What type of wood is best for outdoor projects?

For Ottawa's harsh climate, pressure-treated lumber and naturally rot-resistant species like cedar are your best choices for outdoor projects. Cedar offers natural beauty and weather resistance, while pressure-treated pine provides maximum durability at a lower cost.

Cedar is the premium choice for Ottawa outdoor projects. Western Red Cedar and Eastern White Cedar both offer natural oils that resist rot, insects, and moisture. Cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left untreated, or can be stained to maintain its original color. It's ideal for decks, fences, pergolas, and outdoor furniture. Expect to pay $3-6 per linear foot for quality cedar boards, with premium grades reaching $8-10 per linear foot.

Pressure-treated lumber uses chemical preservatives to protect against rot and insects, making it extremely durable in Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles. Modern pressure-treated wood uses safer ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) or CA (Copper Azole) treatments. It's perfect for structural elements like deck joists, fence posts, and any ground-contact applications. Costs range from $2-4 per linear foot depending on dimensions and grade.

Ottawa's Climate Considerations make wood selection critical. Our winters see temperatures dropping to -30°C, while summers can reach 35°C with high humidity. The freeze-thaw cycle is particularly brutal on outdoor wood, causing expansion and contraction that can lead to splitting and warping. Snow load is another factor - ensure your lumber can handle Ottawa's average 235cm of annual snowfall for overhead structures.

For ground contact applications like fence posts or deck footings, use only pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact (marked with a ground contact stamp). Regular pressure-treated lumber will fail quickly when buried. In Ottawa's clay soil, which retains moisture, this is especially important.

Professional Installation Tips: Always pre-drill pressure-treated lumber to prevent splitting, and use galvanized or stainless steel fasteners to prevent corrosion. Cedar can be fastened with regular screws but benefits from stainless steel in high-moisture areas. Apply a quality wood preservative or stain every 2-3 years in Ottawa's climate.

Next Steps: Visit local suppliers like Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ottawa-area lumber yards to compare grades and pricing. For large projects like decks, consider having a contractor assess your specific needs - structural requirements vary based on snow loads and span requirements under the Ontario Building Code.