How much more does redwood cost?

Redwood typically costs 2-3 times more than pressure-treated lumber per board foot, with the premium being highest for clear, all-heart grades.

Is pressure-treated wood safe for a garden bed?

Modern ACQ-treated lumber is considered safe, but many gardeners prefer naturally rot-resistant woods like redwood or cedar for edible gardens.

Which is better for fencing?

Both work well. Redwood fences look better from day one, while pressure-treated fences cost less and can be stained to improve appearance.

Can redwood be used for ground contact?

All-heart redwood has natural decay resistance for ground contact, but most available stock includes sapwood that is not suitable without treatment.

Redwood vs Pressure-Treated Pine wood grain comparison

decking

Redwood vs Pressure-Treated Wood: Natural Beauty or Budget Value? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated May 31, 2026|Sources & methodology

Redwood and pressure-treated pine represent a classic trade-off in outdoor building: premium natural beauty versus practical affordability. Redwood has been a West Coast favorite for generations, while pressure-treated lumber dominates nationwide as the workhorse of outdoor construction.

Redwood

Pressure-Treated Pine

Key Takeaways

Redwood and pressure-treated pine represent a classic trade-off in outdoor building: premium natural beauty versus practical affordability.
Redwood has been a West Coast favorite for generations, while pressure-treated lumber dominates nationwide as the workhorse of outdoor construction.
Redwood is the premium natural choice with unbeatable aesthetics, while pressure-treated is the practical budget champion.
Many builders use pressure-treated for framing and redwood for visible surfaces.
Choose redwood for a stunning natural deck surface that requires no chemical treatment.

Property	Redwood	Pressure-Treated Pine
Hardness Janka	420	690
Density Lbft3	28	35
Price Range	$3.50-$6.00/lf	$1.25-$2.50/lf
Durability Class	Naturally durable heartwood	Treated for ground contact
Color	Rich reddish-brown	Greenish-brown fading to gray

Redwood

Pros

Beautiful rich natural color
Chemical-free natural decay resistance
Dimensionally stable — resists warping
Environmentally friendly — no chemicals

Cons

Significantly more expensive
Limited availability outside West Coast
Softer than pressure-treated pine

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pros

Lowest cost outdoor lumber
Available everywhere
Harder and more dent-resistant
Rated for ground contact

Cons

Contains chemical preservatives
Prone to warping and checking
Unattractive greenish color when new

Best Use Cases

Choose redwood for a stunning natural deck surface that requires no chemical treatment. Choose pressure-treated for budget structural components, ground-contact posts, and projects where cost is the primary driver.

Verdict

Redwood is the premium natural choice with unbeatable aesthetics, while pressure-treated is the practical budget champion. Many builders use pressure-treated for framing and redwood for visible surfaces.