Cedar vs Redwood Pergola: Which Should You Choose?

Cedar is cheaper, lighter, and easier to work with, while redwood is stronger, richer in colour, and more durable. Both make great pergolas. Choose cedar if you want value and simple handling. Choose redwood if you want extra strength and long-term colour depth.

Deciding Between Cedar and Redwood Pergolas

Choosing between cedar and redwood for your pergola can feel like choosing your favourite biscuit , both are great, and you could happily live with either. But you want the best one for your garden, right?
Short answer: Cedar saves you money and is easier to work with, while redwood gives you extra strength and a richer colour.

What Makes Cedar Special for Pergolas?

Cedar gives you warm tones, a soft scent, and natural resistance to insects and decay. You can cut it easily, lift it easily, and enjoy working with it if you plan a DIY build. This makes cedar a friendly choice if you want a smooth, simple project.

Cedar starts with honey or reddish-brown colouring. You can preserve this colour with a clear sealant, or let it fade into silvery grey for a relaxed, weathered look. Both options look fantastic in most gardens.

Because the UK has damp spells (perhaps an understatement!), cedar benefits from protective treatment occasionally. This helps preserve the colour and prevents moisture from penetrating the surface.

The Distinct Advantages of Redwood

Redwood delivers deeper colour from day one and contains higher tannin levels, which boost its resistance to moisture and decay. If you want a pergola that faces rain and cold air with confidence, redwood is your strongest choice.

You also get superior structural strength. Redwood scores higher on the Janka hardness scale than cedar, meaning it handles bumps, dents, and movement better. Planning a large pergola or growing heavy climbing plants? This extra strength becomes invaluable.

Redwood ages similarly to cedar, slowly fading to grey, but typically holds its original colour longer before that transformation happens.

How Much More Does Redwood Cost Than Cedar?

Cedar usually offers the best value, costing less than redwood while delivering excellent longevity and a premium appearance. Want a high-quality pergola without stretching your budget? Cedar is your smart pick.

Redwood sits at a higher price point. You pay for extra strength, deeper colour, and improved long-term durability. If you want a pergola that feels more solid and withstands years of changing weather, redwood often justifies the additional cost.

Which Wood Offers Better Long-Term Value?

Both cedar and redwood provide strong value across many years, naturally resisting insects and decay without chemical treatment. They handle seasonal changes brilliantly when you provide basic care.

Redwood edges ahead in long-term performance due to its denser structure, resisting moisture and damage more effectively. Cedar may require slightly more frequent sealing to maintain fresh colour.

Both woods stay in excellent condition with simple maintenance. A fresh coat of sealant every couple of years usually does the job perfectly.

What Maintenance Does Each Wood Type Need?

Cedar Care Requirements

Cedar benefits from occasional sealing to keep surfaces clean, prevent moisture entering the grain, and slow colour fading. Prefer the natural grey look? Skip the colour-preserving products and enjoy very low-maintenance pergola life.

Redwood Maintenance Needs

Redwood loves UV protection. A clear or lightly tinted sealant keeps natural red tones vibrant. The wood itself is strong and stable, creating fewer issues like warping or splitting. Its maintenance routine stays simple and predictable.

Both woods perform brilliantly with light cleaning once or twice yearly. A quick wash keeps surfaces dirt-free and helps timber last longer.

How Do You Make the Right Choice for Your Garden?

So which wood suits you best?

Choose cedar if you want friendly pricing, easy handling, and a classic, warm appearance.

Choose redwood if you want extra strength, deeper colour, and long-lasting performance.

Consider your pergola size, small or simple builds work beautifully with cedar, while larger or heavily planted designs benefit from redwood's superior strength.

Whatever you choose, feel confident. Both woods are exceptional. Both create beautiful garden features. And both will serve you for decades with proper care.

Your pergola isn't just a structure, it's a place for shade, slow mornings, and late-night chats. Pick the wood that fits your style, your garden, and your plans, and you'll enjoy it for many years.

Making Your Final Choice

So which wood suits you best?

• Choose cedar if you want a friendly price, easy handling, and a classic, warm look.
• Choose redwood if you want extra strength, a deeper colour, and long-lasting performance.
• Choose based on your pergola size , small or simple builds work beautifully with cedar, while larger or heavily planted designs may benefit from redwood.

Whatever you choose, you can feel confident. Both woods are excellent. Both create beautiful garden features. And both will serve you for decades with the right care.

Your pergola isn’t just a structure , it’s a place for shade, slow mornings, and late-night chats. Pick the wood that fits your style, your garden, and your plans, and you will enjoy it for many years.