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Picnic Tables - Cedar or Pressure Treated?

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bczoom

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My existing cedar picnic table has seen better days. Can't complain at all as it's been in use for about 20 years.

So, when I replace it, what are your thoughts on cedar vs. pressure treated lumber? I do like the cedar but they're nearly twice the price. How long do the pressure treated ones last?
 
Most of mine have been Pressure Treated. Right now we have a metal/glass one on our deck.

Question I have though isn't the cedar ones pretty fuzzy about being stained/sealed every year where the pressure treated is a bit more forgiving?
 
thcri said:
Question I have though isn't the cedar ones pretty fuzzy about being stained/sealed every year where the pressure treated is a bit more forgiving?
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Ummm, I hope not. I've never stained or sealed the cedar.
 
The only ones I ever built were cedar and as long as I recoated them every year they seemed to last forever , but sometimes I dont so some boards seem to rot faster . I replace them with treated lumber and find that the treated lumber will warp fairlly quick ( within the first 2 years).

I dont know if its because its not cured enough or what. :unsure: So I guess I'm not very much help, but I will be curious to see others input cuz I am getting ready to build a few new ones . I think Loboloco builds his out of treated though so he might know more how they should last.
 
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bczoom said:
Cedar
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All I know is my dad allways built his out of redwood and they always seemed to last forever if they were painted or stained every few years . My problem is finding any that comes in 2 inch thickness around here , plus it is really pricy . :smile:
 
bczoom said:
Ummm, I hope not. I've never stained or sealed the cedar.
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My last house had a cedar deck on it. It looked like shit and I had to tear it out. The previous owner told me it was only 5 years old but he never did any sealing or staining on it like your supposed to?? So that is why I questioned it. Other than that deck I have never have had anything cedar.



Edit: Now reading the posts maybe my old deck was Red Wood????
 
On the pressure treated, in order for it to last more than about 15 years, you need to retreat about every three years, or paint it about one in five. Sometimes the pressure treated warps, but then again, so does any wood sometimes. I have a white oak board I cut for slats and one of the slats took on a nearly 90 degree curve. select the lumber, and if you have time, let it air dry a bit. After building from pressure treat, wait about six months to apply paint or a treated tint. If you're willing to come pick it up, I can build one out of white oak for about 200.00.
 
Out of curiosity, BC, what are the pressure treated 6' tables running in your area? I know they are pretty cheap around here.
 
loboloco said:
Out of curiosity, BC, what are the pressure treated 6' tables running in your area? I know they are pretty cheap around here.
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Looking around our Craigslist, they appear to be about $150-200 for pressure treated.
 
bczoom said:
Looking around our Craigslist, they appear to be about $150-200 for pressure treated.
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A little high, IMO. I sell a pressure treat here for 110, with a 10.00 local delivery fee. The 10.00 lets me buy a 12 pack to bribe my help.
 
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