Pine vs Cedar Lumber: Which Is Right for Your Project?

A practical guide for Ottawa Valley homeowners and builders.

Choosing between pine and cedar is one of the first decisions you'll make for any wood project in the Ottawa Valley. Both are excellent local species — but they serve different purposes. Here's how to decide.

Pine: Affordable and Versatile

Pine is the workhorse of construction lumber. It's affordable, easy to work with, and ideal for framing, sheds, barns, interior projects, and fencing where cost matters. At Andrews, we mill dimensional pine in custom lengths right here in Douglas.

Cedar: Built for the Outdoors

Cedar costs more upfront but pays off in outdoor applications. Its natural oils resist rot, insects, and moisture — critical in our freeze-thaw climate. Use cedar for decks, fences, pergolas, and any structure exposed to weather year-round.

Quick Decision Guide

• Framing & sheds: Pine
• Decks & fences: Cedar
• Interior trim: Either — pine for budget, cedar for character
• Outdoor structures: Cedar

Not sure which to choose? Call Andrews at 613-433-6644. We'll help you pick the right lumber for your project and budget.