Douglas fir and cedar are both softwoods that are easy to work with, but they have different strengths and are used for different purposes:

  1. Appearance: Douglas fir has a clean, consistent look with a reddish brown tone that darkens over time. Cedar has a richer color palette and more distinctive grain, ranging from pale reddish brown to golden hues.
  2. Durability: Cedar is more resistant to weather and insects than Douglas fir, but treated Douglas fir can be just as long-lasting in many applications.
  3. Strength: Douglas fir is stronger than cedar and is better for structural uses.
  4. Cost: Douglas fir is priced to match Cedar.
  5. Ease of use: Both species are easy to fix, glue, and finish.
  6. Maintenance: Cedar requires low maintenance.
  7. Installation: Cedar is easy to install.

Here are some other things to consider when choosing between Douglas fir and cedar:

  1. Density: Cedar is slightly denser than Douglas fir, which can make it slightly more durable.
  2. Scratch resistance: Both species are prone to damage from bumps and abrasion.
  3. Decking: Cedar is a good choice for a deck because of its natural durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
  4. Pavilions: Douglas fir can be used to build pavilions that last for decades with proper maintenance.

More questions about wood? Call us at (613) 736-1122. We’d love to hear from you!


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