Is cedar wood better than pine for fences?
The only drawback to cedar fencing is the upfront cost. However, over the long run, the investment in cedar wood fencing is worth it. Cedar wood fencing can last twice as long as pine fencing while maintaining a better overall appearance. It also doesn’t warp or buckle as easily and requires less maintenance.
Does Cedar make a good fence post?
What trees make the best fence post?
- Cedar. Cedar is one of the most ascetically pleasing materials for fence posts.
- Locust. Depending on price and availability, locust may be your best choice when selecting wood to build a farm or ranch fence.
- White Oak.
- Whitewoods.
What are the advantages of a cedar fence?
Unexpected Benefits of Cedar Fencing
- Natural Insect Repellent. Cedar is more resistant to insects than any other type of wood. ...
- No Pressure Treating Necessary. Because of the natural oils in cedar, the fencing does not have to be treated. ...
- Long-Lasting Beauty and Durability. ...
- Increased Property Value. ...
- Low-Maintenance. ...
- Find out If Cedar Fencing Is Right for You. ...
Is cedar wood good for fence?
Pros and Cons of a Cedar Fence
- AESTHETICS. Cedar is considered a very beautiful wood choice for fencing. ...
- DURABILITY. Cedar is among the two types of wood (redwood being the other) that are highly durable. ...
- MAINTENANCE. Cedar does not need to be pressure-treated to withstand the elements. ...
- COST. ...
- ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS. ...
- BOTTOM LINE. ...
Are cedar fences worth it?
Cedar Wood Fences It's non-toxic and insect resistance. It's stable, and it doesn't shrink, splinter, or warp, which makes it the perfect wood for building fences. Cedar truly stands the test of time, and maintains its look for decades.
Is a cedar fence better than pine?
Cedar is generally regarded as the stronger and more durable of these two woods. It does not need any special treatment and stands up well to the elements, with a low risk of warping and shrinking. Pine, on the other hand, is more at risk of buckling, warping, and shrinking.
Is cedar a good fence board?
Cedar is an incredibly strong, durable wood — only redwood is a match in terms of durability. Choose cedar, and you'll have fencing that stands straight and remains stable for many years to come. Fences made from other woods simply don't last as long.
How many years 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 are the disadvantages of cedar wood?
Disadvantages of Cedar Wood Decking:Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood.Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.
Does cedar fence need to be sealed?
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.
How long does it take a cedar fence to turn GREY?
After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two-week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. After that, the color will rapidly change from red to silvery-gray.
Do cedar fences rot?
Cedar has a reputation for durability, but unless a few guidelines are followed, cedar posts can fail in as few as five years. Three factors contribute to this early failure: poor drainage, low-quality wood and poor protection against insect damage.
What type of wood fence lasts the longest?
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don't touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.
Can I leave my cedar fence untreated?
Can You Leave A Cedar Fence Untreated? It is not recommended to leave a cedar fence untreated. You need to remove any stains that could eat away at the wood. In addition, you need to remove vines and shrubs that could scratch the fence.
Can you leave cedar untreated?
Left untreated, cedar shakes — individual planks of one of several varieties of cedar — will discolor and begin to soften, with a possibility of rot after about five years, depending on the climate. There are several options for covering cedar siding, including stain, a clear treatment or paint.
Which wood is best for outdoor fence?
Here Are Some Of The Best Wood For Fencing and Their Key Features And Benefits.Cedar. Cedar offers excellent resistance to rot and has natural oils that deter insects. ... Redwood. Redwood is one of the most widely used wood types for wooden fencing. ... Doughlas Fir. ... Cypress. ... Pressure Treated Woods.
What is the best type of wood for fencing?
Here Are Some Of The Best Wood For Fencing and Their Key Features And Benefits.Cedar. Cedar offers excellent resistance to rot and has natural oils that deter insects. ... Redwood. Redwood is one of the most widely used wood types for wooden fencing. ... Doughlas Fir. ... Cypress. ... Pressure Treated Woods.
What type of wood fence lasts the longest?
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don't touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.
Is cedar wood stronger than pine?
Is Cedar Stronger Than Pine? Cedar is weaker than Pine. Both Cedar and Pine softwoods have almost similar values in strength. When we look at the compressive strengths of Cedar and Pine, Aromatic Red Cedar is stronger than both Sugar Pine and White Pine, but weaker than Yellow Pine.
How long do pine fences last?
Natural life of wood The most commonly used wood types for fences are cedar, spruce, and pine. Depending on the species, cedar may last for about 15-30 years, spruce may last for about 4-7 years, and pine may last for about 5-12 years.
Why Should I Choose Cedar Fencing?
There are many reasons why cedar fencing is a good choice for your home. Cedar is natural and beautiful wood, it's strong and durable, and it's res...
Can I Install Cedar Fence Posts Myself?
Installing cedar fence posts is a very simple process, and can be done with minimal tools. Cedar posts are pre-treated, so they don't need to be tr...
Is Cedar Fencing Environmentally Friendly?
Cedar fencing is extremely environmentally friendly; cedar doesn't require any chemicals during treatment and can be used for both indoor and outdo...
Where Can I Buy Cedar Fencing?
Cedar is available at most home improvement stores, as well as local lumberyards and hardware shops. If you're looking for a more economical option...
What Type Of Maintenance Do I Need To Do On My Cedar Fence?
Cedar requires little maintenance and can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. The most important part of caring for your cedar fence posts...
How Do I Stain My Cedar Fencing?
Staining your cedar fence is a task that can be easily accomplished with either an airless sprayer or a pump sprayer. If you're staining the entire...
How Much Will It Cost For Someone To Install My Cedar Fencing?
The cost of having someone else install your cedar fence varies from project to project. In general, expect to pay between $300 and $600 for instal...
What Material Is Used To Build A Cedar Fence Post?
Cedar fencing is made from pressure-treated cedar planks which are attached to wooden posts. Other materials can be used but only cedar has the nat...
Which is the best wood for a fence?
Cedar Fence is the Best When it Comes to Durability. Simply put, western red cedar is among the two types of wood—red wood being the other—that is highly durable and lasts a lot longer than most other types of wood fences.
What did Native Americans use cedar for?
In fact, Native Americans not only used this wood to build homes , they also used it to build canoes, totem poles, masks, rope, and clothing! One of the most remarkable things about cedar is that it was the source of one of humankind’s earliest perfumes.
What does it mean when a fence is lower grade?
In the case of wood fences, a lower grade wood means your materials may need replacing sooner than you think—meaning you may spend more time and money repairing your fence by choosing lower quality fencing materials.
Is cedar wood renewable?
Western red cedar removes greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and is renewable and biodegradable. When you buy cedar fence panels, you can pretty much count on the lumber coming from a sustainable forest.
Is cedar a good wood?
Finally, cedar is a gorgeous wood and always looks sharp, as it’s known for its rich grain and vibrant colors. If you want to create a beautiful and lush look to surround your yard or your entire property, cedar is hard to beat when it comes to natural elegance.
Is cedar pitch free?
One of the best qualities western red cedar offers is that it is pitch and resin-free. What that means to a homeowner is that if you want to either embellish or protect the wood to enhance or prolong its use, cedar is among the best when it comes to accepting and maintaining a wide range of beautiful finishes from dark stains to lightly-colored bleaches to semi-transparents, particularly if you want to maintain the wood’s natural beauty.
Is Western Red Cedar good for fences?
Western red cedar contains natural oils that help make the wood resistant to decay and insect attacks, increasing its durability and strength without the use of chemical treatments. Western red cedar is highly stable to the point where there is minimal shrinkage when used to build a fence, meaning your fence will stay straight and sturdy for ...
What is the best fence material?
The Many Advantages Of A Cedar Fence. Cedar has long been a popular choice as a fencing material. Cedar wood is extremely durable, and holds up well to outdoor weather conditions. As such, a cedar fence will generally outlast fences made from softer, less durable wood, such as pine.
What happens if you don't stain cedar?
If a cedar fence is not stained, it will gradually weather and fade to a gray color.
Is cedar treated wood low maintenance?
However, pressure treated wood must be stained and sealed, thus adding to the maintenance required to keep it looking good. Cedar, on the other hand, is a remarkably low maintenance wood.
Is cedar good for a fence?
Natural cedar has an attractive, rustic look, making it an excellent choice for backyard fences. Cedar does not need to be chemically treated, making it a good choice for families who prefer to use natural products. Sealants are also not required in order for cedar to remain durable outdoors.
Why is cedar good for fences?
This is the most famous benefit of cedar wood, it is because the wood has natural oils within which help to prevent rotting and insect damage. Cedar also has the great ability to withstand all weather conditions. Beauty.
What is the color of cedar fence?
The premium quality cedar fence from Severe Weather which is so durable to protect your outdoor space. It comes in lovely golden brown color with dog ear style. This premium fence is so lightweight, and you will not find any ugly holes or cracks.
What is the best material for outdoor additions?
Wood is the best material of outdoor additions because it matches naturally with the backyard’s surrounding. If someone is asking about what is the best type of wood for outdoor space’s add-ons, cedar would be the first answer. It has been so popular among many homeowners that cedar wood is very qualified to beautify their outdoor spaces, ...
What is the best material for a fence?
In the case of backyard’s fencing, obviously, cedar is one of the most common used material. While metal or chain link fence cannot naturally blend with a backyard, choosing cedar wood fence is a great idea. The security, durability and privacy offered by the wood fence have satisfied many homeowners.
How thick is a cedar fence?
The dimension of this cedar fence is 6′ high x 5.5” width with 0.59” thickness. Though it is not pressure treated, but as we know that cedar has the great natural durability, so you should not be worried about this case.
Can dog ears be used on cedar fences?
Dog ear top fence. To keep the cedar fence look great over the years, you have to install it properly. It will make the wood panels stand straight and aligned well. It is right that some types of woods can experience shrinking or warping, but you will not see the problem happens to cedar wood.
Do you need to seal cedar fences?
You don’t have to use any chemical to maintain cedar fence since it is naturally made durable to place outdoor. The oils contain in the wood are enough to make them sturdy, so treatment like sealant is not really required.
What to consider when choosing cedar fence?
The climate in your area is one factor to consider when choosing between cedar and pine fences. In particular, it is important to think about the humidity levels 4 in your area and the amount of rainfall.
How much does a cedar fence cost?
For a pine fence, expect to pay around $10 to $20 per linear foot 1 , which includes both the material and labor costs. For an average residential backyard fence ...
Why does cedar smell so good?
Smell. Odor is one area where cedar has the clear advantage. Pine fences do not have a discernible smell, but cedar is well-known for its pleasing aroma. This partly accounts for why it is so popular for indoor furniture and cabin flooring. The main reason cedar smells so nice is due to a compound called thujaplicin.
How long does a pine fence last?
A pine fence has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while a cedar fence can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years when properly maintained. In general, this means that pine lasts about half as long as cedar, but you can extend the lifespan of your fence by checking and cleaning it regularly.
What is cedar wood used for?
Cedar also has many indoor uses for items like wardrobes, chests, and musical instruments and is popular for its red look and unique grain.
What is the difference between cedar and pine?
The first difference between cedar and pine can be seen with the naked eye. Cedar is immediately recognizable due to its reddish color, white accents, and beautiful grain pattern . It is a warm and rich-looking wood. Pine, meanwhile, tends to be much lighter in color, ranging from cream to very light brown.
Can you use cedar and pine for a fence?
When it comes to fences, pressure-treated cedar and pine are two of the most common materials to use, but it can be difficult to choose between them. Each wood has its advantages and drawbacks, and in some situations, you might even want to use both for your fence, rather than picking just one. This guide introduces you to the main differences between cedar and pine, helping you make the right decision for your fence.
What type of wood is best for picket fence?
Western Red Cedar: This species of lumber is best for any type of board or picket fence – as long as the bottom of the fence is not continually touching the ground. Cedar is a very stable wood. It does not warp, shrink, or check, (split), as pressure treated pine will likely do eventually.
How old is cedar lumber?
Our cedar usually comes from British Columbia, Washington state, and Oregon state. It can be anywhere from 50 to 80 years old. Cedar lumber costs more than the fast-growing Southern yellow pine, ...
What is a check on a wood fence?
When a fence post dries, the outer surface (sapwood) shrinks faster than the inner heart of the piece, and something has to give. For this reason, posts have a natural tendency to develop a V-shaped check towards the center. The result is the familiar “check” which is technically neither a split nor a crack. Depending on the weather and the season your wood fence is installed, checking may occur right away, or it might wait for warmer weather. We usually use only PT pine for the posts because they will not decay in the ground as quickly as a cedar post would. Otherwise, we would use a cedar post.
How to make pine wood dark green?
This pine, after it has been cut to size, is first kiln dried to remove most of the moisture. Then it is bundled up and put into huge cylindrical tanks. Next, a water based solution of micronized copper azole is forced into the wood fibers using pressure. This process makes the wood very heavy and gives it a dark green appearance.
Is pressure treated pine better than cedar?
If someone tells you that pressure treated pine is better than cedar for the above-ground portion of the f ence, it is probably because they do not stock cedar. Ask them if they will guarantee and replace any warped pressure treated pine components of the fence!
Does pressure treated pine decay?
This pressure treated pine is guaranteed by the manufacturer not to decay or have insect damage for 20 years or more. It is not guaranteed against shrinkage, warping, or checking (splitting). We do not guarantee that this will not happen, because it often does.
Durability
- PROS
Cedar is among the two types of wood (redwood being the other) that are highly durable. Fences made from this wood last a lot longer than most other types of wood fences. Cedar contains natural oils that help make it resistant to decay and insects. This natural oil increases cedar’s du…
Maintenance
- PROS
Cedar does not need to be pressure-treated to withstand the elements. Due to its chemical properties, cedar is naturally weather-resistant and repels most bugs. It requires less maintenance than other woods, but still requires care. Cedar fences should be cleaned annually with a water-a… - CONS
Over the years, cedar can crack slightly and develop a fuzzy surface texture unless it’s periodically refinished. Cedar accepts sealers and stains very nicely and should be refinished every two to three years. Cedar can darken dramatically when exposed to sunlight. That means if you want t…
Cost
- PROS
Installing a wood fence is generally the most affordable fence type other than the less desirable chain link. The cost of wood varies by type, but cedar is the wood of choice in most cases and the cost per foot is less than PVC, wrought iron, or composite fencing. While it is true that a cedar fe… - CONS
Today the rising cost of redwood and an overall increase in lumber prices have made homeowners consider other manufactured products to replace the traditional wood fence. And as wood fences go, cedar is one of the more expensive wood types.
Additional Considerations
- If you are curious about the pros and cons of a cedar fence, here are some additional helpful facts. Cedar is one of the most eco-friendly options you can choose for your fence. Since it does not require any chemical treatment, like pine, you do not have to worry about those chemicals seeping into the soil and surrounding environment. With some other wood types, the chemical tr…
Bottom Line
- Cedar is the most commonly used fence material for residential yards. It looks nice and is by far the most versatile material. It can easily be used for many different styles of fencing, from basic plank panels to bespoke framed creations. On the downside, cedar is relatively high-maintenance, requiring regular finishing to prevent weathering. Cedar posts commonly rot at the ground level …