All three woods make attractive, affordable outdoor furniture — the right choice depends on budget and how much upkeep you want.
Which Wood Is Best for Outdoor Furniture: Red Cedar, White Cedar, or Pine?
Quick answer: Red and white cedar both resist rot, mildew, and insects naturally and can last 20+ years. Pine is more affordable but needs pressure-treating (or indoor storage in harsh seasons) to come close to cedar's durability.
Whether you're looking for a dining set, chaise lounges for the pool, a garden bench, or anything else, the natural good looks of wood make it a favorite among homeowners. Three options stand out for attractive, affordable wooden outdoor furniture: red cedar, white cedar, and pine.
At a Glance
| Red Cedar | White Cedar | Pine (untreated) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Affordable | Affordable | Most affordable |
| Natural Durability | Slightly more durable untreated | Very durable, slightly less than red cedar untreated | Lower — best pressure-treated |
| Color (new) | Faint reddish tinge | Creamier look | Creamy to yellowish-brown |
| Lifespan | 20+ years | 20+ years | 20+ years if pressure-treated |
| Insect/Rot Resistance | Natural oils repel both | Natural oils repel both | Low unless treated |
Why Cedar Is a Smart Choice
Cedar's natural oils repel insects and stand up to just about anything the weather can bring. Cedar wood furniture can last 20+ years without warping, splitting, or rotting, resisting mold, mildew, and decay along the way. As it ages, its color naturally shifts from a light yellowish brown to a mature silver-grey.
The two most common species used for outdoor furniture in the U.S. are Western red cedar and Eastern white cedar. Both are beautiful, strong, and durable. Left untreated, Western red cedar tends to be a little more durable than white cedar, though paint or stain can equalize their lifespan — see our guides on choosing a stain or sealer and why polyurethane isn't the right choice for either wood.
Where Pine Fits In
Often even more affordable than cedar, pine grows in huge quantities across North America and beyond, keeping supply high and prices low. It has a creamy to yellowish-brown color with a uniform texture and straight grain.
Untreated pine lacks cedar's natural rot resistance and is less durable — it's best stored indoors during winter (or summer, in hot, humid climates). Pressure-treated pine furniture, though, can rival cedar's durability and last 20+ years. Whichever wood you choose, water-based stains generally suit softwoods like cedar and pine, and a finished picnic table lasts longer — here's how to paint or stain a picnic table.
Ready to shop? Browse Red Cedar, White Cedar, and Pine furniture collections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is red cedar or white cedar more durable for outdoor furniture?
Left untreated, Western red cedar tends to be a bit more durable than Eastern white cedar. Paint or stain largely equalizes their lifespan.
Does pine outdoor furniture need to be treated?
Untreated pine is less durable and best stored inside during harsh seasons. Pressure-treated pine can rival cedar's durability, lasting 20+ years.
What's the difference in color between red cedar, white cedar, and pine?
Red cedar has a faint reddish tinge when new; white cedar looks creamier; pine is typically creamy to yellowish-brown.
