VS
wood
Western Red Cedar
Price$5 – $10 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceMedium
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
composite
TimberTech
Price$10 – $24 per sq ft/sqft
Lifespan
MaintenanceLow
Durability
Aesthetics
Eco-Friendly
Visual Comparison
Western Red Cedar (7/10)
→
TimberTech (9/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
=
TimberTech (9/10)
Western Red Cedar (9/10)
←
TimberTech (7/10)
Western Red Cedar (8/10)
←
TimberTech (6/10)
Cost for a 300 sq ft Deck (Installed)
Western Red Cedar
$7,500
to $13,500
TimberTech
$9,000
to $17,700
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
TimberTech
Pros
- Most realistic wood-look composites
- Wide colour and texture selection
- Strong fade and stain warranties
- Premium AZEK-owned brand
- Multiple product lines for every budget
Cons
- Higher price than entry-level composites
- Some lines heavier than competitors
- Limited DIY-friendliness
⚖️
The Verdict
Choose Western Red Cedar if:
Homeowners wanting natural beauty with better durability than pressure-treated.
Choose TimberTech if:
Premium composite with the most realistic wood grain patterns.
