Is cedar or redwood better for fencing in Vancouver's marine climate?

Western Red Cedar is the clear winner for fencing in Vancouver's marine climate — not because redwood is inferior, but because cedar is locally sourced in BC, widely available at every Lower Mainland lumber yard, significantly less expensive, and performs just as well as redwood in Metro Vancouver's wet conditions. Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is grown almost exclusively in California and Oregon, making it an imported specialty product in BC that costs 40 to 80% more than equivalent cedar with no meaningful performance advantage for fencing applications.

Both woods are naturally rot-resistant, and this is worth understanding. Western Red Cedar contains thujaplicins — natural phenolic compounds in the heartwood that resist fungal decay, insect damage, and bacterial breakdown. California redwood contains tannins and other extractives that provide similar natural protection. In independent decay resistance testing, both species rate as "durable" to "very durable" for ground contact and above-ground applications. Neither requires chemical pressure-treatment for exterior use, which is why both are prized for fencing, decking, and siding.

The practical differences come down to availability, cost, and local supply chain. Western Red Cedar is harvested throughout British Columbia — it's the provincial tree of BC and one of the most abundant commercial softwood species in the coastal forests. Every lumber yard in the Lower Mainland stocks Western Red Cedar in multiple grades and dimensions specifically cut for fencing. You can get rough-cut or surfaced, STK or Clear, 1x4 through 1x8, in any length you need, often from the same mill that cut it. Prices run $2 to $7 per linear foot for 1x6 fence boards depending on grade.

Redwood, by contrast, is a specialty import in Metro Vancouver. It has to be shipped from California or Oregon, and very few Lower Mainland lumber yards carry it in fence-ready dimensions. When available, redwood fence boards run $5 to $12 per linear foot — roughly double the cost of equivalent cedar. For a 100-linear-foot privacy fence, that price difference adds up to $2,000 to $4,000 in extra material cost with no improvement in fence performance or longevity.

In terms of physical properties for fencing, cedar actually has some advantages over redwood in Metro Vancouver's specific conditions. Cedar is lighter weight (approximately 23 pounds per cubic foot vs. redwood's 28 pounds per cubic foot), which makes it easier to handle during installation and puts less stress on posts and rails. Cedar is also more dimensionally stable than redwood — it shrinks and swells less with moisture changes, which is a significant advantage in a climate that alternates between months of heavy rain and relatively dry summers. Less movement means fewer gaps opening between boards, less cupping, and less checking over time.

Redwood does have a slight edge in hardness and density, which makes it more resistant to denting and surface wear. If your fence is in a location where physical contact is common — along a busy walkway, next to a play area, or bordering a lane where things bump against it — redwood's extra hardness could be beneficial. Redwood also has a naturally richer, deeper reddish-brown colour that many people find more attractive than cedar's lighter reddish tone. However, both woods will weather to the same silver-grey if left untreated, and both accept stain equally well.

From an environmental and sustainability perspective, BC cedar is the more responsible choice for Lower Mainland homeowners. Western Red Cedar harvested in BC is subject to provincial forestry regulations, and many BC mills carry FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) sustainable forestry certification. California redwood comes from a more limited and ecologically sensitive forest range, and while sustainable redwood is available, the supply chain is less transparent for products shipped to Canada. Using locally sourced BC cedar also reduces transportation emissions — the wood travels hundreds of kilometres rather than thousands.

The bottom line for Metro Vancouver homeowners is straightforward. Unless you have a strong aesthetic preference for redwood's colour and are willing to pay the significant premium, Western Red Cedar is the practical choice for fencing in Vancouver's marine climate. It performs equally well against rot and decay, costs substantially less, is available in every grade and dimension at local suppliers, and supports BC's forestry economy. Invest the money you save on materials into better grade cedar (STK or Select), quality stainless steel fasteners, and professional staining — these factors affect fence longevity far more than the species of wood.

Need help finding a fence contractor who works with quality Western Red Cedar? Vancouver Fence Builders can match you with experienced local professionals for free through the Vancouver Construction Network.

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