Cedar or pressure treated is the first real choice on a wood fence, and both can work here. They just fail and look different. Here is the honest trade-off so you can pick the one you will still be happy with in five years.
Cedar vs pressure treated for a PNW fence
For a fence in the Pacific Northwest, cedar and pressure treated are the two common choices, and neither is wrong. Cedar is a nicer looking wood that resists rot on its own. Pressure treated is fir or pine soaked with chemicals to fight rot, and it usually costs less. Both stand up to our damp if the posts are set right. The choice is really about looks, budget, and how much upkeep you want.
How each handles constant damp
Our fences live wet from October to May, so rot resistance matters. Cedar has natural oils that slow rot and it does not mind the damp. Pressure treated is built to resist rot by force, and it holds up well in wet ground, which is why it is a smart pick for posts. Neither is bulletproof. Set either one in dirt instead of concrete and the wet soil will still get it at the base.
Looks and how they age
This is where cedar wins. Cedar has a warm color and a clean grain, and it takes stain nicely, so you can keep the warm look or let it fade to a silver-gray. Pressure treated often starts with a green tint and a rougher, wetter face, and it can twist or check as it dries. If you stare at your fence every day from the kitchen window, cedar usually makes people happier.
Cost and upkeep
Pressure treated costs less up front, which is why it wins a lot of bids. Cedar costs more but ages better and pairs well with stain. Upkeep is similar for both. A coat of stain or sealer every few years slows moss and keeps the wood from drying out, and north-facing sides need it most in our climate. Neither wood is truly no-maintenance, no matter what a bright brochure tells you.
What to pick and why
A common, honest setup is pressure treated posts for rot resistance in wet ground, with cedar rails and pickets for the look. You get the strong buried part and the nice visible part. If budget is tight, all pressure treated is fine and lasts. If looks matter most, go cedar and plan to stain it. A good crew walks you through this instead of just naming a wood and handing you a price.
Common questions
Bring us the yard and the budget and we'll price it both ways, cedar and pressure treated side by side in one written quote. Most folks know their answer as soon as they see the two numbers together.
