Redwood vs. Cedar: Which Fencing Material Is Superior?

Strength and Durability: Redwood Fencing Benefits

Wood's durability is measured by the Janka hardness rating scale. These numbers illustrate how well a variety of wood can stand up to wear and tear. Wood with higher Janka ratings is less likely to dent or ding than wood with lower Janka ratings.

Redwood has a 450 lb Janka rating. Cedar's is about 350 lbs. This makes redwood about 23% stronger than cedar alternatives.

Redwood also has more protective natural oils in it than cedar does. These oils keep pests at bay, so you won't need to worry about much damage from termites or other wood-boring insects.

Because of this, redwood fences last longer than cedar alternatives. They usually can stay in good condition for 25 years without needing replacement. Cedar fences last for about 15 years.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Neither cedar nor redwood has significantly different maintenance needs than the other. However, the gap between redwood vs cedar durability means that you may need to maintain cedar more frequently. After all, redwood is less susceptible to problems that need troubleshooting.

Luckily, redwood fence maintenance is a pretty simple task. You can clean it easily with household items like a soft cloth and a mild water/dish soap mixture. Pressure washing and chemical cleaners aren't great, so this easy cleaning method is in fact preferable.

Looking over the fence periodically is also important. If you see any issues, you may want to ask a contractor to re-install that small section of the fence. Also, look around for any plants or bushes that might get the material wet and trim them down.

Moisture can damage any wood, so this is super important! Redwood is less likely to succumb to water damage than cedar because it's more durable. Still, it can get damaged when exposed to dampness, so be careful.

Aesthetic Properties

Cedar is naturally a light brown color. It has yellow undertones and a lot of natural knotting. This makes it appealing to those who love natural aesthetics and uneven textures.

Redwood also has an attractive natural hue, but it's much darker than cedar. The reddish-brown color is reminiscent of mahogany, giving it a high-end rustic vibe. Redwood has little knotting and a tighter grain pattern than cedar, which makes it look more even.

Neither of these looks is inherently better than the other. It all depends on personal preference.

Because of their gorgeous appearances, most people don't choose to paint their redwood or cedar fences. It's unnecessary and detracts from the natural appeal of wood fencing.

Note that redwood's longevity means that it will look great for a longer timeframe. However, both can boost curb appeal in the long term as long as you care for your fence correctly.

Have a fence installation contractor stain the fences to prevent UV damage. Ask them to add protective coatings to the surface as well.

Installation and Material Costs

As you likely are gathering, redwood offers a lot of advantages over cedar alternatives. However, all of these benefits mean that redwood can be significantly more expensive than cedar. It usually costs 15-20% more according to some expert opinions.

This redwood vs cedar cost increase is generally for material costs. Installation fees for both are similar because the processes aren't much different.

However, despite redwood's higher upfront costs, you won't need to replace it as soon. You're also less likely to need to pay for damage-related maintenance. There's no guarantee that the long-term costs of redwood will be lower than those of cedar, but it's extremely likely.

Redwood vs Cedar: A Quick Run-Down

Some redwood fencing benefits include:

• Longevity over alternatives
• A dent-resistant surface
• Stands up better to wind and moisture (which is especially important in California storms)
• Pest-resistant
• An even, tight-grained appearance
• Simple maintenance
• Less warping over time
• A thicker, sound-resistant wood

There are also several cedar fencing advantages to consider:

• Cost-effective $2-$4 per linear foot of fencing (rather than redwood's $8-$12 fee)
• A knotted grain and interesting texture
• Easier to paint for those who want a differently colored wood fence

Basically, redwood's benefits outweigh those of cedar. It's ideal for those in climates with storms, neighborhoods with noise pollution, and those who plan to live in their houses long-term.

If you plan to move in the near future, cedar may be a fine alternative. It won't last as long, but you won't need it to. You can save on upfront fees this way if you plan to sell your property and just want a pre-sale aesthetic boost.

Which Is Right for You?

Redwood is better for most homeowners. The only reason to choose cedar is upfront material costs. Still, the money for redwood's longevity and durability may be worth it in the long run.

Some people also choose cedar because they prefer the knotted, textured look of each board. That's fine, but you have a higher risk of fading and warping than you would with redwood. Cedar's appealing appearance may not hold up forever.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. However, we'd pick redwood any day of the week because of its wide array of advantages.

Get the Best Wood for Fencing Today

Now that you understand the pros and cons of redwood vs cedar fencing, it's time to begin conducting home renovations the right way. C&J Fencing is committed to making your backyard dreams into a reality so your home feels like a haven.

Our premium redwood fences can spruce up both your yard's appearance and property value. Get a free estimate for your home renovations today so you can get started.