Choosing between cedar and redwood for your outdoor project? Both premium woods offer distinct advantages worth considering.
Cedar, with its light honey tones and natural aromatic properties, provides excellent resistance to rot and insects while remaining budget-friendly and widely available.
Redwood showcases a rich reddish-brown color and superior durability. It has approximately 23% greater strength than cedar, though at a 15-20% higher price point.
Your decision ultimately hinges on your priorities: cedar excels when budget is a concern and you prefer a lighter appearance, while redwood delivers unmatched longevity.
This guide will help you navigate the factors of appearance, durability, cost, and sustainability to select the perfect wood for your specific needs.
What is Cedar?
Cedar refers to several species of coniferous trees, with Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) being the most commonly used variety for outdoor construction in North America. Other varieties include Eastern White Cedar and Northern White Cedar.
Cedar is a softwood known for its natural beauty and aromatic scent. It is a popular choice for outdoor projects because it is lightweight, easy to work with, and naturally resistant to rot and insects.
Common uses for cedar include:
- Fencing
- Decking
- Siding
- Outdoor furniture
- Pergolas and arbors
- Garden structures
What Is Redwood?
Redwood is a hardwood known for its rich, reddish-brown color and durability. It is a popular choice for outdoor projects because it is resistant to rot and insects and can last up to 30 years or more with proper maintenance.
Redwood primarily comes from the coastal regions of Northern California, where the trees can grow to impressive heights exceeding 300 feet.
What makes redwood particularly special is its unique ability to maintain dimensional stability even when exposed to fluctuations in moisture.
Common applications for redwood include:
- Premium decking
- High-end fencing
- Outdoor structures
- Siding
- Furniture
- Architectural features
Cedar vs Redwood
| Aspect | Cedar | Redwood |
|---|---|---|
| Color Tone | Light honey-yellow with reddish undertones | Rich reddish-brown hue |
| Grain Pattern | Straight grain with natural variation | Tight, uniform grain (especially in higher grades) |
| Rot & Insect Resistance | Naturally resistant, especially strong in Western Red Cedar | Higher resistance, especially in heartwood grades |
| Climate Suitability | Ideal for dry to moderately damp climates | Excels in humid, wet, or coastal environments |
| Sustainability | Widely grown across North America, with sustainable options available | Sustainably harvested but with limited geographic sourcing |
| Ease of Use | Lightweight and easy to work with; great for DIY projects | Heavier and denser, more suitable for professional use |
| Common Uses | Fencing, siding, furniture, closets, pergolas | Decking, trim, outdoor furniture, spas, and accent paneling |
| Best For | Budget-friendly, rustic projects with moderate exposure | Premium, long-lasting builds with exposure to moisture or elegance needs |
This table highlights how cedar and redwood serve distinct purposes based on their natural characteristics.
Cedar shines as a lightweight, versatile, and pleasantly aromatic wood, making it ideal for practical projects like fencing, siding, and interior linings.
Its ease of use and broad availability make it a favorite for DIY enthusiasts and rustic-style applications.
Redwood is ideal for premium aesthetics and resilience in moisture-rich or coastal areas. Choose cedar for function and flexibility; choose redwood for luxury and longevity. Let your project goals, design preferences, and climate guide your decision.
Cedar vs Redwood: Cost Comparison at a Glance
| Aspect | Cedar | Redwood |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Price (Board Foot) | $3 – $7 | $5 – $10 |
| Decking Cost (Sq. Ft.) | $2.50 – $4.00 | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Fencing Cost (Linear Ft.) | $8 – $15 | $15 – $30 |
| Availability | Widely available | Regionally limited (West Coast) |
| Best For | Budget-friendly, practical use | Premium, long-lasting builds |
Based on the cost comparison, cedar stands out as the more budget-friendly and accessible choice, making it ideal for homeowners seeking reliable performance without straining their budget.
It’s widely available across regions and offers good durability for its price. Redwood, although more expensive, offers premium aesthetics and longer-lasting performance, particularly in harsh climates or high-end applications.
If you’re working on a large-scale or cost-sensitive project, Cedar is the practical pick. For luxury finishes and long-term value, redwood is well worth the investment.
Maintenance and Care of Redwood and Cedar
Both redwood and cedar require regular care to maintain their beauty and durability. Left untreated, they will weather to a silvery-gray finish.
To preserve their original color and protect against moisture and sun damage, apply a high-quality sealer or stain every 2–3 years.
Cedar, being more porous, may require more frequent sealing in humid climates, whereas redwood retains finishes longer and performs better in wet environments.
Quick Tips:
- Seal or stain every 2–3 years
- Clean annually with mild soap and water
- Use UV-protective finishes
- Cedar: more porous, easier to stain, may need extra care in damp areas
- Redwood: retains finish longer, ideal for harsh or coastal climates.
Where Cedar and Redwood are Used in the Home
Cedar and redwood are both highly valued for their beauty, durability, and natural resistance to decay, making them popular choices for various interior and exterior home applications.
While both types of wood are versatile, they each have specific strengths that make them more suited for certain uses.
Cedar Uses in the Home
- Siding and Shingles – Ideal for exterior walls due to insulation and moisture resistance, adding rustic charm.
- Fencing – Affordable, durable, and resistant to warping, making it great for privacy fences and garden enclosures.
- Outdoor Furniture – Lightweight, insect-resistant, and perfect for benches, swings, and patio setups.
- Closet Linings and Sauna Walls – Natural aroma repels insects, making it perfect for closets and sauna interiors.
- Pergolas and Garden Structures – Easy to work with and commonly used in gazebos, trellises, and pergolas.
Redwood Uses in the Home
- Decking – Durable and smooth underfoot, ideal for elegant, cool-feeling outdoor decks.
- Outdoor Paneling and Trim – Rich color and texture, making it perfect for trim and exterior details.
- Furniture and Planters – Great for weather-resistant garden furniture and planter boxes.
- Hot Tubs and Outdoor Spas – Moisture-tolerant and stylish, a go-to for traditional hot tubs and spas.
- Interior Paneling – Adds warmth and elegance to interior walls and ceilings in high-end homes.
Which Wood Should You Buy: Cedar or Redwood?
Choosing between cedar and redwood depends on your project type, budget, climate, and style preference. Both woods are beautiful and durable, but each has strengths that suit different needs.
- Choose Cedar if you’re working on a budget-friendly project, prefer a lighter look, or want wood that’s widely available and easy to work with. It’s excellent for fencing, siding, closets, and garden structures.
-
Redwood if you’re aiming for a premium finish, building in a wet or coastal climate, or prioritizing long-term performance. It’s the better pick for decks, outdoor spas, upscale furniture, and trim work.
In short, choose cedar for its practical durability and cost savings, and redwood for its luxury, resilience, and aesthetic impact. Consider your location, the wood’s exposure, and the visual effect you want to achieve.
Looking for more interior design inspiration? Check out our other guides on interior design to create a home you’ll truly love.
Conclusion
Both cedar and redwood offer exceptional beauty, durability, and performance for outdoor projects.
Your choice ultimately comes down to balancing aesthetics, budget, durability requirements, and regional availability.
For those prioritizing long-term durability and willing to invest more upfront, redwood often proves the superior choice. If working with budget constraints or preferring a lighter appearance, cedar provides excellent value and performance.
Regardless of the wood you select, proper installation and maintenance will significantly extend its lifespan and preserve its natural beauty.
Share and comment with your preferred wood choice for outdoor projects!
