Douglas Fir Vs Cedar: Which Wood Is Best For Your Project?

When selecting materials for your next cladding or fencing project, two popular choices often come up: Douglas fir and Western red cedar. Both kinds of wood offer distinctive qualities that can make them ideal for various applications. Understanding their differences can help you make an informed decision that suits your project's needs and budget.

Overview of the Woods

Both Douglas fir and Western red cedar are native to the northwest coastal areas of North America. These softwoods are known for their durability and are often used in cladding and fencing applications. Despite similarities, each type of wood has unique properties that may influence your selection for specific projects.

Durability

Both wood species are naturally resistant to outdoor elements, such as insects and fungal attacks, making them suitable for exterior applications. They are also dimensionally stable, reducing the likelihood of issues like warping and cracking. While treatments can enhance their durability by mitigating moisture-related damage, both woods perform exceptionally well in untreated forms, especially in moderate climates.

If you are considering treating your wood to prolong its lifespan, you might find our article on Teak Oil On Cedar very helpful.

Appearance

• Western Red Cedar: This wood boasts a warm, reddish-brown color with shades that range from salmon pink to dark chocolate hues. It is prized for its rich, natural beauty and distinctive look.
• Douglas Fir: Characterized by its light brown to soft yellow shades, Douglas fir tends to have a mixed grain pattern. It is usually knot-free, offering a clean, uniform appearance. Over time, both types of wood develop a silvery-grey patina when exposed to UV light, which can be managed with appropriate finishes.

Properties

For a more detailed comparison with another wood type, you might want to read our guide on Douglas Fir vs Pine.

Cost Comparison

Price is often a significant factor in material selection:

• Western Red Cedar: Cladding typically costs around £1,512 (£63/m²), while fencing is approximately £2.75 + VAT per m².
• Douglas Fir: Generally more economical with cladding costs at about £1,272 (£53/m²) and fencing at around £1.75 + VAT per m², making it roughly a third cheaper than cedar.

Sustainability

Both Douglas fir and Western red cedar are renewable resources and are classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List. They also have relatively quick growth rates, which makes them sustainable options when sourced responsibly. Utilizing wood in construction projects not only meets aesthetic and structural needs but also contributes to carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. You can learn about more wood options and how they stack up in our article on Pressure Treated vs Cedar.

Douglas Fir vs Cedar Planters - Choose the Best Options For You!

Recommendations

Determining the best wood for your project ultimately depends on various factors, including budget, desired appearance, and specific application:

• For projects where cost is a primary concern, Douglas fir offers a more economical choice while still providing excellent durability and visual appeal.
• If budget allows and a warmer, richer color is desired, Western red cedar may be the preferred option.
• Regardless of the choice, ensure that the timber is sourced from merchants committed to sustainable practices to help maintain ecological balance.

By weighing the pros and cons of Douglas fir and Western red cedar, you can select the best material that meets your project's specifications, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits while staying within budget. For further technical details on the resilience of these woods, you can refer to a comparative drought resistance study.