Pergola Wood Types

Pergola Wood Comparison

Our pergola wood comparison provides descriptions of two of the top wood choices for pergolas. We’ve been building quality wood pergola kits since 2008, and have created this simple pergola wood comparison to help customers decide which wood to choose. What features are important for your wood pergola kit? Quality? Durability? Price? For our pergola kits we always use either western red rough sawn tight knot cedar or pressure treated #1 southern yellow pine lumber. Either choice ensures you will have a quality wood pergola. All of our pergola kits and cedar planter box kits are built using quality, durable wood that is able to withstand severe weather. Shipping is free of charge within the contiguous United States.

In addition to this wood type comparison, other helpful information for your backyard wood pergola include our guide to choosing a wood pergola and a comparison of pergola styles. The wood comparison below describes the two types of wood we offer. Pressure treated pine, the most affordable pergola wood option, is rot and insect resistant. Much like pine pergola kits, western red cedar is also naturally insect and rot resistant, and can withstand severe elements. Start here with determining the best wood type for your backyard space.

Pergola Wood Comparison: What’s the difference between a Pressure Treated Pine and Rough Sawn Cedar Pergola?

Western Red Cedar Pergola Kit

Western red cedar is a beautiful light amber color with a wonderfully appealing fragrance that adds another dimension to its qualities. Two of the top reasons for choosing western red cedar for pergola wood are: 1) that it’s highly resistant to decay, and 2) that it withstands severe elements. These reasons make this wood type ideal for outdoor use, and it is used in situations where exposure to the elements is continually severe. It is lightweight with close, even grain, and is easily worked and can be finished smooth with little effort. This type of cedar takes paints and stains very well. Paint or stain can be applied to western red cedar as soon as you receive the pergola kit. Western red cedar is sustainably harvested in North America.

Pressure Treated Pine Pergola Kit

Pressure treated pine, the most affordable pergola wood option, is also very rot and insect resistant and able to withstand severe elements. Pressure treated pine has chemicals added to give it those properties. This wood type comes with a green appearance. As it dries it will turn to a golden brown, then gray if it is not water sealed or stained. You will need to wait a few months before staining or painting the pine lumber since it will be saturated with the pressure treatment when you get it. Southern Yellow Pine is sustainably harvested in the southeastern United States.