Cedar vs Pressure Treated Fence in Brandon, MS
Cedar and pressure treated pine are the two most common wood choices for privacy and picket fences in the Brandon area, and each one earns its price differently. Pressure treated pine costs less per foot and is treated to resist rot, while cedar costs more upfront but has natural oils that repel insects and moisture without any chemical treatment. The right choice usually comes down to budget, how much upkeep you want to do, and how you want the wood to look over time.
How the Two Woods Perform Over Time
Pressure treated pine typically lasts 15 to 20 years in Mississippi’s climate as long as it gets restained every 2 to 3 years to keep moisture out. Cedar tends to last 20 to 25 years and holds its color longer between treatments, though it will still gray over time if left unsealed. Humidity and heavy rain in Rankin County affect both woods, so the difference in lifespan mostly comes down to how consistently the fence gets maintained rather than which wood was used.
Cost Difference Between Cedar and Pressure Treated
Pressure treated privacy fencing usually runs $18 to $24 per linear foot installed in this area, while cedar privacy fencing runs closer to $28 to $38 per linear foot. That gap comes from the cost of the lumber itself rather than labor, since both fences take about the same amount of time to build. Homeowners who plan to stay in a home long term often find the extra cost of cedar pays off through fewer replacement boards and less frequent staining.
Which Wood Makes Sense for Your Yard
Pressure treated pine is a solid choice if you want a working fence at the lowest cost and do not mind restaining it on a regular schedule. Cedar makes more sense if you want a natural reddish tone, plan to skip yearly maintenance, or want a fence that holds up with less attention. We install both and can walk through your yard to help you decide which one fits how you plan to use the space. If you want a fuller look at pricing across styles, our wood fence cost page breaks it down further.
Talk Through Your Options With Us
We can show you samples of both woods and give you a price for your exact yard before you commit to either one.
frequently asked questions
For most homeowners, yes. Cedar resists rot and insects naturally, so it typically lasts 20 to 25 years with less staining than pressure treated pine, which needs more frequent upkeep to reach a similar lifespan.
The chemicals used in modern pressure treated lumber are approved for residential use and have been standard in the industry for years. They are applied to resist rot and insects, not for cosmetic reasons.
Yes, a reddish or cedar tone stain can give pressure treated pine a similar look, though the color will need to be refreshed more often than cedar's natural tone.
Both hold up fine here. Cedar handles humidity a little better without treatment, while pressure treated pine needs more consistent staining to perform the same way.
Yes, we install both cedar and pressure treated fencing and can help you compare pricing and long term upkeep for your specific yard.
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