Pine vs Cedar

Pine and cedar each cover many species, so this page uses eastern white pine for pine and western red cedar for cedar, with eastern red cedar noted where it differs. Eastern red cedar is much harder and denser than western red, and it is the wood sold for closet linings and fence posts.

Both woods are soft, light and easy to cut. The practical split is durability. Cedar heartwood is rated resistant to decay, while eastern white pine heartwood is rated moderate to low, so untreated pine outdoors needs paint, sealant or treatment. Cedar needs less protection outdoors.

Pine vs Cedar side by side

Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.

Which one fits you

Pine

• You are building interior shelves, trim or furniture that will be painted or sealed.
• You need widely available lumber for framing or general carpentry.
• You want an easy wood for carving and craft projects.
• The piece will stay dry indoors, so rot resistance is not a concern.

Cedar

• You need siding, shingles, fence boards or planters that will sit outdoors untreated.
• You want a natural aroma, such as a cedar closet or storage chest.
• You prefer a reddish tone that weathers well without a heavy finish.
• You want rot resistance without pressure-treated chemicals.

How this works

Each question describes where and how you will use the wood. Your answers point to pine or cedar based on published properties, mainly decay resistance, scent and typical uses, and the cue line under each question explains the trade-off behind it.

Property figures are for eastern white pine and western red cedar unless stated. Eastern red cedar differs, and wood varies by tree and by board, so confirm the species and grade before you buy for any structural or outdoor project.

Where these numbers come from

The figures and defaults on this page are based on:

• The Wood Database: Eastern White Pine, Hardness, density, decay resistance and uses of eastern white pine. (checked October 2026)
• The Wood Database: Western Red Cedar, Hardness, density, durability, aroma and plicatic acid note for western red cedar. (checked October 2026)
• The Wood Database: Eastern Red Cedar, Hardness, density, durability and closet-lining use of eastern red cedar. (checked October 2026)
• USDA Forest Products Laboratory: Wood Handbook, Biodeterioration of Wood, Federal decay-resistance classes for cedars and pines. (checked October 2026)

Material guide. Properties are typical values for the named species and vary by board.