Which is better cedar or treated?
Some of the biggest pros of pressure-treated wood for your deck include:
- Budget-friendly
- Long lifespan
- Sustainable and resistant to wear and tear
- Some come with lifetime warranties
- More affordable than cedar
Does cedar for fencing have to be pressure treated?
Cedar, however, does not need to be pressure-treated to withstand the elements and is considered stronger overall than pine. It requires less maintenance but still requires care. Cedar fences should be cleaned annually with a water-and-soap solution and checked regularly for any loose boards or signs of rot.
Is cedar lumber ever pressure treated?
Pressure treated wood, usually pine, has gone through processes that force chemical preservatives into the wood. These chemicals are aimed at preventing termite attacks or fungal decay. So while Cedar lumber is naturally resistant to those kinds of variables, pressure treated lumber is manipulated to do so.
Is pressure treated wood safe to burn?
Why Pressure-Treated Wood Is NOT Safe to Burn! It may look the same as traditional wood — giving you a false of sense of security — but pressure-treated wood is not safe to burn. When burned, pressure-treated wood releases a cocktail of harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, some of which will inevitably end up in your lungs.
What is the difference between pressure treated wood and cedar?
Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape. However, cedar is more susceptible to cosmetic damages, such as dents and scratches.
Is cedar wood pressure treated?
Is cedar pressure treated? No, cedar lumber is naturally resistant to moisture damage, insects, rotting, and decay, so it needs no pressure treatment.
How can you tell if cedar is pressure treated?
Look for an End Tag. Look for a stamp telling you it's pressure treated wood. The end tag should identify the preservative used, the rating, and the preservation company. You'll want to avoid using any wood that was treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA).
What does it mean for wood to be pressure treated?
Pressure-treated lumber is the result of a process that uses high pressure to inject a preservative into the wood. It's a process that extends the longevity of the wood considerably, adding decades to the life of the material.
Which is better cedar or pressure treated?
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.
How can you tell if wood is pressure treated?
Chemical treatment markings typically show up as abbreviations such as Bor, FDN, or ACQ. All of these abbreviations stand for different forms of chemical treatment that show that the lumber is treated. Lumber tags on the other hand are usually clearly marked if present.
What lasts longer cedar or pressure treated?
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.
How toxic is pressure treated wood?
According to the National Academy of Sciences, long-term exposure to the arsenic that is found in some types of CCA-pressure-treated lumber can increase the risk of lung, bladder, and skin cancer over a person's lifetime.
How long will cedar last outside?
15-20 yearsIt's a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn't warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.
How long will pressure treated wood last?
40 yearsHow Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
Do you need to seal pressure treated wood?
Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance.
Can pressure treated wood get wet?
Can pressure treated wood get wet? Yes, it can get wet and exposed to the elements, but would not be harmed. Chemicals in the wood will fight moisture and insects. But this is not advisable on wood that has not been used.
How long will untreated cedar last?
Naturally rot-resistant wood varieties, like cedar and redwood, can give up to 30 years of use but will cost 12 times more than untreated lumber.
What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?
Sensitive. As a softer wood, cedar decking can be more easily scratched or dented by furniture and pet claws.
How long does untreated 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 good outdoor wood?
Cedar is extremely good to use for outdoor use. It has natural resistance against, moisture, high temperature, bugs and insects, and natural weather resistance. Cedar furniture can keep outside untreated for so long because of its high durability and resistance to environmental elements.
What is Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber that is infused – treated – with preservatives to make it last in outdoor conditions.
What type of wood is used in pressure treated wood?
This forces the preservative into the wood. Pressure-treated wood is either southern yellow pine (SYP), spruce, fir, pine (SPF), Douglas, or hemlock fir. The species of wood depends on your geographic location.
How much does treated lumber cost?
For treated lumber, the same length of deck board will cost around $13. An 8’ 2×6 of treated lumber is about $9. The cost difference is, therefore, around 30% cheaper for treated wood versus cedar. Treated deck boards for a 10×10 deck would cost $200.
What are the advantages of cedar wood?
Advantages of Cedar Wood. Cedar is nature’s own pressure-treated wood, so let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using it. Decay and Rot Resistant – The acids and oils within the cedar tree are what give it the properties to resist decay, particularly when exposed to moisture.
What color is cedar wood?
Color. Depending on the cedar species, you’ll have anything from a russet color to pink to pale yellow. Over time, all cedar reduces to a silvery grey. Pressure-treated wood is copper in color. This is purely a result of the preservative used to treat the wood. Over time this type of lumber turns a dull grey.
Why is cedar wood resistant to rot?
Cedar resists rot and decay because of the chemical makeup of the heartwood. Its low density allows it to flex in temperatures, resisting cracking, which ensures less moisture penetrates. This makes the cedar last longer in wet weather.
Is pressure treated cedar wood insect resistant?
The copper compounds are not ideal bug habitats. Tough – Pressure-treated lumber is harder than other cedar lumber and will resist wear and tear better over time if maintained properly.
What is pressure treated pine?
Pressure Treated Pine: This type of lumber usually originates from the Southeastern United States, and can be a Southern yellow pine species or a mixed pine species. It is a fast growing tree, being one of the few types that can be pressure treated. Other types of wood have a different cell structure and will not accept the treatment process.
How old is cedar lumber?
Our cedar usually comes from British Columbia, Washington state, and Oregon state. It can be anywhere from 50 to 80 years old. Cedar lumber costs more than the fast-growing Southern yellow pine, ...
What type of wood is best for picket fence?
Western Red Cedar: This species of lumber is best for any type of board or picket fence – as long as the bottom of the fence is not continually touching the ground. Cedar is a very stable wood. It does not warp, shrink, or check, (split), as pressure treated pine will likely do eventually.
How to make pine wood dark green?
This pine, after it has been cut to size, is first kiln dried to remove most of the moisture. Then it is bundled up and put into huge cylindrical tanks. Next, a water based solution of micronized copper azole is forced into the wood fibers using pressure. This process makes the wood very heavy and gives it a dark green appearance.
Is pressure treated pine better than cedar?
If someone tells you that pressure treated pine is better than cedar for the above-ground portion of the f ence, it is probably because they do not stock cedar. Ask them if they will guarantee and replace any warped pressure treated pine components of the fence!
Does pressure treated pine decay?
This pressure treated pine is guaranteed by the manufacturer not to decay or have insect damage for 20 years or more. It is not guaranteed against shrinkage, warping, or checking (splitting). We do not guarantee that this will not happen, because it often does.
What is CCA in siding?
While naturally resistant to rot and decay, Western Red Cedar shingles and shakes that have been treated with Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) will add years to the life of your roof or siding. Invented in the early 1930s, CCA treatments protect wood against insect attack and fungal decay and is expected to give life to the wood in excess ...
Can you tell if a wood has been treated?
As a matter of fact, it is almost impossible to tell that the wood has even been treated when finished. Since CCA pressure treatments have been around for so long, many studies have been done to ensure its safety by both private and public research institutions.
Is cedar shingles toxic?
At no time have any special risks been found, and it is not toxic to plants. However, it should not be used in direct contact with food, nor should it be burned. As with any wood, a dust mask should be worn when sawing or working with CCA-treated cedar shingles and shakes.
Does CCA help cedar?
This can be extremely helpful in areas with high humidity to provide longevity to cedar roofing, utility, highway, marine, agricultural and heavy construction. CCA preservative treatments render the wood useless as a food substance for insects and fungi yet keeps the natural look of the wood.
Is pressure treated wood good for a fence?
Pressure Treated Fence. Like the previous one, it is tough and immune to all weather conditions. No insects can damage it, and hence, it will survive for an unimaginable amount of time. Sadly, most of these types of woods are not that attractive, but it is guaranteed that you won’t be disappointed with its performance.
Is pressure treated pine light?
If you talk about the appearance, the color of the pressure-treated pine is light and doesn’t give out that heavy outlook. Because it is pressure treated, you won’t get its natural outlook, but it performs quite efficiently in case of performance.
Is cedar wood good for a fence?
Luckily, cedar wood fence needs no chemical treatment since it has got all the natural stuff that a fence requires. So, it is considered as a very good option if you are looking for a natural and beautifully designed wood.
Does cedar fence need chemical treatment?
It gives out a reddish outlook and has a grain pattern that looks marvelous. Plus, the white accents are simply a cherry on top. Luckily, cedar wood fence needs no chemical treatment since it has got all the natural stuff that a fence requires.
Can you paint pressure treated wood?
You can also paint or stain the wood with ease for any kind of interior decoration. If you are planning to install it outdoor, you can do it, but it must be chemically treated, or else your investment will go to waste. The installation of the pressure-treated wood fence is a bit tough since it is not light like cedar.
Can you put wood on the ground?
Furthermore, you can easily put it on the ground, and it won’t rot or deteriorate for decades. The woods are made from lumber of lower grades that are susceptible to damage when exposed to various external stuff. To be on the safer side, you can apply a stain or sealer.
Does cedar give off a bad smell?
You won’t get the beautiful aroma of cedar because of its chemical ingredients, but don’t worry; it won’t give out a bad odor. It performs well in humid locations, but you have to give it some time to dry before you install it in dry areas.
What to wear when cutting pressure treated lumber?
No matter what pressure-treated lumber you decide to use, always wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting pressure-treated wood, and wear gloves when handling the material.
How long does pressure treated lumber take to dry?
You can give pressure-treated wood an extra measure of protection by finishing it with a sealer or stain but give newly purchased pressure-treated lumber a few months to dry out before you do. New treated lumber invariably is still wet from the treatment process and won’t accept a finish until it dries completely.
What is the purpose of liquid preservatives in wood?
Liquid preservatives are introduced to the chamber and the resulting pressure forces the chemicals into the wood. Manufacturers have tried to include colored dyes with the preservatives to give pressure-treated lumber an organic appearance, but the results are mixed.
Is cedar fence weather resistant?
Keep these three DIY tips in mind when you're installing a cedar fence. Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. But over the years it can crack slightly and develop a fuzzy surface texture unless it’s periodically refinished.
Is copper a preservative?
Today’s treated-wood preservatives still include some form of copper, which isn’t toxic and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew and repels insects. Some manufacturers avoid the telltale incisions used to help preservative chemicals penetrate the wood.
Is cedar good for decking?
This is where cedar comes into the picture. Tight-grained, good-looking and weather-resistant, cedar is the best choice anywhere aesthetics are important. Cedar makes beautiful decking, railings, arbors and trellises. It can be sanded to a smooth finish that makes it ideal for handrails, bench seats and children’s play structures.
Can cedar be darkened?
If you plan to keep your cedar’s natural color, note that cedar can darken dramatically when exposed to sunlight. You’ll want to be vigilant about applying clear sealers with UV (ultraviolet light) blockers to keep the rich color of the natural wood.
What is pressure treated lumber?
Pressure-treated lumber is pine, fir, or spruce. They are lightweight and durable in outdoor applications, particularly when treated with chemicals. Cedar is also durable but has natural rot-resistant characteristics that negate the use of chemicals. Most home reno stores also carry cedar decking and dimensional lumber as an alternative to standard pressure-treated lumber.
What type of lumber is used for pressure treated lumber?
The same tree species used for standard non-treated lumber are used in pressure-treated applications. For instance, much of the lumber in the Southeastern U.S. used in framing is SYP – Southern Yellow Pine. Pressure-treated lumber in the same area would likely be the same species – mills in the area would process both types.
What is cedar decking?
Cedar decking is simply a deck board, or dimensional lumber, milled from a cedar tree for use in deck construction. Cedar is the primary alternative to standard pressure-treated lumber found in every home renovation store. Pressure-treated lumber is pine, fir, or spruce.
How much does a 12' cedar deck cost?
Using the above lengths, a 12’ cedar deck board is around $23. A pressure-treated board is about $19. That equals roughly $3.20 a square foot for pressure-treated decking and $3.80 a square foot for cedar decking.
What does UC4A mean on PT lumber?
Labels on PT lumber that read UC4A, B, and C indicate PT lumber rated for ground contact in general, heavy, and extreme applications , respectively. You won’t find those ratings applied to PT deck boards, which will more likely be UC3A. Pay attention to the small white labels affixed to the end of each lumber piece to be sure the level of pressure treatment applied to the lumber you intend to purchase.
Is pressure treated lumber cheaper than cedar?
A deck built with pressure-treated lumber is cheaper than cedar. The difference in price varies, but expect to pay anywhere from 50% more to over double for cedar versus pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber also requires more frequent and laborious maintenance, such as staining or painting every few years.
Is cedar more expensive than pressure treated?
Cedar is more expensive – but the gap is not huge. For instance, right now at Lowes, a 12’ x 5/4” cedar deck board is $4 more than a premium pressure-treated deck board of the same length. For an entire deck, this difference will widen significantly, however. Below let’s take a closer look at pricing.
What are the advantages of cedar lumber over pressure treated lumber?
Cost Differences. Cedar's principal advantages over pressure-treated lumber are its freedom from synthetic chemicals and its attractiveness. Those advantages come at a significant cost, however.
What is pressure treated lumber?
Pressure-treated lumber is made from a non-decay-resistant wood, often Southern yellow pine, that is infused with a chemical treatment that prevents decay. In modern pressure-treated lumber, the most commonly used preservatives include alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) and copper boron azole (CBA).
How long does 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. Advertisement.
How long does pressure treated lumber last?
When the proper grade is used, pressure-treated lumber can last more than 20 years. The rating or grade of pressure-treated lumber is displayed on a grade stamp -- applied to the face of the lumber -- or on a tag stapled to the ends of boards.
Which cedar tree is the most decay resistant?
Among the most decay-resistant species are those in the cedar family, including Western red cedar and Eastern white cedar. The decay-fighting chemicals are in the greatest abundance in the tree's heartwood, the dense wood near the center of the trunk, and much less so in the sapwood in the outer part of the trunk.
Why are trees more durable?
Some tree species contain chemical compounds in their wood that provide a natural resistance to the microorganisms that cause decay, and this natural resistance means that these wood species are more durable in terms of rot when they are used for outdoor building projects.
Is cedar treated lumber harder than pine?
Hardness and Strength. In terms of physical characteristics, cedar differs from pressure- treated lumber because of differences in wood species apart from their decay resistance. Red cedar is, for example, not as hard as yellow pine, making it more vulnerable to gouges and scratches when used in applications such as deck flooring.
What is pressure treated wood?
Pressure treated wood, usually pine, has gone through processes that force chemical preservatives into the wood. These chemicals are aimed at preventing termite attacks or fungal decay. So while Cedar lumber is naturally resistant to those kinds of variables, pressure treated lumber is manipulated to do so. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, we have to cover the pros and cons of pressure treated decking and fencing: 1 Pressure treated is budget friendly, as well as having a long lifespan. 2 Pressure treated lumber is stainable and can resist abuse and normal wear and tear. Some brands even carry a lifetime warranty. 3 Can cost less than natural Cedar.
Why doesn't pressure treated lumber stain?
Pressure treated lumber doesn’t accept stains readily because the wood is already impregnated by the pressure treatment. The stain will remain on the surface and turn into a sticky black mess over the years.
How long does cedar decking last?
It lays flat and true! A cedar deck can last from 15 to 20+ years depending on maintenance and environmental conditions. Cedar decking is affordable.
What is the best deck material for Colorado?
Cedar decks are by far the most popular decks in Colorado, and therefore we are catering to the needs of homeowners building them. The spacing given here is for softwoods, because spacing on hardwood and composites can vary depending on the your preferences and budget.
Is cedar decking affordable?
Cedar decking is affordable. We carry various grades of S4S 2×6 cedar deck boards at prices comparable to Home Depot. Check them out on our cedar decking page and give us a call to get current pricing.
Is pressure treated pine wood resistant to termites?
Pressure treated wood, usually pine, has gone through processes that force chemical preservatives into the wood. These chemicals are aimed at preventing termite attacks or fungal decay. So while Cedar lumber is naturally resistant to those kinds of variables, pressure treated lumber is manipulated to do so. But before we get too ahead of ourselves, we have to cover the pros and cons of pressure treated decking and fencing:
Does shaded decking dry out faster?
Deterioration will occur much faster if the lumber is used for ground-level decks and shaded decks will slowly dry out.
Decay Resistance Comparison
Both cedarwood and pressure wood are decay-resistant. The main purpose of cedar is that it is naturally resistant to decay. You can put it outside without any treatment. It resists all of the fungi and microorganisms that are responsible for decay.
Lifespan Differences
Technically, both of these types of wood can be used for decades. However, if you do not properly take care of pressure-treated wood, it will last much less time. Therefore, without any maintenance, cedar lasts longer.
Installation
Typically, cedarwood is pretty easy to utilize. In many cases, you can use it just like you would use any other sort of wood. There is no reason to do anything special with the cedarwood.
Maintenance Differences
Cedarwood is much easier to maintain than pressure-treated wood. It only needs cleaning about once a year to stay in great condition. Often, it will change color with age, but you can add protective topcoats to cedar to make it last even longer.
Environmental Friendliness
Cedar is a completely naturally occurring wood. Therefore, it is very eco-friendly. It will not harm the environment and decays eventually when you are done with it.
Conclusion
Cedarwood is quite expensive. However, it is naturally resistant to insects and decay and is often used in outdoor projects. It requires little maintenance, and you can seal it to help it last even longer. However, even without extra care, it will last for decades.
