Cedar vs Pressure Treated Deck: Which Is Better for Toronto?
Cedar and pressure-treated lumber are both popular natural wood choices for Toronto decks. Pressure-treated is cheaper. Cedar looks better and holds stain more evenly. Here's how they compare for Ontario's climate.
Quick Verdict
Best for budget: Pressure Treated. Best for appearance and staining: Cedar.
Cedar Decking
Pros
- Better natural appearance — tighter grain, warmer colour
- Holds stain more evenly and longer than PT
- Naturally rot and insect resistant (no chemical treatment)
- FSC-certified sustainable options available
- Better smell and tactile quality
Cons
- Higher upfront cost ($30–$45/sqft vs $25–$35/sqft)
- Still requires staining every 1–3 years
- Slightly shorter lifespan than well-maintained PT in some climates
Pressure Treated Decking
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost ($25–$35/sqft installed)
- Widely available, easy to source
- Modern ACQ/MCA treatment is safe for residential use
- Can last 20+ years with proper maintenance
- Good structural material for framing and substructure
Cons
- Greenish tint when new, takes time to weather naturally
- Harder to stain evenly — uneven absorption
- Must wait 6–12 months before applying first stain
- Chemical treatment visible on cut ends
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Cedar Decking | Pressure Treated Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $30–$45/sqft installed | $25–$35/sqft installed |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years (maintained) | 15–25 years (maintained) |
| Maintenance | Stain every 1–3 years | Seal every 2–3 years |
Our Recommendation
Pressure-treated is the right choice when budget is the primary concern. Cedar is worth the $1,500–$3,000 premium on a typical Toronto deck if you care about appearance, staining results, and working with a natural product. For framing and structural members, we always use pressure-treated lumber regardless of the decking surface choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cedar or pressure-treated cheaper in Toronto?
Pressure-treated is cheaper at $25–$35/sqft installed vs cedar at $30–$45/sqft. On a 200 sqft deck, that's roughly $1,000–$2,000 in savings upfront.
Does cedar or pressure-treated look better?
Cedar looks better to most homeowners. It has a warmer, more consistent colour and tighter grain. Pressure-treated wood has a greenish tint when new and weathers to grey unevenly without staining.
How often do you need to stain cedar vs pressure-treated?
Cedar should be stained every 1–3 years. Pressure-treated should be sealed every 2–3 years, but must wait 6–12 months after installation before the first coat.
Is pressure-treated wood safe for decks?
Yes. Modern pressure-treated lumber uses ACQ or MCA treatment — both safe for residential use. The older CCA (arsenic-based) treatment was phased out in Canada in 2004.
Which lasts longer — cedar or pressure-treated?
When maintained, both last 15–25 years. Pressure-treated has a slight edge in lifespan when properly sealed because the chemical treatment helps resist rot. Cedar without regular staining may deteriorate faster.
Can you use pressure-treated wood for the deck surface?
Yes. Pressure-treated is commonly used for both the surface decking and the structural frame. Cedar is typically used only for the surface — PT is always used for the structural frame (posts, beams, joists) due to ground contact requirements.
Still Deciding?
We can walk you through both options on-site and give you a written quote for each.
Get a Free QuoteReady to Build Your Deck?
Get a free, detailed quote from Toronto's most trusted deck builder. No pressure, no obligation — just honest pricing.