Pressure Treated vs. Cedar Wood for Your DIY Fence or Deck

Building Supplies in Edmonton There are many benefits to building a fence or a deck in your backyard. A fence around your property’s perimeter will add curb appeal, safety, security and privacy to your yard. A deck addition will provide your family with additional living space for cooking, dining, entertaining and spending time together. Both will increase your home’s resale value.

You can save a lot of money if you choose to tackle these projects yourself using quality building supplies and hardware in Edmonton.

Northland Building Supplies has an extensive lumber yard, carries only #2 or better appearance grade lumber and offers a variety of lumber packages. They share some pros and cons to choosing pressure treated or cedar wood for your backyard building project.

Pressure Treated Lumber

Pressure treated lumber is wood, usually pine, that has been treated with chemicals to make it more resistant to moisture, rot and insects. It is the most affordable lumber option and can be long-lasting. It is also more resistant to dents and scratches caused by your patio furniture or barbeque.

Don’t cheap out too much when purchasing pressure treated wood. The less expensive brands can be full of moisture and can shrink or warp when it dries. Because of the chemicals used in the wood, it is not considered an eco-friendly option. You usually can’t stain pressure treated lumber as the stain will have a hard time penetrating the surface.

Pressure treated lumber is used commonly for residential fencing. Learn more about how to build a wood fence for your property.

Cedar Wood

Using cedar for your deck or fence will give your property a rich, warm and timeless style. Cedar doesn’t absorb water as easily as other woods, making it less likely to slip or twist over time. Cedar is also naturally resistant to rot, insects and doesn’t have the chemicals like pressure treated wood.

Cedar is more expensive than other lumber options. You don’t have to stain it to protect it, but it will fade into a dull grey if you don’t. If you choose to stain it, you’ll have to recoat it every other year to keep it looking new. Because cedar is a softer wood, you have to be careful not to dent or scratch it up with your deck furniture and barbeque.

Building Supplies & Lumber in Edmonton

Sitting on 13 acres of property in the heart of Edmonton, Northland Building Supplies Ltd. houses a lumberyard, truss plant, windows showroom and flooring showroom, and employs talented and experienced designers, estimators and sales staff.

Northland Building Supplies Ltd. has developed excellent relationships with private home builders, premium home builders, all size contractors as well as avid DIY homeowners.  No matter what size of build you are undertaking, they can put together a lumber package you need and have it delivered within 24 hours.

Ask about their garage, deck and fence packages. Contact Northland Building Supplies Ltd.