Which Is Better Cedar or Pressure Treated Wood?

Cedar and pressure treated wood are two of the most popular materials used for fencing in New Orleans. Both offer a range of benefits, but there are some key differences between them that should be considered when making your decision.

When it comes to fencing, many homeowners in New Orleans are faced with a difficult decision – better cedar or pressure treated wood? While both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, the key is understanding which one will be best for your home.

Cedar has natural qualities that make it great for outdoor use while pressure-treated lumber offers more protection against rot and insects.

Both come at different costs so it’s important to weigh out all of the pros & cons before making a final choice. In this blog post we’ll discuss the benefits of each material as well as how you can decide between them when building your fence!

What is Cedarwood?

Cedarwood is a type of softwood that comes from several species of trees in the cypress family. It has been used for centuries as a building material due to its strength, durability and resistance to rot and decay.

Cedar wood is light in color with an attractive grain pattern, making it popular for use in outdoor furniture, decks, fences and siding.

Cedar wood has many desirable physical attributes which make it ideal for outdoor projects such as fencing or decking. It is lightweight yet strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like rain or snow without rotting or warping over time.

The natural oils present in cedar also help protect against insect infestations and fungal growths that can cause damage to other types of wood.

Additionally, cedar’s pleasant aroma makes it great for indoor applications such as closets or drawers where clothing items are stored away from pests.

The unique appearance of cedar adds beauty and character wherever you choose to use it; whether you’re looking for something rustic like split rail fencing around your property line or more modern picket styles along your front porch steps – there’s no shortage of options available when using this versatile material!

Cedar offers an attractive reddish hue with fine graining patterns throughout the boards giving them added depth and dimension when installed properly on any project surface area (elevated decks included).

Cedar Wood Benefits

Cedar wood is a popular choice for fencing in the New Orleans area due to its natural resistance to rot and decay.

Cedar has an oily resin that helps protect it from water damage, making it ideal for outdoor use. This oil also gives cedar a pleasant smell, which can be enjoyed by both homeowners and business owners alike.

In addition to its natural durability, cedar is also known for being able to withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rains without warping or splitting. This makes it an excellent option for those who live in areas with unpredictable weather patterns.

When used as fencing material, cedar offers attractive visual appeal as well. Its warm coloration and grain pattern make it aesthetically pleasing while still providing privacy and security from unwanted visitors.

It’s also easy to stain or paint if desired so you can customize your fence even further according to your own personal style preferences.

Overall, cedar wood provides many benefits when used as fencing material in the New Orleans area including natural resistance against rot and decay, ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, attractive appearance options with staining/painting capabilities, plus a pleasant aroma that will last throughout the years of ownership.

Cedar wood is an excellent choice for fence construction in the New Orleans area due to its natural resistance to rot and decay, as well as its attractive appearance. Now let’s explore the benefits of pressure treated wood.

What is Pressure Treated Wood?

Pressure treated wood is a type of lumber that has been chemically treated to resist rot, decay, and termites. It is typically made from softwood species such as pine or spruce.

The process begins with the wood being placed in a large pressure chamber where it is exposed to high levels of preservatives such as copper azole, alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), and chromated copper arsenate (CCA).

These chemicals penetrate deep into the cellular structure of the wood, providing long-term protection against fungal decay and insect infestation.

Pressure Treated Wood Benefits

Pressure treated wood is a popular choice for fencing in the New Orleans area. It’s also more affordable than other types of fencing materials like cedar or vinyl.

Pressure treated wood can last up to 40 years when properly maintained, making it an excellent long-term investment for your property.

One of the main benefits of pressure treated wood is its durability. The preservatives used to treat this type of lumber are designed to protect against rot and decay caused by moisture and pests such as termites and carpenter ants.

In addition, pressure treating helps prevent warping and splitting due to extreme weather conditions like high humidity or heavy rainstorms common in New Orleans summers.

Another advantage of using pressure treated lumber for fencing is its affordability compared to other materials like cedar or vinyl fences which can be quite expensive upfront costs but require little maintenance over time while still providing great protection from intruders on your property line.

Pressure treating also makes installation easier since there’s no need for additional treatments after construction has been completed; all you have to do is install the fence panels according to manufacturer instructions!

Finally, pressure treating provides an extra layer of protection against insect infestations which can cause costly damage if left unchecked.

Termites are especially problematic in Louisiana due their humid climate so having a fence made out of pressure-treated lumber will help keep them away from your home or business premises without needing any additional treatments down the road!

Overall, choosing pressure-treated wood as a material for your fence offers many advantages including durability, affordability, ease of installation, and resistance against insects – all at an economical price point that won’t break the bank.

So if you’re looking for reliable protection around your property line without spending too much money upfront then consider investing in a quality pressure-treated wooden fence today.

What Are the Disadvantages of Pressure Treated Wood?

Pressure treated wood is a popular choice for fencing projects due to its affordability and durability. However, there are some disadvantages associated with this type of wood that should be considered before making a purchase.

• Environmental Impact

One of the main drawbacks of pressure treated wood is its environmental impact. The process used to treat the wood involves soaking it in chemicals such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) or ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ).

These chemicals can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater, which can have serious consequences for local ecosystems.

Additionally, CCA-treated lumber produces arsenic dust when cut or drilled, which poses an inhalation hazard to workers handling the material.

For these reasons, many cities and states have banned CCA-treated lumber from being used in certain applications such as playgrounds and decks near bodies of water.

• Maintenance Requirements

Another disadvantage of pressure treated wood is that it requires more maintenance than other types of woods such as cedar or redwood.

Pressure treated lumber must be sealed regularly with a waterproof sealant in order to prevent warping and rotting caused by moisture penetration over time.

This means that homeowners will need to invest additional time and money into maintaining their fence if they choose this option over another type of material like vinyl or metal fencing systems.

• Cost Considerations

Finally, although pressure treated lumber may initially seem like an affordable option compared to other materials on the market today, it may not always be cost effective in the long run due to its higher maintenance requirements mentioned above.

Homeowners who opt for this type of fencing system will likely end up spending more money on upkeep costs than those who choose alternative materials that require less attention over time—such as vinyl or aluminum fences—which could potentially save them money down the line depending on their individual needs and budget constraints

What Are the Disadvantages of Cedar Wood?

Cedar wood is a popular choice for fencing due to its natural beauty and durability. However, there are some drawbacks to using cedar that should be considered before making your final decision.

• Cost

One of the biggest disadvantages of cedar wood is the cost. Cedar is more expensive than other types of lumber such as pressure-treated pine or spruce, which can make it difficult to fit into a budget.

Additionally, since cedar has a higher price tag, you may have to purchase fewer boards than you would with other materials in order to stay within your budget.

• Maintenance

Another disadvantage of cedar wood is that it requires regular maintenance in order to keep it looking its best and protect it from weathering and decay over time.

This includes sanding down any rough spots on the boards every few years, staining or painting them regularly (at least once per year), and sealing them against moisture damage caused by rain or snow.

All this extra work can add up quickly if you’re not prepared for it!

• Insects & Rotting

Cedar also tends to attract insects like termites more easily than other woods because of its high oil content.

If left untreated, these pests can cause serious damage over time by eating away at the wood fibers and causing rot or decay in certain areas.

In addition, if exposed to too much moisture without proper protection (such as sealant) then the wood will start rotting faster than normal due to fungal growth on the surface which leads to further deterioration over time.

Key Takeaway: When choosing a fence material for the New Orleans area, cedar and pressure treated wood are both great options. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and weather damage and can last up to 20 years with proper care. Pressure treated lumber is more economical upfront but also requires fewer repairs over time due to its resistance against moisture absorption from rain or snowfall. Consider your budget as well as maintenance costs when making your decision in order to get the most value out of your investment.

To Learn More About Cedar or Pressure-Treated Wood, Call Us Right Away.

When it comes to deciding between cedar and pressure treated wood for your fence, the choice is ultimately up to you. Both types of wood have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider what will work best for your needs before making a decision.

Cedar is more aesthetically pleasing but requires more maintenance while pressure treated wood can last longer with less upkeep. Ultimately, the answer to “better cedar or pressure treated wood?” depends on what works best for you and your budget.

If you are looking for a fence contractor in the New Orleans area, then look no further than Big Easy Fence. We offer quality materials and services to ensure your project is done right.

Whether you’re choosing cedar or pressure treated wood for your fencing needs, we can help guide you through the process and provide the best solution tailored to meet your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today to get started on creating an outdoor living space that will last!