Cedar vs. Pressure-Treated Wood for Mailbox Posts in Minnesota
If you’re replacing your mailbox, one of the most important decisions is the material used for the post.
At Father and Son Building LLC, we’ve made a clear shift: We now build primarily with cedar, and for most homeowners, it’s the best choice.
Best Wood for Mailbox Posts? Cedar, and Here’s Why...
#1: Cedar Is Innately Resistant to Rot, Bugs, etc.
Cedar is widely known as one of the best wood for outdoor mailboxes, especially in climates like Minnesota. It naturally contains oils that make it:
- Resistant to rot and decay
- Resistant to insects
- Better suited for moisture-heavy environments
Unlike pressure-treated wood, cedar doesn’t rely on chemicals for protection; it’s built that way by nature itself.
#2: Cedar Holds Its Shape Better Over Time
One of the biggest issues with outdoor wood structures is movement. As wood absorbs and releases moisture, it expands, contracts, and eventually cracks. Cedar performs better in this area because it is:
- More dimensionally stable
- Less likely to warp or twist
- Less prone to deep cracking (“checking”)
For mailbox posts, this means a cleaner, straighter structure in the long term.
#3: Appearance Matters & Cedar Looks GOOD
Your mailbox is one of the first things people see when they come to your home. Cedar provides:
- A natural, high-end look
- A material that ages evenly over time
- A finished product that still looks intentional years later
Pressure-treated wood, while durable, often develops visible cracks and a more weathered, utilitarian look as it ages. This is why we prefer cedar to pressure-treated as the best wood for mailbox posts.
When to Choose Pressure-Treated Wood Over Cedar
Pressure-treated (cedar-tone) wood is still a reliable and widely used material. It is chemically treated for rot resistance, strong/structurally sound, and more affordable upfront (for customers prioritizing budget, it remains a solid option). However, pressure-treated wood typically:
- Develops more visible cracking over time
- Has more movement as it dries
- Doesn’t maintain the same visual quality as cedar
Why Our Estimates Include Cedar First
We’ve designed our quoting process around what most homeowners actually want: a mailbox that lasts and looks good over time. That’s why:
- Cedar is included as the standard material in every estimate
- Pressure-treated wood is available as a lower-cost alternative
- Customers can easily choose based on their priorities
We’re not removing options, we’re just making sure the best long-term option is the default.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
Choose cedar if you want the best combination of durability, appearance, and long-term performance. Choose pressure-treated if your main goal is to reduce upfront costs.
Most homeowners choose cedar once they understand the difference - and that’s why we’ve made it our standard! Contact us if you have any questions about the best wood for mailbox posts or need assistance installing a new mailbox.