The Differences Between Pressure Treated, Pressure Treated Premium, and Cedar Wood
Selecting the right wood decking material is a crucial decision that requires careful consideration. Today, we will explore the key differences between three popular options: pressure treated wood, pressure treated premium wood, and cedar. By delving into their unique characteristics, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements, we aim to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your vision and lifestyle.
Durability and Longevity
Pressure treated wood, renowned for its resistance against rot, insects, and decay, is an excellent choice for cost-conscious customers seeking reliable performance. For enhanced durability, our premium pressure treated option combines the benefits of pressure treatment with fewer knots and improved looks. However, it is cedar wood that truly shines in terms of longevity, despite its softer nature. With proper maintenance and staining, cedar decks can withstand the test of time, providing a captivating and enduring outdoor space.
If you are considering a hardwood, please take a look at our hardwood comparison here.
Aesthetics and Natural Beauty
Cedar wood steals the spotlight in this regard, providing natural beauty with its distinct grain patterns and warm, rich hues. The luxurious appeal of cedar elevates your outdoor oasis. On the other hand, while pressure treated wood may not match the aesthetics of cedar, our premium pressure treated option offers improved visual appeal with fewer knots and a refined appearance.
Maintenance and Upkeep
One of the differences with maintenance and upkeep is that most clients want to preserve the natural beauty of cedar decking and thus we recommend a more transparent stain that you can see through in order to be able to keep the look. For pressure treated or premium pressure treated, we are able to recommend a thicker stain because the preservation of the natural look is less of a priority which makes the re-application less frequent and the maintenance is easier to manage.
Cedar wood, which normally uses transparent stains, is recommended to reapply yearly in the Texas sun, while the thicker stains that are typically used with pressure treated or premium pressure treated last two to four times longer between applications. You can use a thicker stain with cedar, but to some degree, it negates the purpose of upgrading to the cedar wood as the main reason to upgrade is the natural look.
It’s important to note that pressure treated wood needs to dry out before you can stain it. During this drying process the deck boards are going to shrink slightly, and pressure treated wood has more movement than other forms of decking, which can create slightly more irregularities in the gaps. Depending on the time of year you will need three weeks to three months for the wood to dry out before applying stain.
Affordability and Value
Pressure treated decking tends to be the most affordable option, offering a budget-friendly solution without compromising on durability. For those seeking enhanced aesthetics and improved visual appeal, our premium pressure treated wood represents a cost-effective upgrade. While cedar wood comes with a higher initial cost, its timeless beauty and long lifespan make it a valuable investment, providing an exceptional return on investment over the years.
Another point to note, Cedar is naturally bug repellent and rot resistant so it does not require the chemicals that pressure treated wood needs to achieve those same characteristics.
Takeaways
Pressure Treated: Affordable and long lasting but less natural beauty
Premium Pressure treated: Slightly more expensive, but long lasting, fewer knots than pressure treated, but not as pretty as cedar
Cedar: More expensive than the pressure treated options, but superior in aesthetics.To keep the natural aesthetic, it’s usually paired with transparent stain which requires more frequent applications.
Choosing the ideal decking material for your outdoor space is a decision that balances aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and budget. At SSC, we offer a range of options to suit every preference and requirement. Pressure treated, pressure treated premium, and cedar wood each have distinct advantages and considerations, but we do offer other options. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the selection process, ensuring your deck becomes a safe, functional, and captivating extension of your home.