Where do you like to get your coffee from? Are you an on-the-go type who prefers to simply
slide in and out of the nearest drive thru stand, or a take-your-time person willing to spend an
extra fifteen minutes inside of your favorite cafe? Who are we kidding — is anyone a
take-your-time person anymore? Nevertheless, our point is that there’s different coffee spots
around the Seattle area that serve different purposes, crowds, and budgets. Sometimes, you
may need a little help determining which spot is the best fit for you.

That brings us to today’s topic; a comparison of cedar and pressure-treated wood. While both
are popular and practical choices, they each come with their own pros, cons, price points, and
ideal use cases. So whether you’re a contractor quoting a job or a homeowner building your first
backyard fence, let’s walk through the key differences to help you make the right choice for your
particular project.

At Everguard Materials, we carry both cedar and pressure-treated wood—and we hear this
question almost every single day. So let’s break it down in plain and simple terms.

What is Cedar?

Cedar is considered a naturally rot-resistant softwood known for its warm appearance and
pleasant aroma. It’s a premier option for fences, decks, garden enclosures, and more.
At Everguard, we offer multiple grades of cedar, categorized accordingly:

● Clear Cedar: These boards are free of knots for a clean, high-end look perfect for
premium fences.

● Grade 1 Cedar: Boards with small, tight knots are graded here and give a slight rustic
appearance to your fence.

● Grade 2 Cedar: Our most affordable cedar boards, these have more knots and
imperfections, but still retain a natural look.

Why People Love Cedar Fences:

● Natural Beauty: Warm reddish tones and tight grain give cedar a timeless look.

● No Chemicals: Cedar’s resistance to rot and insects comes from its natural oils—no
chemical treatments are necessary.

● Great for Privacy: Its density and visual appeal make it perfect for solid-panel privacy
fences.

● Low Warping: Cedar is less likely to warp or shrink compared to other woods.

● Easy to Customize: As a softwood, the surface takes paint and stain easily, giving you
full design freedom.

● Durable in Harsh Climates: With proper sealing, it resists mold, warping, and cracking,
making it ideal for Washington’s wet weather.

Things to Know About Cedar Fences:

● Higher Price: As a premium fence material, cedar is more expensive than
pressure-treated wood.

● Maintenance Needed: To retain that beautiful appearance, you’ll want to apply stain or
sealant every few years.

● Less Durable Below Ground: Cedar posts placed directly into soil can rot faster than
treated alternatives—but Everguard’s post-on-pipe system solves that problem (more on
that later).

What is Pressure-Treated Wood?

Pressure-treated wood is usually Southern Yellow Pine that has been infused with chemical
preservatives to protect it against rot, decay, and pests. It’s affordable and a great workhorse for
all sorts of outdoor construction projects.

At Everguard, we hold a high standard for even our affordable pressure-treated posts, so you
can be sure you’re getting the best quality around:

● Superior Protection: Shields against termites, fungal decay, and rot.

● Ground Contact Rated: Safe and stable for in-ground applications.

● Paintable & Stainable: Flexible for your design needs.

● Aluminum-Compatible: Works well for projects involving mixed materials.

Why People Love Pressure-Treated Wood:

● Budget Friendly: One of the most affordable options on the market—its a steal!

● Durable Against Rot: Thanks to chemical treatments, it holds up well in wet climates
like ours.

● Great for Posts: It’s the go-to material for fence posts buried directly in soil (though we
still recommend using post-on-pipe for the greatest stability and longevity in wet
climates).

Things to Know About Pressure-Treated Wood:

● Appearance: Pressure-treated wood isn’t as pristine as high-grade cedar, and often full
of knots or imperfections.

● May Warp or Crack: It tends to shift around as it dries out, especially if installed before
fully drying.

● Chemical Content: The preservatives used may concern some homeowners, especially
near gardens or kids' play areas.

● Not Maintenance-Free: Like cedar, pressure-treated wood should still be sealed or
stained for a maximum lifespan.

Our Fence Recommendation for the Seattle Area

Okay, let’s just be honest. We get a lot of rain.... Not sure if that’s news to you. Moisture is a
huge challenge when trying to maximize fence longevity, so your material choice should really
take that into serious consideration. If the budget allows, here’s what we recommend:

For Fence Boards or Panels in Seattle:

Go with cedar.

Cedar boards are beautiful, naturally weather-resistant, and make for a stunning privacy fence.
Just don’t forget to seal them every few years to extend their lifespan and keep that rich color.
We offer Clear, Grade 1, and Grade 2 boards so you can choose based on your project budget
and desired aesthetic.

For Fence Posts in Seattle:

Use pressure-treated wood with post-on-pipe.

Pressure-treated posts are tough and affordable, but they’ll still eventually rot if buried directly
into our wet soil. We’re not saying they’re a bad option, but there is a better one available.

That’s why we always recommend post-on-pipe if you’re building in our climate. This technology
is an amazing innovation that keeps the wood out of direct contact with our consistently damp
soil and dramatically extends the life of your fence.

These two options combined provide the best of both worlds: beauty, affordability, and
strength.

Bonus Tips for Fence Longevity

No matter which material you choose, following a few smart practices can add years to the
fences you’re building:

● Set posts in concrete and add a gravel base for drainage.

● Use weep holes for hog wire or metal fencing to prevent water pooling.

● Seal or stain your fence every 2-3 years.

● Use galvanized or stainless fasteners to avoid rust.

● Inspect your fence annually and address minor issues before they become big ones.

Still Not Sure Which Fence Materials To Use? We Can Help.

If you’re still torn between cedar and pressure-treated wood, stop by our yard in Tukwila for
some free coffee and expert advice (also free). Our team will walk you through the pros and

cons based on your specific project and show you the materials in person. Whether you’re
building a small garden enclosure or a large perimeter fence, we have the experience and
expertise to get you on the right track.

When it comes to your fence project, we carry everything you need:

● All three grades of cedar

● Premium pressure-treated posts

● Our innovative post-on-pipe system

● Galvanized screws, brackets, and touch-up paint

● And even the tools to get the job done right

Plus, our Fence Calculator can help you plan your entire job in just a few clicks! Give it a shot
and see how easy fencing can be with Everguard as your partner.

Seattle’s Fence Material Experts

Choosing the right material is a big step toward building a fence that stands up to the elements
and looks good doing it. Whether you want the rich beauty of cedar or the rugged durability of
pressure-treated wood, we’ve got you covered at Everguard. We carry a wide range of fence
materials and tools because we understand that every project is different. Find out what works
for you best and start building better fences!

Reach out with any questions, visit us in person, keep browsing on our website, or even use our
Fence Calculator today to take the guesswork out of your project.
At Everguard, our goal is to help you make fences easier, faster, and stronger. So let’s get
started!