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. Cedar has a more natural look that many people find appealing.
Recycled Plastic Lumber and Plastic/Wood Composite Lumber
The plastics are rot- and corrosion-proof and don't crack, splinter, or chip. Even in exposed and sub-grade conditions, plastic lumber has a long life expectancy. It will not leach chemicals into the ground, surface water or soil as treated wood can.
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.
That means you'll be investing time every year to pressure wash, sand, repair, and stain your deck. Composite boards, on the other hand, endure weather better, repel insects, and don't require paints or stains. After installation, a simple sweep and scrub every year will keep the surface looking new.
If you're looking to make a lengthy investment, consider the fact that cedar fences will stand, with no maintenance, for up to 25 years. Meanwhile, pressure treated pine last up to 15 years, provided you are regularly maintaining it.
Which Wood Lasts the Longest? Teak wood easily lasts the longest when used for outdoor furniture or decking. When properly maintained, it can last for the entirety of your life and years after.
Composite decking - such as Trex - is a blend of recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood fibers. The plastic film that goes into composite decking is called low-density polyethylene and combines with wood fiber - or wood flour - to create the board's resilient core.
Pine, cedar, Douglas fir, and hem-fir are the species that best absorb the pressure-treatment chemicals, making them ideal for long-lasting woodwork.
Trex Composite vs Wood: The Verdict Is In
A durable, low-maintenance Trex deck is a sound long-term investment that won't commit you to the unwieldy regular upkeep demands of wood. And there's never been a better time to get premium Trex decking for your deck renovation or your new build.
When it comes to cost, cedar is generally more expensive than treated lumber. However, it is important to consider the long-term costs of each material. While cedar may be more expensive upfront, it is a more durable and sustainable option that will require less maintenance and last longer.
Planks and posts made from redwood can also be much lighter than pressure treated lumber. When properly maintained by coating your redwood deck in a fresh layer of deck stain every few years, the wood can last and look beautiful for 30 years or longer.
Properties. Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most durable woods, as it has a natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. It has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods due to its low density and shrinkage factors.
For example, Teak doesn't need any treatment which prolongs its lifespan because it is naturally durable and doesn't have much movement whereas kiln dried Oak does need treating to prevent it from: Losing moisture and shrinking in the summer.
It typically costs less than cedar or redwood, and it is a totally natural, untreated wood. On top of all that, it also happens to be gorgeous. Juniper is commonly used for raised garden beds, retaining walls, outdoor steps, fences, decks, and many other exterior applications.
Do not use treated wood for cutting boards or countertops. Only treated wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used for patios, decks and walkways.
Pressure treated (PT) lumber is wood that has been placed in a depressurized holding tank that removes excess air and replaces it with a solution of water and preservative agents that help protect the wood from rot and insects.
While a treated 4x4 may last 10 to 25 years, depending on the wood, the soil, and weather conditions, following the simple steps below could double or triple that number. By comparison, an untreated wood fence post may need replacing in as little as five years.
Seal or Stain the Wood
Staining or painting pressure-treated wood with a high-quality stain or sealant helps to repel water and prevent the wood from cracking or splitting. This not only contributes to prolonging the life of the wood but also enhances its appearance.
The Best Low-Maintenance Decking Is Engineered
Composite is made from recycled plastic polymers and wood chips, while PVC is made entirely from plastic polymers. These synthetic materials are very low maintenance, requiring only regular cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Trex decking is considered a high-quality composite material that can add value to a home. While installing a Trex deck may cost more up-front than installing a deck made out of traditional lumber, composite is known for its durability and ease of maintenance. The benefits of Trex make it a worthwhile investment.
A Trex deck will run about $26 to $36 per square foot to build, and that includes labor and materials. Pressure-treated decking will cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $14 to $20 per square foot installed. As you can see, this makes treated lumber a rather attractive financial choice over Trex.
Cedar trees also absorb a great deal of water, which robs the land and water sources of their water supply. In a normal year, this is not as much of a problem. But during dry years it can really hinder grass production, which is ultimately what ranching is all about. Another reason to keep cedars away is cosmetic.
It's a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn't warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.
Cedar wood may last over 20 years when used in outdoor structures, such as decks, pergolas, gazebos, or furniture. It can last between 15 and 20 years when used for constructing a fence or support posts.