Building a new fence is one of the best ways to enhance your home’s privacy, security, and curb appeal. But before you choose a fence company or get caught up in design choices, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the type of wood.
At Raptor Services, we don’t just stain and restore fences—we build them too. From custom fence construction to full replacements, we help homeowners throughout Stone Oak, Hollywood Park, Bulverde, and Spring Branch design fences that are built to last. And part of that process involves helping you choose the best materials to match your goals, your budget, and your home’s style.
Two of the most popular options we recommend are Western Red Cedar and Pressure-Treated Pine. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences in cost, longevity, appearance, and maintenance—so you can protect your investment and make a confident choice.
Understanding the Cost: Cedar vs. Pine
Let’s talk dollars first—because your budget matters. Right now, pressure-treated pine averages about $1.78 per 6-foot picket, while western red cedar comes in higher at around $3.98 per picket. That’s more than double the cost, and understandably, it catches the attention of many homeowners.
Now, when we break it down into square footage (since each picket is around 5.5 inches wide, which equals about 0.458 sq. ft.), that puts pine at roughly $3.89 per square foot, while cedar sits closer to $8.69 per square foot. So yes—cedar is definitely more expensive upfront.
Durability and Longevity
If you’re looking for a fence that will stand strong over time, it’s important to think beyond just the cost. Pressure-treated pine is popular because it’s treated with chemicals that help resist rot and insects. On average, you can expect it to last around 10 to 15 years if you stay on top of maintenance. However, pine is more prone to warping and splitting, especially in humid climates like ours here in the San Antonio area.
Cedar, on the other hand, is naturally resistant to rot and bugs—without the need for chemicals. It can last between 20 and 25 years, making it a longer-term investment. One of the biggest advantages of cedar is how stable it is. It doesn’t shrink or warp nearly as much as pine, which means you won’t be dealing with as many picket replacements or repairs over the years.
Staining and Aesthetic Appeal
Here’s where personal preference starts to come into play. If you love the natural look of wood, western red cedar has a beautiful, reddish hue and a tight grain that stains evenly and beautifully. It’s especially striking with transparent or semi-transparent stains.
Pressure-treated pine, by contrast, has a more rustic appearance. Because of the chemicals used in the treatment process, pine can sometimes absorb stain unevenly, resulting in a blotchy finish. That’s why pine is often better suited to solid color stains or darker tones that help hide imperfections.
What Raptor Services Recommends
At Raptor Services, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to fencing. That’s why when we’re preparing a quote for a new fence construction project, we take everything into consideration—from your budget and how long you plan to stay in your home, to your style preferences and your willingness to do ongoing maintenance.
If you’re leaning toward affordability and still want a durable, attractive fence, pressure-treated pine can be a solid option. It gets the job done, and with our expert staining and maintenance services, it can look great for years to come.
But if you’re the type of homeowner who values longevity, less upkeep, and that rich natural look, western red cedar is absolutely worth the investment. It’s the kind of fence you install and enjoy for decades.
Whichever route you choose, our team offers professional fence building and staining services to protect your investment from day one. We also tailor our recommendations to suit the local climate and conditions here in Stone Oak, Bulverde, Hollywood Park, Spring Branch, and the greater San Antonio area.
Final Thoughts
A new fence is more than just a line around your property—it’s a long-term investment in your home’s value, style, and protection. Whether you choose the cost-effective reliability of pressure-treated pine or the natural beauty and durability of western red cedar, Raptor Services is here to help you every step of the way.
Let’s build something beautiful that lasts, schedule your free fence consultation today!
