Which lasts longer outdoors, redwood or cedar?

Redwood heartwood has a slight durability edge over cedar heartwood, particularly in ground contact applications where redwood typically lasts 2-5 years longer. Both species' heartwood lasts 15-25+ years in outdoor use without chemical treatment. The difference is modest — both are excellent outdoor woods. Only heartwood is rot-resistant; sapwood of both species rots as quickly as pine. Is redwood or cedar cheaper?

Is redwood or cedar cheaper?

Cedar is significantly cheaper in most markets. Western red cedar costs $3-$6 per board foot and is available nationwide at home centers. Redwood costs $6-$15 per board foot for heartwood grades and has limited availability outside the West Coast. For a typical deck or fence, cedar saves 40-60% compared to redwood. Cedar's combination of price and availability makes it the practical choice for most outdoor projects. Can you use cedar for a deck?

Can you use cedar for a deck?

Yes, cedar is an excellent decking material. Its natural rot resistance provides 15-20 years of durability without chemical treatment. Cedar is lightweight, dimensionally stable, and beautiful. The heartwood should be specified for maximum durability. Cedar decking costs $3-$6 per board foot compared to $2-$4 for pressure treated. Cedar does not need staining for durability but applying a UV-protective sealer maintains the original color.

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Comparisons

Redwood vs Cedar: Which Is Better for Decks, Fences & Outdoor Projects?

Lumberama Editorial Team, Outdoor Lumber & Natural Wood Specialists May 25, 2025 8 min read

Species Overview

Western red cedar (Thuja plicata): The most widely available natural outdoor wood in North America. Grows throughout the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. Light reddish-brown heartwood. Widely available at home centers and lumberyards nationwide.

Coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens): Grows only in a narrow coastal strip of northern California and southern Oregon. The tallest tree species on Earth (350+ feet). Rich reddish-brown heartwood. Limited availability outside the West Coast; premium pricing everywhere.

Durability Comparison

Rot resistance: Both are excellent. Redwood heartwood has a slight edge — it contains more tannin and other natural preservatives. Both species' heartwood can last 15-25+ years in outdoor applications without chemical treatment. In ground-contact applications, redwood typically outlasts cedar by a few years.

Insect resistance: Both resist termites and other wood-boring insects better than untreated softwoods. Redwood has slightly better insect resistance due to its tannin content.

Important: Only the HEARTWOOD of both species is rot-resistant. The sapwood (lighter-colored outer wood) of both redwood and cedar rots just as quickly as pine. When buying either species for outdoor use, specify "heartwood" or "all heart" grades.

Physical Properties

Cedar: Janka hardness 350 lbf. Very soft. Weight: 23 lbs/cubic foot (very light — one of the lightest commercial softwoods). Very easy to work with hand and power tools.

Redwood: Janka hardness 420-480 lbf. Soft but harder than cedar. Weight: 28 lbs/cubic foot. Slightly heavier and more resistant to dents and wear.

Stability: Cedar has excellent dimensional stability (minimal shrinking and swelling). Redwood is also very stable. Both are among the most stable softwoods available.

Appearance

Cedar: Ranges from reddish-brown heartwood to cream-colored sapwood. Straight, fine grain. Subtle, warm appearance. Weathers to a uniform silver-gray if left unfinished.

Redwood: Richer, deeper red-brown color than cedar. More dramatic and striking appearance. The color is unmistakable — nothing else looks quite like fresh-cut redwood. Also weathers to gray but retains more warmth than cedar's gray.

Both are beautiful. Redwood is more visually striking; cedar is more subtle and versatile.

Availability and Cost

Cedar: Available nationwide at home centers and lumberyards. $3-$6/BF for boards and decking. Readily available in dimensional sizes (2x4, 2x6, 4x4, etc.) and fence pickets. The practical choice for most projects.

Redwood: Limited availability east of the Rockies. Available on the West Coast but increasingly expensive even there. $6-$15/BF for heartwood grades. Must be special-ordered in most eastern markets. Premium pricing reflects limited supply from California's managed forests.

Cedar wins on availability and price by a wide margin in most of the country.

Best Use Cases

Decking: Cedar is the practical choice nationwide (available, affordable, plenty durable). Redwood is the premium choice on the West Coast where it's locally available. For most homeowners, cedar at $3-$6/BF is the better value compared to redwood at $8-$15/BF for decking.

Fences: Cedar wins. It's the #1 natural fence material in America — affordable, beautiful, and widely available in pre-cut fence boards. Redwood fencing is a luxury choice.

Outdoor furniture: Either works beautifully. Redwood's deeper color and slightly harder surface give it a slight edge for premium outdoor furniture. Cedar's lighter weight makes it easier to move furniture around.

Siding: Cedar shingles and shakes are the classic New England siding. Cedar clapboard is also widely used. Redwood siding is popular on the West Coast. Both last 30-50 years as siding with proper installation.

Raised garden beds: Cedar is the standard. Redwood is overkill (and overpriced) for garden beds in most markets.

Hot tubs and saunas: Western red cedar is THE material for hot tubs and saunas — it handles constant heat and moisture beautifully and has a pleasant aroma. Redwood also works but cedar is preferred for this specific application.

The Verdict

For most people in most situations, cedar is the better choice — it's available, affordable, and plenty durable. Redwood is the premium option for West Coast homeowners who want the deepest color and hardest natural softwood. Both are excellent woods that will last decades outdoors with minimal maintenance.