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are there different grades of cedar fencing

by Rosina Bednar Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Clear cedar is further graded as follows:

  • Clear vertical grain, or cv, cedar boards may have very slight warping or tears on the surface.
  • A & better clear boards can have up to two tight and small knots and may have minor imperfections due to saw inconsistency.
  • C & better clear cedar may have sap stains or pitch streaks and can have more than two small knots.

First, there are two different grading systems for Cedar: Structural Grade and Appearance Grade.

Full Answer

What is the difference between 1 and 2 grade cedar fence?

The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes.

What kind of cedar is used for fences?

Chinese Cedar- Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures.

What is the best wood for fences?

Since cedar is a soft wood derived from coniferous trees, it might not appear to be the best wood for fences at first. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons, western red cedar makes an excellent fencing material. Even so, red cedar is significantly less enticing to termites than other timbers.

What is the grade of cedar wood?

First, there are two different grading systems for Cedar: Structural Grade and Appearance Grade. Structural Grade is typically used for Cedar 2 inches thick or more because these are dimensions used in a structural capacity first and foremost. Structural Grade is also referred to as Common Lumber.

What grade of wood is used for a fence?

What type of cedar is used for cedar fences?

How Can You Tell the Difference Between #1 Grade and #2 Grade Western Red Cedar?

What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Western red cedar?

How to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar?

Why is cedar not used for fences?

What is cedar used for?

See 2 more

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What type of cedar is best for fencing?

Western Red CedarWestern Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage.

What is #2 grade cedar?

#2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. No matter what type of fence you have installed, you should expect to see minor imperfections and blemishes which will not affect the quality of the fence.

What is fence grade cedar?

It is important to note that “fence grade” is below knotty or clear grades of Western Red Cedar and should not be compared to the quality or held at the same standard as lumber in those grades.

How would you differentiate higher grade wood fences from lower grade?

Wood is graded based on how it will be used. The fewer knots and defects, the higher the grade and the more expensive it will be. The appearance quality of the boards you choose will make all the difference in the way your finished fence looks.

What is the highest grade of cedar?

0:362:05Cedar Grades: How Do I Know The Difference? - TimberTips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause these are dimensions that are usually used in structural capacities structural grade is alsoMoreBecause these are dimensions that are usually used in structural capacities structural grade is also referred to as common hungar. This grade is measured in numbers one through five with number one

What is the most expensive cedar?

Alaska Yellow CedarCustom Milled Clear, Vertical Grain Alaska Yellow Cedar Clear, vertical grain is the highest grade of Cedar, and as you might guess, the most expensive.

How long does a cedar fence last?

How long will a cedar fence last? If left to weather, it will last approximately 12 years in the ground and 15-20 years above ground.

What does cedar D4S mean?

Dressed Four Sides: D4S D4S indicates that the materials have been surfaced on all four sides.

Are there different types of cedar wood?

Different types of cedar trees grow all over the world. Red cedar, the wood most commonly found in woodworking, grows on both the East and West coast of the United States. Eastern red cedar is a significantly harder and stronger wood than the red cedar that grows on the West coast.

Which lasts longer cedar or pressure treated?

When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.

Does cedar fence last longer than pressure treated wood?

Durability/Strength Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape.

Does cedar fencing need to be treated?

Cleaning and general maintenance is necessary to preserve cedar wood fences. If cared for properly, a cedar fence will remain attractive and structurally sound for many years to come. Apply a waterproofing sealer to the cedar fence to protect the wood from splintering, cracking and warping due to the weather elements.

What are the grades of cedar?

Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade. There are also two other terms under appearance grade Cedar: Clear and Knotty or STK. Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots.

Are there different types of cedar wood?

Different types of cedar trees grow all over the world. Red cedar, the wood most commonly found in woodworking, grows on both the East and West coast of the United States. Eastern red cedar is a significantly harder and stronger wood than the red cedar that grows on the West coast.

What grade is select tight knot cedar?

Western Red Cedar (WRC) Select Tight Knot Grade (STK) Tongue and Groove (T&G) Surfaced One Side (S1S)...Items are sold in Gross and Pieces.Pack QuantityPieces0.75001081.33331921.50002161.666724019 more rows

Is there a difference between cedar and red cedar?

White Cedar vs Red Cedar: It's What's Inside That Counts Cut into these two trees, and the color of the wood differs greatly. Western Red Cedar gets its name from its red color, while Northern White Cedar is lighter and has a yellow hue. Make a crosscut into the trunk, and you'll see that both trees have two rings.

What type of cedar is used for cedar fences?

At All-State Fence & Supply, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource.

What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Japanese cedar?

Chinese Cedar- Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being ...

What is cedar wood used for?

Know How to Spot the Difference! Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar ...

How many trees are planted for every red cedar tree?

The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource.

Is cedar good for outdoor use?

What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use.

Is Western Red Cedar good for a fence?

Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence ...

Does No. 3 fencing have holes?

We do not generally carry any No. 3 fencing or any fencing that allows for holes. On the off chance we have some, or order this product in for a particular order, we do not allow returns or exchanges on ANY No. 3 fencing, as the pricing reflects the quality of the material of the whole order.

Is there a fence grade for cheeseburgers?

While there is no regulation or standards for “cheeseburgers”, there are established standards for fence boards that have been developed by the National Lumber Grades Authority , as well as the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau. It is important to note that “fence grade” is below knotty or clear grades of Western Red Cedar and should not be compared to the quality or held at the same standard as lumber in those grades.

What are the different grades of cedar?

First, there are two different grading systems for Cedar: Structural Grade and Appearance Grade.

What is clear cedar?

Clear Cedar refers to A & Better Cedar and is free of almost all knots, but it isn't 100% free of knots. If you want Cedar that's 100% free of knots, which is difficult to find and costly, then you would need Clear Vertical Grain Cedar. Knotty or STK stands for Select Tight Knots.

What is appearance grade?

Appearance Grade: Cedar is also graded based on Appearance, which is called appearance grade or Select Lumber. Appearance grade is primarily for non-structural lumber under 2" thick. Appearance grades use letters A through D, with A being the highest grade.

Can structural and appearance grades be combined?

Structural and Appearance grades can sometimes be combined as well. For example, you could have a Number 2 structural grade that also has an A & Better appearance grade.

What is clear cedar?

Clear grades of cedar are free of any rings, knots or other imperfections and present a uniform appearance for your fence. Depending on the source of clear-graded cedar, some very small pin knots may be allowed; otherwise, however, the cedar should be finely grained and without any significant variations from the norm. Clear cedar is further graded as follows: 1 Clear vertical grain, or cv, cedar boards may have very slight warping or tears on the surface. 2 A & better clear boards can have up to two tight and small knots and may have minor imperfections due to saw inconsistency. 3 C & better clear cedar may have sap stains or pitch streaks and can have more than two small knots. 4 D & better clear boards can have up to two larger knots as well as pin holes, skips and streaks due to sap or pitch. 5 Select tight knot clear boards are free of any imperfections other than knots and burls.

Is cedar a clear grade?

Clear grades of cedar are free of any rings, knots or other imperfections and present a uniform appearance for your fence. Depending on the source of clear-graded cedar, some very small pin knots may be allowed; otherwise, however, the cedar should be finely grained and without any significant variations from the norm. Clear cedar is further graded as follows:

What grade of wood is used for a fence?

Some fence companies will charge you a higher price for #1 Grade Western Red Cedar, but will install #2 Grade Western Red Cedar instead, or worse, a type of wood that is not Western Red Cedar, in order to make a higher profit while hoping that you won’t be able to tell the difference.

What type of cedar is used for cedar fences?

At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between #1 Grade and #2 Grade Western Red Cedar?

Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence. There will be fewer blemishes and fewer variations in color with #1 grade cedar. #2 grade cedar will have many small knots and also large knots and blemishes. No matter what type of fence you have installed, you should expect to see minor imperfections and blemishes which will not affect the quality of the fence. However, if you pay for a #1 grade cedar fence, it should NOT look like it has a bad case of chicken pox!

What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Western red cedar?

You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Ce dar board is typically closer to a true 1″ thi ckness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4″ thick.

How to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar?

Another way to tell the difference between #1 and #2 cedar is by the staining options available. Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. If you choose the Pre-Stained option, you are more than likely going to get a #2 grade cedar, unless that fence company has a staining facility where they stain the pickets themselves. If you are told that you are getting #1 grade Western Red Cedar Pre-Stained, make sure you inspect the pickets closely when they arrive.

Why is cedar not used for fences?

Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence.

What is cedar used for?

Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Making sure that the right type of cedar is being installed will make a huge difference in the quality, look, and overall longevity of your fence.

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