Which fence lasts longer?

Both last 15-20 years with proper installation. Redwood all-heart has a slight edge in durability, but most available stock includes sapwood.

Can I get redwood fence boards in the Midwest?

Yes, but availability is limited and prices include significant shipping costs. Cedar is the more practical and affordable choice for regions outside the West.

Should I seal a natural wood fence?

Sealing helps maintain the original color for both species. Left unsealed, both weather to an attractive silver-gray within a year.

Which is better for a privacy fence?

Both work equally well for privacy fences. Cedar is the nationwide standard, while redwood is popular in California and the Pacific Northwest.

fencing

Cedar vs Redwood for Fencing: Two Natural Fence Woods Compared (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 1, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cedar and redwood are both naturally rot-resistant softwoods that make beautiful, chemical-free fences. Cedar is available nationwide, while redwood is primarily a West Coast product. Both weather gracefully and provide years of service with minimal maintenance.

Cedar

Redwood

Key Takeaways

Cedar and redwood are both naturally rot-resistant softwoods that make beautiful, chemical-free fences.
Cedar is available nationwide, while redwood is primarily a West Coast product.
Both weather gracefully and provide years of service with minimal maintenance.
Cedar is the practical choice for natural fencing nationwide.
Redwood is the premium pick for West Coast projects where availability and richer color justify the higher cost.

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 rot-resistant	-
Color	Reddish-brown to amber	Deep reddish-brown to cherry

Cedar

Pros

Available nationwide at most lumber yards
More affordable than redwood
Natural insect-repelling aromatic oils
Light weight makes installation easy

Cons

Not as hard as redwood
Color consistency varies by grade
Sapwood has minimal rot resistance

Redwood

Pros

Richer, deeper color
Slightly harder for better dent resistance
Excellent dimensional stability
All-heart grades are exceptionally durable

Cons

Significantly more expensive
Hard to find outside the West Coast
Most stock includes sapwood with less durability

Best Use Cases

Choose cedar for a beautiful natural fence available anywhere in the country at a reasonable price. Choose redwood for the richest color and slightly better hardness if you are on the West Coast where it is readily available.

Verdict

Cedar is the practical choice for natural fencing nationwide. Redwood is the premium pick for West Coast projects where availability and richer color justify the higher cost.