Timber
Cedar
A naturally rot- and insect-resistant softwood prized for decking, fencing, and cladding, without chemical treatment.
Best for
- Visible decking and fencing where appearance matters
- Cladding and outdoor furniture
- Anyone wanting to avoid treated-wood chemicals
Avoid when
- Structural framing that won't be seen, where treated pine performs the same job for less
Natural resistance has limits
Cedar's natural oils resist rot and insects better than untreated pine, but it is not immune — ground contact and standing water will still rot it over time. It performs best above ground with good drainage.
It silvers without maintenance
Left unfinished, cedar weathers to an attractive silver-grey. A UV-protective oil applied every one to two years keeps the warm original colour if that's the look you want.
Put this into practice
- Deck and Fence Material CalculatorHow much timber does my deck or fence need?