Pergola Wood Types

Western Red Cedar is a beautiful light amber color. It has a wonderfully appealing fragrance that adds another dimension to its qualities. Western red cedar is also highly resistant to decay, which makes it great for outdoor use. It is lightweight with close, even grain. It is easily worked and can be finished smooth with little effort. Western red cedar takes paints and stains very well. With western red cedar, paint or stain can be applied as soon as you receive the pergola kit. Western red cedar is used in situations where exposure to the elements is continually severe.

Pressure Treated Pine is also very insect and rot repellant, and able to withstand severe elements, but has chemicals added to give it those properties. Pressure treated pine 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.

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. Every kit comes complete with all pre-cut, pre-drilled lumber that is pre-marked for easy assembly. Here’s a comparison of the two types of wood we offer. If you’d like to see more pergola photos, visit our Instagram feed or Facebook page.