Cedar costs more (about $7–10 more per linear foot) and lasts longer (15–25 years vs 10–20), but pressure-treated is the right call when budget is tight and you'll stain it. The smartest builds combine both: pressure-treated posts in the ground and cedar pickets above — best rot resistance under the soil, best look above it.
Side by side
| Cedar (Western Red) | Pressure-treated pine/fir | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost / ft (Portland) | $25–45 | $18–35 |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 10–20 years |
| Rot resistance | Natural — built-in oils & tannins | Chemical — infused preservatives (ACQ / CA) |
| Out-of-the-yard color | Warm reddish-brown | Greenish-tan (treatment tint) |
| Color in 2 years | Soft silver-grey | Faded grey-brown |
| Maintenance to look good | Optional stain every 3–5 yrs | Stain/seal every 2–3 yrs (recommended) |
| Maintenance to last | None required | Sealing extends life noticeably |
| Warping & checking | Minimal — stable wood | Common — wants to dry quickly |
| Weight | Light, easy to handle | Heavy, especially when wet from treatment |
| Insect resistance | Natural | Chemical |
| Resale value | Slight edge | Neutral or slight negative |
Cedar in Portland: what to know
Western Red Cedar is the PNW vernacular fence material. It grows in Oregon and Washington, ships locally, and resists rot through its own natural chemistry — no factory treatment required. Cedar pickets in Portland regularly run 20+ years above grade. The wood is stable (resists warping and checking) and holds fasteners well, so a cedar fence stays straight and rattle-free as it ages.
The premium you pay isn't just for looks. Cedar's lower density makes it easier to install (fewer broken bits, lighter to lift onto rails) and easier to repair (one bad picket pops off cleanly without disturbing neighbors).
Pressure-treated in Portland: what to know
Pressure-treated lumber in Portland is typically Douglas fir or hem-fir infused with a preservative — most commonly Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) or Copper Azole (CA). Both replaced the old CCA chemistry that was banned for residential use in 2003. The result is a wood that resists rot and insects through chemistry rather than nature.
The look out of the lumber yard is unmistakable: greenish-tan, sometimes with treatment burn marks. It fades within a year to a duller tan-grey, and within 2–3 years can look weather-beaten without staining. Pressure-treated lumber is also heavier and wetter when fresh, and it wants to dry quickly — which means warping, checking, and split-prone ends if not built and finished properly.
Build best-practice: let pressure-treated lumber acclimate to ambient humidity for 2–4 weeks before staining or sealing. Trying to apply finish over wet treatment chemistry traps moisture and causes peeling.
The smart hybrid most Portland pros use
Most quality Portland fence builds aren't pure cedar OR pure pressure-treated — they're a combination:
- Posts: pressure-treated 4×4 (or larger) — the best ground-contact rot resistance.
- Rails (stringers): pressure-treated 2×4 — supports the pickets, resists moisture at picket-to-rail intersections.
- Pickets: cedar — for the look and longevity above ground.
- Optional cap rail: cedar 2×6 — protects the picket tops from water entry and gives a finished look.
This pairing typically prices in the middle of the two ranges — call it $23–40 per linear foot installed in Portland — and delivers the longest realistic service life because the failure mode (ground-level post rot) is engineered out.
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Get a free estimate →The cost difference, in real money
At mid-range pricing, the cedar premium over pressure-treated for a typical Portland yard:
| Length | Pressure-treated (mid) | Cedar (mid) | Cedar premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,650 | $3,500 | + $850 |
| 200 ft | $5,300 | $7,000 | + $1,700 |
| 300 ft | $7,950 | $10,500 | + $2,550 |
The cedar premium is real but not enormous. For most homeowners, the extra $1,500–2,500 over a typical yard buys 5+ extra years of life and a noticeably better look — a fair trade.
When pressure-treated is the right call
- Big yard, tight budget. Fencing a half-acre lot? The cedar premium becomes thousands. Pressure-treated keeps the bid in reach.
- Utility fencing. Side yards, dog runs, areas guests never see. The look matters less.
- You'll actually stain it. A diligently maintained pressure-treated fence can look great and last as long as cedar.
- Sloped, rough, or temporary install. If the fence is going up around a future grading project, don't waste cedar.
When cedar is the right call
- Front-yard or curb-visible fencing. Where look matters, cedar's worth it.
- You won't maintain it. Cedar shrugs off Portland rain without you doing anything.
- You're staying in the home long-term. The lifespan premium pays back over 15+ years.
- Resale matters. Cedar fences are a small but real plus for PNW buyers.
- You like the silver-grey patina. Cedar's age is part of its appeal here.
Honest warning on cheap pressure-treated
Not all pressure-treated lumber is equal. Look for ground-contact rated (UC4A) lumber for posts — not just "above ground" (UC3B) labeled stock. The retention level (lb of preservative per cubic foot) matters more than the brand. Cheap big-box pressure-treated posts in Portland clay can fail in 8 years; properly rated ground-contact lumber in concrete lasts 20+.