Went with pressure treated pine over cedar for my deck rebuild and I'm glad I did

Everyone on here always raves about cedar for decks, saying it looks better and lasts longer. I had to rebuild my back deck last summer after it rotted out near the posts, and I went with pressure treated pine instead. Cost me about $600 less for the same size deck, which was a big deal since I was on a tight budget. The cedar guys said it would warp and split within a year, but I'm 14 months in and the thing is solid as a rock. I did seal it with a good quality Thompson's WaterSeal right after building it, and I touch it up every spring. Maybe cedar looks nicer when it's new, but I'd rather have a deck that doesn't break the bank and holds up fine. Anyone else go against the grain and skip cedar?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_sean1mo ago

Man, I hear you loud and clear! I'm all in on pressure treated pine too. People act like cedar is the only way to go but I think they're just repeating what they heard at the lumber yard. For the money you saved you could put that cash toward a good sealant every year and still come out way ahead. My neighbor went cedar and his deck already has a split running through one board, while my pine deck is still smooth as can be. It's not about looks when you're on a budget, it's about getting something that works and holds up without bleeding you dry.

terrywilson1mo ago

Yeah man I'm with you all the way. I did pressure treated pine on my own deck three years ago and it still looks great with just a yearly coat of sealant. Saved a ton of cash compared to what cedar would have cost and I haven't seen any warping or splitting yet, so I think the haters are overblowing it.

miab871mo ago

Ain't that the truth? Three years and still holding up fine, sounds like you did it right.

-1