Cedar vs Cypress wood grain comparison
decking

Cedar vs Cypress Decking: Which Softwood Wins? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team
|Last updated June 2, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cedar and cypress are both naturally rot-resistant softwoods for decking. Cedar dominates nationally, but cypress is excellent in the Southeast.

Cedar wood grain texture

Cedar

vs
Cypress wood grain texture

Cypress

Key Takeaways

  • Cedar and cypress are both naturally rot-resistant softwoods for decking.
  • Cedar dominates nationally, but cypress is excellent in the Southeast.
  • Cedar is the safer nationwide choice; cypress is excellent in southern states.
  • Choose cedar for nationwide availability and warm color.
  • Choose cypress in the Southeast for harder cheaper alternative.
PropertyCedarCypress
Cost/Board Ft$3-$6$2.50-$5
Janka350 lbf510 lbf
AvailabilityNationwideSoutheast US

Cedar

Pros

  • Widely available nationwide, Beautiful reddish tone, Natural insect-deterring aroma, Lightweight

Cons

  • Softer than cypress, Higher price in some regions, Requires regular sealing

Cypress

Pros

  • Harder than cedar, Often cheaper in Southeast, Excellent termite resistance, Good stability

Cons

  • Limited outside Southeast, Lighter color less dramatic, Old-growth quality declining, Can be knotty

Best Use Cases

Choose cedar for nationwide availability and warm color. Choose cypress in the Southeast for harder cheaper alternative.

Verdict

Cedar is the safer nationwide choice; cypress is excellent in southern states.

Frequently Asked Questions

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