Cedar vs Pressure-Treated Fence: The 20-Year Cost Comparison

Cedar costs about 60% more than pressure-treated pine at the lumber yard. Cedar lasts about 30% longer and needs less aggressive maintenance. Over 20 years, the math usually favors cedar — but not always.

Upfront cost comparison

Pressure-treated pine: $25–$40/ft installed for a 6-ft privacy fence. Cedar: $35–$55/ft installed. On 150 ft, that's a $1,500–$2,250 upfront premium for cedar.

20-year cost math

Pressure-treated pine over 20 years: $30/ft installed + $4/ft stain every 2 years (10 cycles = $40/ft) + full replacement around year 18 ($30/ft averaged) = ~$100/ft lifetime. Cedar over 20 years: $42/ft installed + $3/ft stain every 3 years (7 cycles = $21/ft) + no replacement = ~$63/ft lifetime. Cedar wins by ~$37/ft, or $5,550 on a 150-ft fence.

Where pressure-treated wins

• Short-term homes (under 8 years) — you won't recoup the cedar premium
• Rental properties — minimize upfront cost
• Posts only — many cedar fences use pressure-treated posts and cedar pickets for a hybrid that captures both benefits
• Climates with low rot risk (cold, dry)

Where cedar wins

1. Wet climates (Pacific Northwest, deep South, anywhere with humid summers)
2. Long-term homes (10+ years)
3. Curb-appeal-driven projects — cedar's natural color is dramatically nicer
4. Insect-heavy regions (cedar oils repel termites and carpenter bees)

The hybrid sweet spot

The smartest budget compromise: pressure-treated posts (the part that rots first), cedar rails and pickets (what you see). Captures 80% of cedar's curb appeal at 70% of cedar's cost.