Benefits of choosing cedar

When it comes to building outdoor structures—whether it’s a deck, fence, pergola, or even outdoor furniture—the type of wood you choose can make or break the project. While options like pressure-treated pine, redwood, and tropical hardwoods each have their merits, cedar wood stands out as one of the best materials for outdoor use. Here’s why.

1. Natural Resistance to Decay and Insects

Cedar contains natural oils and compounds—such as thujaplicins—that act as preservatives, making it highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations without the need for chemical treatment. This is a major advantage over woods like untreated pine, which require artificial preservatives to stand up to the elements.

2. Dimensional Stability

Cedar has a low density and a straight grain, which means it resists warping, cupping, and cracking better than many other types of wood. This makes it an excellent choice in climates with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. Outdoor structures made from cedar tend to hold their shape and appearance longer than those made from cheaper alternatives.

3. Naturally Beautiful Appearance

One of cedar’s most attractive features is—well—its appearance. With its rich, reddish hues and tight grain, cedar brings warmth and character to outdoor projects. It can be left unfinished to age into a beautiful silver-grey patina, or it can be stained to retain its original colour.

4. Pleasant Aroma

If you’ve ever cut or sanded cedar, you know it has a distinctive, pleasant scent. This aromatic quality isn’t just a bonus for your senses—it’s also part of what makes cedar naturally insect-repellent.

5. Easy to Work With

Cedar is relatively soft and lightweight, which makes it easier to cut, nail, and drill than many hardwoods or dense treated woods. This makes installation simpler, especially for DIYers, and reduces wear and tear on tools.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Cedar is a sustainable choice when sourced from responsibly managed forests. It grows relatively quickly and doesn’t require chemical treatment to perform well outdoors, making it a more eco-conscious option compared to treated lumber.

7. Long-Term Cost Efficiency

While cedar may have a higher upfront cost than pressure-treated lumber, it offers better long-term value. With less need for maintenance, repair, and replacement, cedar projects often end up saving homeowners money in the long run.