Western red cedar and redwood sit between pressure-treated pine and composite on price. Installed pricing is $25–$40 per square foot in 2026. Cedar's natural rot resistance, warm color, and dimensional stability make it a favorite for visible, walkable surfaces where PT feels too green and composite feels too plastic.
What cedar costs installed
A 300 sqft cedar deck runs $7,500–$12,000 in 2026. Cedar boards are $3–$5 per linear foot — twice PT but half composite. Cedar framing is usually not recommended; most installers use PT joists and ledgers with cedar decking and rails on top, since PT handles ground contact better.
Cedar vs redwood
Western red cedar is the common choice east of the Rockies and in the Upper Midwest. Redwood (heart-grade) is slightly more rot-resistant but mostly available on the West Coast; old-growth redwood is now scarce and plantation redwood is the typical commodity. Both cost roughly the same installed.
Why cedar costs what it does
Cedar is lighter, softer, and more forgiving to cut than PT — so labor hours are slightly less. But the material itself is 2× PT, and grade matters: select-knotty runs $3/lf, clear (knot-free) cedar runs $6–$9/lf. Premium tight-knot ends up similar-priced to mid-tier composite by the time you finish and seal.
Maintenance reality
Cedar greys to silver within 12 months if unsealed. To hold color you need semi-transparent oil stain every 2–3 years. Skip a round and you'll see end-grain checking on the highest-sun boards. Proper annual care gets you 20–25 years; neglect drops that to 12–15.
Cedar / Redwood deck cost by state — 300 sqft build
Standard 12×25 deck, 3–5 ft off ground, composite balusters, one stair run. Includes framing, footings, railing, stairs, permit, and 8% contingency.
About $4,800–$7,700 installed for a 192 sqft cedar deck with composite or cedar balusters, one stair run, permit, and contingency. Higher end applies to clear-grade cedar in frost-line states where PT framing has to go 4 feet down.
Is cedar worth it over pressure-treated?+
Cedar is worth the 50–70% premium over PT if the deck is a visible focal point of the yard, if the climate is wet (Pacific Northwest, Southeast coast), or if you dislike the green tint PT takes the first year. For hidden ground-level platforms, PT is better value.
Do I need to seal cedar right away?+
Yes — cedar has less moisture than PT at delivery and can accept stain within 30 days. Unsealed cedar greys within 6–12 months; if you want the warm brown or red tones preserved, seal the first season.
How long does a cedar deck last?+
20–25 years with yearly or biennial staining. Cedar left unsealed will structurally last 12–18 years but look weathered by year 5. Heart cedar (from the center of the tree) lasts significantly longer than sapwood cuts at big-box stores — ask for heartwood if available.
Can cedar be used for framing?+
Technically yes, but not recommended. PT joists cost 40% less than cedar joists and handle ground contact much better. Most installers use PT framing under cedar decking. Verify with local code — some jurisdictions require ground-contact-rated lumber for any joist within 18 inches of soil.
Price your own cedar / redwood deck
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