VS
wood
Western Red Cedar
Price$5 – $10 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
wood
Redwood
Price$8 – $15 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
→
Redwood (8/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
→
Redwood (10/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
Redwood (7/10)
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
←
Redwood (7/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
Redwood
$8,400
to $15,000
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
Redwood
Pros
- Rich, warm natural colour
- Naturally resistant to decay
- Dimensionally stable — less warping
- Lightweight and workable
- Beautiful grain patterns
Cons
- Expensive in Canada (imported)
- Limited availability
- Still needs periodic sealing
- Softer than Ipê
- Not as common with Canadian contractors
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
Choose Redwood if:
Premium natural wood decks with rich colour.
