VS
Overall Winner: Western Red Cedar
Based on price, durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendliness
★ Winner
wood
Western Red Cedar
Price$5 – $10 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
pvc
AZEK PVC
Price$14 – $28 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceNone
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
→
AZEK PVC (10/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
AZEK PVC (8/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
AZEK PVC (6/10)
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
←
AZEK PVC (4/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
★ Better Value
AZEK PVC
$10,200
to $18,900
Western Red Cedar
Pros
- Naturally beautiful warm tones
- Naturally resistant to rot and insects
- No chemical treatment needed
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Aromatic — pleasant cedar scent
- Grown in BC — Canadian product
Cons
- More expensive than pressure-treated
- Still requires periodic sealing
- Can grey over time if left untreated
- Softer wood — dents more easily
- Supply fluctuations affect pricing
AZEK PVC
Pros
- Industry-leading PVC technology
- 100% waterproof and moisture-proof
- Best-looking PVC on the market
- Exceptional fade resistance
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Highest price point of any decking
- Expansion/contraction requires gapping
- Fewer retailers than composite brands
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
Choose AZEK PVC if:
Premium waterproof decking with the best aesthetics in PVC.
