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
PVC Decking
Price$10 – $22 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceNone
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
→
PVC Decking (10/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
PVC Decking (7/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
PVC Decking (5/10)
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
←
PVC Decking (6/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
★ Better Value
PVC Decking
$9,000
to $17,100
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
PVC Decking
Pros
- Completely waterproof — zero moisture absorption
- Will never rot, even in standing water
- Lightest weight decking option
- Resists mold and mildew
- Excellent for pool surrounds and lakefront
- Longest lifespan
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Can look more "plastic" than composite
- Expands/contracts with temperature
- Limited colour options vs composite
- Not made from natural materials
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
Choose PVC Decking if:
Waterfront properties, pool decks, or anyone wanting maximum durability.
