Wood looks great no matter what species is used. The difference, from a bottom line perspective, is money. Cedar may cost more than pine or spruce initially, but it will also last three to four times longer than the latter two.
Expect a life of 5 years or less from untreated wood (other than cedar).
A note on our choice to use cedar lumber over treated lumber. West Coast Foodscapes does not utilize treated lumber in our wooden raised garden beds. The chemicals used in the treatment of this wood are known to leach into the surrounding soil. Some people advise using plastic or other barriers on the inside of the garden box to prevent this. We say, why risk it! Treated lumber can last twenty years, whereas western red cedar can last around fifteen years and quite possibly more. Both cedar and treated lumber are more expensive than untreated wood, which will last five years or less, but to us cedar wins out because it’s a local product, it looks great, it lasts for years, and there’s no fussing with internal barriers to keep the soil from contamination and in turn making you sick! Yay cedar!
West Coast Foodscapes 