How much more affordable is a pressure-treated fence compared to cedar in the Metro Vancouver market?

Pressure-treated wood typically runs 20-35% less than Western Red Cedar for a comparable fence in Metro Vancouver — a meaningful difference on a full perimeter project, but one that comes with important trade-offs worth understanding before you commit.

On a per-linear-foot basis, a 6 ft cedar privacy fence installed in Metro Vancouver runs roughly $40-$80 per linear foot, while a comparable pressure-treated fence comes in at $30-$65 per linear foot. That's a spread of roughly $10-$15 per foot at the lower end and up to $15-$20 per foot at the higher end. On a typical 100-linear-foot project, you're looking at a total installed cost of $3,000-$6,500 for pressure-treated versus $4,000-$8,000 for cedar — a potential saving of $1,000-$2,000 upfront.

Scale that to a full perimeter fence on a standard Vancouver lot (roughly 250 linear feet of rear and side fencing), and the gap widens to $2,500-$5,000 in upfront savings. That's real money, and for homeowners on a tight budget, pressure-treated is a legitimate choice — provided they go in with clear expectations.

Where the Savings Get Complicated

The upfront cost difference narrows considerably when you factor in lifetime maintenance costs. Cedar's natural oils give it inherent rot resistance that pressure-treated wood achieves only through chemical impregnation. In Metro Vancouver's marine climate — with over 1,200mm of annual rainfall — both materials require sealing every 2-3 years to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. But cedar holds its finish better, weathers more gracefully to a silver-grey if left unsealed, and tends to resist surface cracking and checking more effectively than pressure-treated lumber, which can split and warp noticeably as it dries out after installation.

Pressure-treated wood also arrives at the job site with high moisture content from the treatment process. As it dries, it shrinks and can twist or warp — particularly in boards and rails. Experienced contractors account for this, but it's a variable that cedar, being kiln-dried or air-dried before use, handles more predictably.

Post longevity is another factor. Pressure-treated posts in direct ground contact are rated for soil exposure, but in Metro Vancouver's persistently wet soil, even treated posts benefit significantly from a gravel drainage bed below the post base. Without proper drainage, the chemical treatment slows rot but doesn't eliminate it. Cedar posts, while naturally resistant, should also be treated with a post base preservative and set with drainage gravel for maximum lifespan.

The Aesthetic Difference

Cedar simply looks better — and that matters for property value and curb appeal. Cedar has a warm, reddish-brown tone with a fine grain that stains beautifully and complements the landscaping styles common in Metro Vancouver neighbourhoods. Pressure-treated lumber has a greenish or brownish cast when new (from the copper-based treatment) that weathers to a grey-green before eventually going grey. It can be stained, but the initial colour is less attractive and the surface texture is coarser.

For rear-yard privacy fences where aesthetics are secondary, pressure-treated is a perfectly sensible choice. For front yards, visible side fences, or properties where resale value is a priority, cedar's appearance advantage is worth the premium.

The Practical Bottom Line

If budget is the primary concern and you're fencing a rear yard or utility area, pressure-treated is a solid, durable choice — just commit to sealing it every 2-3 years, use galvanized or stainless steel fasteners throughout, and apply end-cut preservative to every cut surface. Skip those steps in Vancouver's climate and you'll be replacing boards within a decade.

If you're fencing a visible area, want a fence that holds its appearance with less intervention, or plan to stay in the home long-term, cedar's higher upfront cost often pays for itself in lower maintenance frequency and better curb appeal over a 15-20 year lifespan.

Need help getting quotes for both options so you can compare real numbers for your specific project? Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with local fence contractors for free — find professionals through the Vancouver Construction Network at vancouverconstructionnetwork.com.