Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape. However, cedar is more susceptible to cosmetic damages, such as dents and scratches.
What is the best wood to use for exterior handrails?
Western Cedar is a great outdoor use wood that has been the standard throughout the US for many decades. Usually when people say simply “cedar”, this is the wood they are referring to. It is an ideal material from which to make Wood Porch Railing and traditional turned balusters.
Is cedar better than pressure treated?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It’s highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
What do you use for porch railings?
PVC or vinyl railing systems are excellent front porch railing material and are available in a variety of styles (colonial, contemporary, classic, etc.) and colors.
Can you paint cedar railing?
Even cedar, which contains weather-resistant oils, can look pretty rough after a few seasons. Painting your railing will give it the best possible, longest lasting protection against the elements.
Which lasts longer treated pine or cedar?
If you’re looking to make a lengthy investment, consider the fact that cedar fences will stand, with no maintenance, for up to 25 years. Meanwhile, pressure treated pine last up to 15 years, provided you are regularly maintaining it.
What is better cedar or pine?
Cedar is generally regarded as the stronger and more durable of these two woods. It does not need any special treatment and stands up well to the elements, with a low risk of warping and shrinking. Pine, on the other hand, is more at risk of buckling, warping, and shrinking.
Is cedar wood stronger than pine?
Aromatic red cedar has a Janka rating (used to test the relative hardness of wood) of 900, while southern yellow pine is behind by a bit with a Janka rating of 690. So cedar is a little harder.
Is cedar good for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, cedar furniture is widely viewed as a good choice. Less expensive than teak and lighter than oak, cedar possesses many major advantages that make it suitable for outdoor placement. Keep the benefits of cedar in mind when deciding which type of furniture to add to your garden or patio area.
How long will treated pine last outside?
Treated Pine Lumber can last from less than a year up to 30 years depending on the species and whether it gets wet. While most wood exposed to outdoor elements are protected by some type of preservative treatment, this protection may wear off over time.
Can you treat pine for outdoor use?
Treat pine for external use through sealing. You can seal the pine wood using either Danish oil or linseed oil, which gives the surface a light blond color. To keep your surface looking good and fresh, repeat the application at a regular interval.
How do you waterproof pine for outdoor use?
There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.
- Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
- Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
- Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.
How long does untreated cedar last outside?
In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it’s used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.
Can pine be waterproofed?
Properly sealing and coating pine structures can protect them for years to come. Any kind of structure made of pine, including furniture, enclosures, boxes or storage areas, need to be waterproofed so that the wood will not be damaged in case of rains or flooding.
How do you keep pine wood from rotting?
Protecting your wood from rotting isn’t rocket science. It’s as easy as soaking the bottom of your untreated fence post or deck planks in a wood preservative, painting your wood, installing the fence posts properly, and using wood treatments such as copper naphthenate.
What do you seal pine with?
Pine accepts clear finishes like varnish or polyurethane much like any other wood. Read the label on the can and apply according to the directions. First, however, seal any knots in the wood with a coat of clear shellac; this will keep pigments in the knots from bleeding into the finish.
