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
wood
Pressure-Treated Wood
Price$2 – $5 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceHigh
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
←
Pressure-Treated Wood (5/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
Pressure-Treated Wood (5/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
Pressure-Treated Wood (4/10)
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
→
Pressure-Treated Wood (9/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
★ Better Value
Pressure-Treated Wood
$6,600
to $12,000
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
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pros
- Most affordable decking material
- Widely available across Canada
- Easy to work with — any contractor can install
- Can be stained any colour
- Resistant to rot and insects (treated)
Cons
- Requires annual staining/sealing
- Warps, cracks, and splinters over time
- Chemical treatment concerns
- Colour fades without maintenance
- Shorter lifespan than alternatives
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
Choose Pressure-Treated Wood if:
Budget-conscious homeowners who don't mind regular maintenance.
