Which lasts longer outdoors?

Both last 15-25 years with proper maintenance. Redwood heartwood has a slight edge in decay resistance, but the difference is minimal with modern cedar.

Is redwood harder than cedar?

Yes, redwood has a Janka rating of 420 vs cedar's 350, making it slightly more resistant to dents and wear.

Can I get redwood if I live on the East Coast?

Yes, but expect to pay significantly more for shipping. Cedar is typically a more cost-effective choice for Eastern projects.

Which weathers to gray faster?

Both weather to a silver-gray patina within 6-12 months if left unsealed. The weathering rate depends more on climate than species.

Which lasts longer outdoors?

Both last 15-25 years with proper maintenance. Redwood heartwood has a slight edge in decay resistance, but the difference is minimal with modern cedar.

Is redwood harder than cedar?

Yes, redwood has a Janka rating of 420 vs cedar's 350, making it slightly more resistant to dents and wear.

Can I get redwood if I live on the East Coast?

Yes, but expect to pay significantly more for shipping. Cedar is typically a more cost-effective choice for Eastern projects.

Which weathers to gray faster?

Both weather to a silver-gray patina within 6-12 months if left unsealed. The weathering rate depends more on climate than species.

decking

Cedar vs Redwood: Comparing Two Classic Natural Deck Woods (2026)

Reviewed by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated May 28, 2026

Cedar and redwood are both naturally beautiful, decay-resistant softwoods prized for outdoor use. Western red cedar is widely available across North America, while redwood is primarily sourced from Northern California. Both offer warm tones and excellent workability, but they differ in cost, availability, and regional suitability.

Cedar

Redwood

Key Takeaways

Cedar and redwood are both naturally beautiful, decay-resistant softwoods prized for outdoor use.
Western red cedar is widely available across North America, while redwood is primarily sourced from Northern California.
Both offer warm tones and excellent workability, but they differ in cost, availability, and regional suitability.
Cedar is the practical choice for most homeowners due to wide availability and lower cost.
Redwood is the premium pick for West Coast projects where its beauty and performance justify the investment.

Property	Cedar	Redwood
Hardness Janka	350	420
Density Lbft3	23	28
Price Range	$2.50-$4.50/lf	$3.50-$6.00/lf
Durability Class	Both naturally durable	-
Color	Reddish-brown with variations	Rich reddish-brown to deep cherry

Cedar

Pros

Widely available nationwide
Excellent natural insect and rot resistance
Light weight makes it easy to handle
Lower cost than redwood

Cons

Softer — scratches and dents more easily
Color can be inconsistent between boards
Sapwood has minimal decay resistance

Redwood

Pros

Richer, more consistent color
Slightly harder than cedar
Excellent dimensional stability
Old-growth heartwood is exceptionally durable

Cons

Higher cost and limited availability outside West Coast
Most available stock is second-growth with more sapwood
Sustainability concerns with old-growth harvesting

Best Use Cases

Choose cedar for a beautiful, budget-friendly natural deck available anywhere in the country. Choose redwood if you are on the West Coast, want the richest color, and are willing to pay a premium for slightly harder, more stable lumber.

Verdict

Cedar is the practical choice for most homeowners due to wide availability and lower cost. Redwood is the premium pick for West Coast projects where its beauty and performance justify the investment.