Is redwood decking worth 3x the price of pressure-treated?

Over its full lifespan, redwood can be cost-competitive because it lasts 50-100% longer and requires less maintenance. The real question is whether you can afford the higher upfront investment.

Is pressure-treated wood safe for decks?

Modern pressure-treated wood uses ACQ or CA-B preservatives which are considered safe for residential use. The older arsenic-based CCA treatment was phased out for residential applications in 2003.

Can you stain pressure-treated wood to look like redwood?

Redwood-toned stains can approximate the color, but the grain pattern and texture will still differ noticeably. Pressure-treated wood also needs to dry for several weeks before it can accept stain properly.

Redwood vs Pressure-Treated Pine wood grain comparison

decking

Redwood vs Pressure-Treated Decking: Natural vs Chemical (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 1, 2026|Sources & methodology

Redwood and pressure-treated pine represent two philosophically different approaches to outdoor decking. Redwood relies on natural rot resistance and beauty, while pressure-treated lumber uses chemical preservatives to extend softwood's outdoor life. Cost, aesthetics, and environmental concerns all factor into this decision.

Redwood

Pressure-Treated Pine

Key Takeaways

Redwood and pressure-treated pine represent two philosophically different approaches to outdoor decking.
Redwood relies on natural rot resistance and beauty, while pressure-treated lumber uses chemical preservatives to extend softwood's outdoor life.
Cost, aesthetics, and environmental concerns all factor into this decision.
Redwood is the premium choice for beauty and longevity without chemicals.
Pressure-treated wins on affordability and availability.

Property	Redwood	Pressure-Treated Pine
Price/Linear Ft	$4-$8	$1.50-$3
Lifespan	20-30 years	10-20 years
Rot Resistance	Naturally excellent	Chemically treated
Appearance	Beautiful rich red	Greenish-tan, plain
Chemical Treatment	None needed	ACQ or CA-B preservatives
Maintenance	Seal every 2-3 years	Seal/stain every 1-2 years
Availability	West Coast mainly	Everywhere

Redwood

Pros

Natural beauty without chemicals, Excellent rot resistance, Longer lifespan, Environmentally friendlier

Cons

3-4x more expensive, Limited availability outside West Coast, Softer surface, Environmental concerns about old-growth

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pros

Very affordable, Available everywhere, Decent durability when maintained, Takes stain well

Cons

Contains chemical preservatives, Shorter lifespan, Prone to warping and checking, Requires staining to look good

Best Use Cases

Choose redwood for a premium natural deck with beautiful color and no chemical treatment, especially on the West Coast. Choose pressure-treated for budget-friendly decking with acceptable durability.

Verdict

Redwood is the premium choice for beauty and longevity without chemicals. Pressure-treated wins on affordability and availability. For most budgets, pressure-treated is the practical choice; redwood is the aspirational one.