The natural elegance of a cedar fence makes it a great choice for homeowners who want style and privacy in their outdoor space. But before you begin your next fencing project, know the pros and cons of cedar fences so you can decide if it’s right for your needs.
Whether you’re trying to create a secluded oasis in your backyard or simply want to block off an area of your property, cedar fences are among the top contenders for many homeowners. Here’s everything you need to know about cedar fences, available types, and the pros and cons of this popular fencing material.
Cedar Fences: An Introduction
Known for its beautiful grain pattern, reddish hue, and striking white accents, cedar fencing is not only visually attractive but also durable. Cedar comes from a type of evergreen tree that thrives in various places worldwide. Popular types for fencing include Western red cedar, white cedar, and Japanese cedar.
What sets cedar apart is its natural deep-red hue, even without staining, and the innate capability to withstand weather and bugs, making it an appealing choice for homeowners seeking durability and aesthetics in equal measure. They can withstand all sorts of elements, from wind-blown dust to splattering rain showers.
Types of Cedar Fences
Peeling back the layers, there are numerous types of cedar fences that homeowners can choose from. Let’s walk through each type and dig into their respective features.
Japanese cedar: Often compared to Western red cedar, Japanese cedars offer almost equivalent beauty at a lesser cost. It also dons the deep reddish tone similar to any other cedar but falls slightly short when it comes to quality.
White cedar: Adept at fighting off mold, warping, and insects thanks to its inherent oil properties, white cedars are UV ray resistant as well. Its light texture with a slightly yellow hue offers a unique appeal. It’s an excellent eco-friendly pick since it doesn’t need chemical treatment or kiln drying.
Western red cedar: The classic choice for many, this type of cedar carries all the hallmark qualities expected from cedar: durability, deep-red hue, and resistance to weathering, rotting, and bugs.
The Pros and Cons of Cedar Fencing
Most homeowners want their fence to serve not merely as a boundary but also to add visual charm to their property. Understanding the aesthetic pros and cons can give you a clear picture of whether it indeed matches your expectations.
Pro: Attractive
Cedar is the king of wood aesthetics. Its luscious color sparks interest right away, offering your backyard that much-desired rustic yet sophisticated appeal. Yes, it can fade over time, but regular pressure washing helps maintain its color.
Other woods demand staining or painting for added attraction, but cedar is quite dashing in its own skin. With fewer knots than most types of wood, rendering their grain pattern more engaging, cedar effortlessly uplifts your home’s overall design flavor.
It also subtly yet significantly boosts your property value. Many home buyers perceive cedar fencing as luxury and are willing to shell out money for properties with such fences. Thus, while it might be a small investment for you, the payback in terms of house price could be more significant than one would expect.
Con: May Fade
On the downside, cedar may weather to a silvery gray with time. Keeping your fence looking fresh and vibrant will require consistent maintenance like applying penetrating sealant shortly after installation and regular reapplication every year thereafter.
Pro: Durable
Cedar, along with redwood, is on the top rung when it comes to sturdy wood choices. Blessed with natural oils that ward off decay and insects, cedar is a champion in longevity when compared to other wood fences. This natural oil not only enhances cedar’s durability and strength but does so sans any chemical treatments.
Also, shrinkage tends to be minimal if you opt for cedar. So rest assured, your fence planks would stay straight and robust indefinitely.
What’s more, cedar fencing also excels at battling extreme weather conditions like heavy rainfalls common in some regions. And the sweet aroma of cedar acts as a natural insect repellent.
Con: Can Rot Underground
However. Yes, there’s a ‘however’ because even superheroes have their kryptonite. Without proper upkeep, like all things wooden, cedar deteriorates. Also worth noting is that DIY fence installations could lead to problems sooner than professional installations due to potential grade inconsistencies or improper installs, leading to quicker deterioration or damage.
Although renowned for being more durable than most other wood, pressure-treated pine beats cedar in soil resistance, making it the top choice for fence posts. While cedar performs incredibly above ground, wooden posts installed directly into the soil can rot more quickly due to a lack of chemical treatment.
Pro: Resists Weather and Bugs
Cedar’s natural properties make it weather-resistant and repel most bugs, sparing homeowners any need for chemical treatments or pressure-treating, which are common with other woods. Less maintenance also does not mean no maintenance. An annual clean-up with a soap-water mixture is all you need, along with regular checks for loose boards and signs of deterioration.
Con: Requires Maintenance
Despite being a low-maintenance wood choice compared to others, cedar still needs some upkeep. Over time, cedar tends to develop minor cracks and potentially unattractive surface texturing unless refinished periodically.
In order to keep your cedar fence looking new for years to come, you should refinish it every two to three years.
The lovely shading of cedar can also darken dramatically when exposed to sunlight, which means homeowners interested in preserving the color will have to apply clear sealers with UV blockers regularly.
The Price Tag: Is Cedar Fencing Worth It?
With any significant home improvement project comes the question of cost. Is a cedar fence a financial burden, or does it shine in terms of value for money compared with alternatives?
Pros:
If you are looking for affordability, wood fences have a clear edge over chain link fencing or even PVC, wrought iron, and composite fencing. While cedar sits on the pricier side among other wood fences, its long lifespan and heightened durability make it a good return on investment.
Installing a cedar fence might initially hurt your pocket slightly more than other wood types but look at it as a small price to pay for the long-term benefits that follow. It could pretty much be deemed an investment that offers considerable returns in terms of longevity and elegance with just a touch of additional maintenance responsibility.
Cons:
Be aware of fluctuating lumber prices, which can affect the cost of installation or repair work down the line.
The escalating cost of redwood and the overall surge in lumber prices has had many homeowners pondering manufactured alternatives to traditional wood. Considering that cedar belongs to the group of pricier woods can definitely make some potential buyers think twice.
Additional Considerations
Cedar isn’t just a good choice because it looks nice and lasts long. If you’re environmentally conscious, cedar is an extremely eco-friendly option. Untreated by chemicals, unlike pine, means no worries about harmful substances leaching into your surroundings, affecting your local ecosystem adversely.
Also noteworthy is cedar’s unmistakable aroma, known extensively for its pleasant smell, offering much more appeal than its counterparts that don’t give off any particular scent.
Another unique selling point: A cedar fence has noise suppression abilities due to its density. If you live in a bustling neighborhood where the longing for quiet moments is real, having a cedar fence can help you create that peaceful bubble you’ve been dreaming about.
10 Cedar Fence Ideas
Wood and metal absolutely define our urban jungle – so why not bring a little of that charm into your yard as well? With its distinctive natural color, smooth texture, and rustic charm, it creates a visually pleasing barrier to privacy. Here are ten cedar fence design ideas for your inspiration:
1. Rustic Cedar Split Rail Fence: Embrace the essence of the countryside in your own backyard with this type of fencing. Offering an organic, laid-back appeal, it is especially useful for cordoning off areas and keeping livestock within boundaries.
2. Modern Horizontal Cedar Fence: This style boasts cedar planks neatly arranged horizontally, providing a sleek, contemporary spin to conventional fencing patterns. Sturdy yet stylish, it confers adequate privacy, too.
3. Lattice Top Cedar Privacy Fence: Combining practicality and panache, this fence offers robust solid cedar bottoms with a creative lattice design on top as decoration, leading to a unique charm.
4. Japanese Cedar Fence: If elegance and endurance are what you’re after, look no further than Japanese cedar fences- known for their impressive weather-resistant qualities and warm-toned beauty that adds sophistication to any outdoor space.
5. DIY Vertical Cedar Fence Idea: Why not take matters into your own hands? With vertically arranged cedar boards, simple does mean less fun but more fulfillment.
6. Cedar Picket Fences: Picket fences crafted from strength-demonstrating cedars make an ideal option for those wanting their fences to survive harsh winters or rainy springs without seeming jaded.
7. Cedar Privacy Screen: A versatile pick suitable for decks, patios, or gardens. It offers a secluded corner for your outdoor space and blends well with almost any outdoor aesthetic.
8. Cedar Dog Ear Fence: A classic design for backyard fences, with individual pickets having a rounded shape on top. Add a unique twist by using the shadowbox style, where vertical panels are alternately attached to each side of the top and bottom rails, providing both privacy and visual interest.
9. Horizontal Cedar Fence: This fresh take involves placing cedar panels horizontally between evenly spaced fence posts, creating clean lines that enhance curb appeal while still being incredibly robust.
10. DIY Small Cedar Garden Fence Idea: Create an elegant frame around your garden beds to protect plants from critters without seeming obnoxiously tall or out of place.
FAQ About Cedar Fencing
To ensure that your cedar fence lasts as long as possible, you should always pressure wash it annually to remove dirt and debris that may have built up. Additionally, you should promptly repair any damage that may have occurred and apply clear sealer with UV blockers every 2-3 years to help preserve the fence’s color.
No, cedar does not crack easily. Cedar is a strong and durable wood that can last for decades, but shrinkage may cause the wood to crack over time if exposed to humid conditions.
It is important to take the necessary steps to prevent this, such as maintaining proper airflow and providing adequate support for the fence.
No, cedar is a durable wood that is highly resistant to warping. It is able to withstand harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold and strong sunlight without warping or cracking. However, it can still become brittle over time if exposed to too much sunlight and thus should be protected with UV-blocking sealers when installed outdoors.
Cedar is able to withstand moisture and water quite well. It is an ideal choice for outdoor fencing as it’s rot-resistant and will not warp or suffer damage due to being exposed to rain and snow. In fact, the natural oils found in cedar can help protect the wood from moisture damage.
The best way to keep cedar from aging is to apply a wood sealer shortly after installation. The sealant will protect the wood from the harsh elements and slow down its natural aging process. Reapplication of sealer every 2-3 years is also recommended in order to maintain the wood’s color and strength.
Stronger wood options include cypress, Douglas fir, and black locust. Cypress is often compared to cedar for its protective properties, but it has a higher bending strength. The texture of cypress wood makes it harder than cedar, making it the ideal option for applications that require both strength and durability.
Cedar Fences: A Lasting Investment or Just Another Maintenance Chore?
When it comes to striking a balance between aesthetics, durability, and budget-friendliness in choosing the right fencing material, cedar might just hit the sweet spot. Though it does need a level of maintenance to retain its visual appeal and longevity, the care regimen is noticeably less demanding than many other wood types.
At the end of the day, only you can decide what’s best for your outdoor space and budget. But if you’re looking to make a lasting impression with your fence that will last, investing in cedar could be one of the best decisions you can make.
Are you ready to jump onto the cedar fencing wagon? We can help you connect with a fencing company near you to bring your vision into reality in no time.
Main Image Credit: davelogan / Canva Pro / License
