Cedar Vs. Treated Fence Posts

Cedar Fence Posts

• Multiple types of cedar can be used to make fencing and posts, though Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar are the two most commonly available. Over time, this type of wood fades into an attractive silvery shade of gray, making staining or painting unnecessary. Depending on the cedar, the fencing and posts may last upwards of 15 years or more.

Treated Fence Posts

• Treated fencing is fencing in which chemicals have literally been pushed into the wood. This process, also known as pressure treating, forces chemicals into the wood that allow it to last longer and be more resistant against weather damage, insect damage and rot. Many types of woods can be pressure treated to make the wood more desirable and stronger. However, the most common wood used for pressure treating is pine.

Similarities

• Both cedar and treated woods can be disposed of in the same manner when replacement is necessary, regardless of the fact that treated woods contain chemicals. In terms of availability, both cedar and treated woods are readily available at many local lumberyards. Cedar posts are naturally resistant against rot, fungi and insect damage. Treated posts are also resistant against these issues due to the chemical treatment process. Both types of wood posts will rot quicker than the rest of the fencing, regardless of what measures are taken because the posts are submerged in soil, which speeds up the natural process of decay. Regardless of the type of wood, all wood eventually warps, cracks and will require replacement over time.

Differences

• Cedar is more expensive than treated wood posts. Cedar also does not require any staining or chemical treatments as it is a naturally resilient wood, though these can be applied if desired. When working with pressure treated wood, a mask must be worn to prevent the inhalation of chemically treated sawdust when cutting the posts. The chemicals in treated woods can also corrode nails and screws if the proper screws and nails are not used.