an oxalic acid-based product. Redwood and cedar naturally contain tannin (a chemical that gives the products their color), which keeps the wood insect resistant.
Is red cedar more plentiful in California or Western?
At the end of the day, it all comes down to supply and demand. The availability factor will depend on your region, but overall western red cedar is in much greater supply than California redwood. Producing almost 1 billion board feet a year, cedar is easily accessible anywhere in the country.
Is redwood more smooth than cedar?
Redwood is also more readily available in “clear” grades, which means there’s no knots at all. When it comes to overall smoothness, redwood has a slight edge over cedar.
Why is cedarwood used on fences?
Cedarwood requires less maintenance; the wood requires repainting with protective coating after a year. This wood is also known for its long-lasting characteristic; its fence can last up to 30 years when well maintained.
Why is redwood used on fences?
The most inner portion, called heartwood, is the most recommended redwood for fencing because it’s the strongest. The wood is stable after being manufactured; it does not bend or shrink when installing the fence, thus making a straight and strong fence.
Cedar vs. Redwood Fence (Comparison)
It can be a challenging task to choose the best type of wood for your fence when it comes to these two. Both of these woods are strong, durable and they have natural chemicals like tannins that enable them to resist moisture, rot, and pests.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Fences
Despite their similarities and differences, cedar fence has the following advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and Cons of Redwood Fences
Redwood fences are durable and more costly than cedar woods. The most inner part, called heartwood, is the strongest redwood than the sapwood for fencing. Therefore, these fences have various advantages and disadvantages.
Which one is better?
If you are a homeowner looking for low maintenance, strong, and durable fence, get a redwood fence. Redwood fence also has natural oils that enable it to resist the weather.
Which is better, cedar or redwood?
In terms of smoothness, redwood is slightly better than cedar. But then, with all the equipment available for smoothening wood surfaces, even cedar can be made super-smooth. Ultimately, you will decide on the type of wood, depending on your project requirements and the wood’s availability.
What is the difference between cedar and redwood?
With cedar, particularly western red cedar, it will have a yellowish hue if you don’t stain it. Redwood, true to its name, takes on a reddish-brown coloration.
What is the best wood to stain?
Hence, if you think of applying a stain to your outdoor woodwork, cedar would be the right choice because it will stain well. If you would like the natural color of the wood to come out, of course, you could do better with redwood.
What type of wood is best for outdoor use?
If you are looking for robust wood that you can use both indoors and outdoors, then two species come to mind – cedar and redwood. Both these varieties are known for their durability and good looks. They both have resistance to pests, but how they stand to the weather and their longevity characteristics differ.
Why are redwoods endangered?
There was a period when redwood forests were endangered due to over-logging, but today that issue is now under control. In this respect, it is nice to note that Humbolt redwood is being harvested less than the annual growth rate. It means that more trees are growing than are being harvested annually.
What is sustainable wood?
When we talk about sustainability, it refers to the capacity of trees to regenerate. For wood to be sustainable, the trees that are cut have to be replaced periodically. If replanting wasn’t done, then all the trees in the world would soon get depleted if we continue to cut them at the current rate.
Why is wood considered a material?
Wood is a preferred material because of its good looks and durability. But with hundreds of wood species to choose from, it is not easy to decide on a particular wood for a specific application. To complicate matters further, some of the best wood comes under the endangered species list today. It means that even if you have ...
What is the difference between redwood and cedar?
Redwood vs Cedar: Appearance. Both Redwood and Cedar make beautiful products and are stainable. The difference lies in colors, and that results in the user choosing one product over the other. When you combine red cedar wood with a different color, you get a yellowish color. Redwood produces a red color.
What wood is less resistant to weather?
The outer wood known as sapwood is less resistant. That is why you have to aim for heartwood. Redwood and wood cedar react differently in different weather conditions. Cedar’s natural colors fade quickly, turning into a dull gray color.
How to avoid graying on cedar?
To avoid graying, apply a stain every year. Proper maintenance does not preserve the natural tone of the wood. Cedar is easy to cut and shape. It comes with workability qualities. That is why it has input in boatbuilding, decking, and musical instruments. Western red-wood cedar is easy to work with.
Is redwood wood resistant to insects?
Resistance to insects. Redwood and Cedar are both resistant to deterioration. They are both outdoor materials exposed to insects, and they come with resistance. Redwood consists of pest and rot-resistant compounds that make the wood immune to rot and insect damage.
Is redwood tree sustainable?
Both Redwood and Cedar are environmentally friendly. They are sustainable, and the trees are replaced. There is a great calculation of the time taken for the seeds to grow into saplings. Trees are cut faster as they grow as much as Redwood is scarce. They are both natural products that do not contain chemicals.
Is redwood used in woodworking?
For this one, we chose not to pick a favorite. Both cedar and redwood are widely used for woodworking. Both are also considered “cedar” when they are being used in the lumber industry. But, where redwood gets its name, cedar gets its name. And where cedar is found, redwood is rarely seen.
Is redwood harder than cedar?
Hardness determines the life of your wood material. Redwood is harder than cedar material, and it consists of naturally occurring chemicals. Less maintenance is on the material. Although wood cedar does not succumb to molds and rot, it tends to lose its brown color with time.
Cedar vs. redwood fence cost per square foot
The average cost to install a cedar or redwood fence on your property is between $15 to $35 per square foot, with labor costs averaging $20-$50 per hour depending on the property size and the scope of work. Expect to pay significantly higher for a redwood fence; a 209-linear foot redwood fence costs around $6,270.
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Cedar fence cost
Professional rates for installing cedar fences range between $12.50 to $33 per square foot, depending on the project size, material type, and scope of work involved. A DIY cedar fence installation can range from $6-$17 per square foot in material costs. The price range for a 150-foot cedar fencing project is between $2,000 to $4,500.
Redwood Fence Cost
The cost of a redwood fence varies depending on lumber availability ad market prices at the time, but homeowners normally pay between $28 to $55 to install a redwood fence on their property, depending on the board quality, project size, and work scope.
Cedar fencing cost by fence type
You can choose to have your cedar fencing in any design, including cedar picket fence, cedar privacy fence, cedar lattice fence, e.t.c, depending on your budget, needs, tastes, and neighborhood requirements.
Redwood fencing cost by fence type
Redwood is renowned for its versatility, and you can install your redwood in any design of your choice, depending on your budget, needs, tastes, and neighborhood requirements. Popular designs include redwood picket fence, redwood privacy fence, redwood lattice fence, e.t.c.
Visible differences between cedar and redwood fencing
The difference in the appearance of cedar or redwood fencing is striking. This is primarily due to a couple of factors, namely, wood color and grain. Both factors have a direct impact on fencing appeal and how they hold up to outdoor conditions.
How to identify cedar and redwood?
Identifying the two is not very difficult since both of them have differences. Redwood is considered among the tallest trees, but a significant difference between the two is their color. Redwood has a reddish color, unlike cedar, which has a brownish tone. However, there is red cedar which will have similar color as redwood.
Cedar vs Redwood guitar
The difference between the two guitars is not that huge. However, redwood comes between cedar and Sitka and is more likely towards Sitka, so it’s a little harder and more responsive. The strings resonate a bit longer. At the same time, cedar is warm, rich, and sometimes dark.
Cedar vs. Redwood fence
Cedar vs. redwood fence have their own list of advantages and disadvantages. Cedar is more likely to use for fencing as compared to redwood, that’s because it’s easily available in the market. Let’s get to some other points to help you out select the right wood.
Cedar vs. Redwood fence cost
I will be discussing Cedar vs. redwood fence cost with details—an average project cost around $4000. There are five different buckets in which it is divided that are materials, labor, overhead, profit, and taxes.
Reasons to use Cedar for fencing
The first reason to build your fence with cedar is because of its availability. If we are talking about pandemic or even hurricane season, cedar is readily available throughout the year than redwood. It is accessible whenever in the year you are ready to build your next fence.
Cedar vs. Redwood deck
Are you ready to build your deck? Here I will be discussing cedar vs. redwood deck. As discussed earlier, redwood is stronger than cedarwood, which makes it more durable. However, both kinds of wood will do quite a good job with building your deck. They both are higher maintenance options; however, some cleaning is required to keep it maintained.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, everything that has been discussed so far, cedar and redwood, both have their own advantages which makes it difficult for one person to know what is actually best to use. But if you compare the price, cedar might be more considerable to buy for your big projects since it will save a lot of total costs.
Which is better, cedar or redwood?
The colors vary, with redwood being darker and less amenable to stain. Redwood is more durable, but the cost is around 20% more expensive, on average, than cedar. Redwood may be a slightly better wood, but the cost and access make cedar the winner. Much of the debate around cedar vs. redwood centers on personal preference.
What is the difference between redwood and cedar?
However, the redwood sapwood – the wood on the outer edges – is yellowish and will appear more like cedar and cheaper. Cedar ranges from a pale red or pink to yellow to appearing nearly white.
How long does redwood last?
Both will last up to 15 years give or take untreated – but after that, expect to see serious rot or decay if you continue to neglect treatment. Finally, both will scratch and nick easily. Even though redwood is harder than cedar, they are both still extremely “soft” woods.
Why do cedar trees have chests?
This is why cedar chests and closets exist – to keep moths away from wool clothes.
What is the color of cedar?
There are multiple cedar species you may be able to choose from, such as Eastern White, Eastern Red, and Western Red Cedar. The Western version is the most widely available and has a reddish hue but nowhere near the extent of redwood. Over time both will weather to a silvery gray color if not maintained.
Is redwood lumber commercially harvested?
These days, old-growth redwood trees are not commercially harvested, but even smaller redwoods dwarf commercial cedar trees. Because of their size, it is easier to find redwood lumber that is “clear” – free of knots. It is more difficult – and expensive – to source clear cedar.
Is redwood stronger than cedar?
Redwood is stronger, but that also means it is heavier. Therefore, a heavy fence needs more support and is more prone to sagging or collapse than cedar . Properly constructed, a fence can stand for years and years regardless of weight.