Cedar left untreated outdoors will generally last around 15-20 years due to its natural oils and decay resistance. Pressure-treated wood, treated with chemicals to resist decay and insects, can last significantly longer, often 30 years or more.
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
Untreated cedar can last 15-30 years, depending on environmental conditions. You can often extend this through proper cedar fence restoration, though. Pressure-treated pine fences can last up to 20 years, but they are more susceptible to warping and cracking over time compared to cedar.
Cedar Wood
It resists water reasonably well and doesn't tend to crack. Cedar lasts about 20 years if not treated, but some damage may be noticeable from heavy traffic. Cedar can last for decades when used in your outdoor projects if cared for properly.
Cedar posts that are installed in a dry, well-drained area and are thick enough to resist warping can last for up to 25 years without rotting, while those installed in a damp environment may only last for 5-10 years before showing signs of rot.
If you prefer to preserve the original color of your cedar fence, there are steps you can take to slow down the greying process: Seal and Protect: Applying a high-quality wood sealant or finish to your cedar fence can help shield it from UV radiation and moisture, preserving its natural color for a longer time.
Cedar left untreated outdoors will generally last around 15-20 years due to its natural oils and decay resistance. Pressure-treated wood, treated with chemicals to resist decay and insects, can last significantly longer, often 30 years or more.
Pentachlorophenol-treated posts exhibited durability in excess of 60 years, whereas lumber specimens treated to standard ground-contact retentions had no failures after 39 or 45 years.
Overall, our experts at Patio Productions recommend Cedar or Redwood as the best wood choice for outdoor decks. If you're looking for a cheaper option, pressure treated wood is your next best option.
Cedar can and will rot and decay, it just takes alot longer than other wood. It can become weak and brittle so it depends on the design of your chairs and the thickness of the planks as to whether or not they'll hold up and support the weight you're going for.
Inland Red cedar is rot and insect resistant and is a great choice for siding, fencing, decking, and outdoor entertainment spaces. If you're looking for a rustic, lighter-colored cedar, and a price point that can be less expensive than Western Red Cedar, Inland cedar is an excellent option.
Choosing the Right Sealer
They can also cause the color of the stain to bleed and give a bad look. The best option for cedar siding is Seal-Once NANO Penetrating Wood Sealer.
Cedar wood fences stand the test of time, and look great decades after installation. For fence posts, cedar can go several years without rotting; however, they tend to be less durable against soil erosion than pressure treated pine posts.
Sensitive. As a softer wood, cedar decking can be more easily scratched or dented by furniture and pet claws.
You are wanting to know if western red cedar can be used a load bearing material? While it's not as sound and doesn't have quite the load-bearing capacity as other types of wood, western red cedar can be used structurally. It's naturally durable and stable, and it's great for outdoor use.
Untreated cedar fences, made of natural and rot-resistant wood, can typically last for approximately 15 to 20 years under ideal conditions. However, a cedar fence treated with a protective stain can prolong its life even further, potentially lasting over 30 years with proper maintenance.
If you're looking for a durable, long-lasting material that's resistant to rot and decay, cedar is a good choice. Cedar is more expensive than pressure-treated wood.
Ipe decking, also known as Brazilian Walnut, takes the crown as the longest-lasting decking material. Renowned for its incredible durability and resistance to decay, Ipe can last up to an astonishing 75 years with proper maintenance.
SHORT VERSION: FOR THE LONGEST LASTING, BEST LOOKING FENCE, WE RECOMMEND USING PRESSURE TREATED PINE FOR THE POSTS, AND CEDAR FOR THE REST OF THE FENCE! If someone tells you that pressure treated pine is better than cedar for the above-ground portion of the fence, it is probably because they do not stock cedar.
Ventilation and Drainage
Picture gutters directing water away from cedar siding. These simple steps create an environment where rot struggles to gain a foothold.
Cedarwood looks absolutely stunning without a stain. However, it will turn gray as it ages, which can be visually displeasing to some people. If you don't like the color of an aged cedar deck (or simply do not like its natural color from the get-go), you can always stain it in the color you want.
Cedar is durable. This type of wood is naturally resistant to rot and decay, so you don't need to worry about your outdoor shower having any structural damage.
The time it takes for a cedar fence to turn grey can vary depending on several factors, including the type of cedar wood used, the climate in your area, and the level of exposure to the elements. In general, you can expect a cedar fence to start showing signs of greying within a few months to a year after installation.