In terms of wood fencing materials, cedar is a popular choice. The wood’s reddish color, white accents, and beautiful grain pattern make it immediately recognizable. Do you think it’s the best choice for you? Here are some pros and cons associated with cedar fences.
To help you make an informed decision about what type of fence is best for your property, we will discuss the pros and cons of cedar fences in this blog post.
The aesthetics
The appearance of your fence is typically the most important factor for most homeowners. Choosing the right style, options, and overall appeal is crucial.
PROS
Cedar is one of the best woods for fencing. With regular pressure washing, you can maintain the color of this material. It has a rich color, and while it may fade over time, it will maintain its color. On the other hand, pine is typically lighter in color, with a range of cream to golden brown hues. Cedar stands on its own without the need to be stained or painted, unlike other woods. Compared to other types of wood, cedar planks have fewer knots and tight grain. Your home’s aesthetic will be enhanced by this warm and rich-looking lumber.
If you live in a region where cedar fences are popular, you may be able to increase the value of your property. There is a definite luxury value attached to cedar, which is why many buyers are willing to pay more for it. It may only cost you a little more, but it could result in a significant increase in the value of your home. You may actually suffer a loss of value in your home if you do not have a cedar fence if your area is characterized by cedar fences as a standard.
CONS
In terms of the pros and cons of cedar fences, aesthetics will generally fall into the “pro” category. It is important to note that cedar naturally weathers into a silvery gray color, so it requires maintenance. It is essential to apply a penetrating sealant immediately after installation and every year thereafter in order to ensure long-term color and protection.
DURABILITY
Your fence’s durability should rank right up there with its appearance. Investing in a fence is a major investment, so make sure it lasts!
PROS
Cedar is one of the two types of wood (the other is redwood) that is extremely durable. The lifespan of fences made from this wood is significantly longer than most other types of wood fences. Oils in cedar help it resist decay and insects. Cedar is made stronger and more durable by this natural oil, which does not require chemical treatments. Additionally, cedar is highly stable, so shrinkage is minimal. The wood planks will be sturdy and straight for a long time if they are used to build a fence.
An advantage of cedar fences, especially in the southeast, is their ability to withstand heavy rainfall. A cedar fence is the most durable wood type if you live in an area where there is a lot of rain. Whenever it rains, bugs appear, and they can be a nuisance. Cedar secretes the odor of cedar oil, which is a natural insect repellant. As a result of those rains, a cedar fence will prevent pests from entering your yard.
CONS
Maintaining a cedar fence properly can extend its life by 20 to 25 years. However, you must put in the effort! It is important to keep up with maintenance on cedar fences, as wood deteriorates over time. A DIY cedar fence installation may lead to problems sooner than a professional installation. The best quality cedar will be provided by a professional fencing company, and each plank will be installed correctly to eliminate unnecessary damage.
It is true that cedar is a more durable wood than many kinds of wood, but pressure-treated pine is more soil-resistant than cedar. Due to these reasons, most people choose pine posts for fences and cedar panels for fences. Although cedars are extremely rot-resistant above ground, they are highly susceptible to rot below ground due to their lack of chemical treatments.
MAINTENANCE
In order to keep your fence in good shape, you need to maintain it like other parts of your home or yard. What is your level of commitment to maintenance?
PROS
Unlike other wood types, cedar does not require pressure treatment in order to withstand the elements. Its chemical properties make cedar naturally weather-resistant and repel most insects. Although it requires less maintenance than other woods, it still needs to be treated with care. Water-and-soap solutions should be used to clean cedar fences annually, and loose boards and rot should be checked regularly. A pressure washer will also keep the color of cedar from fading over time.
CONS
If cedar isn’t refinished periodically, it can crack and develop a fuzzy surface texture. It is recommended that cedar be refinished every two to three years since it accepts sealers and stains very well. If exposed to sunlight, cedar will darken dramatically. In order to preserve the color, you should apply clear sealers that block UV (ultraviolet light). In order to maintain the rich color of the wood, high levels of maintenance are necessary.
If you have a wood fence, you may need to maintain it regularly as weathering takes its toll. Wood is weaker than metal or vinyl, so even without more significant issues like rot, broken boards can still occur.
PRICING
Any major home improvement always comes down to price. When it comes to cost, how does cedar fencing compare to alternatives?
PROS
As opposed to less desirable chain link fences, installing a wood fence is typically the most affordable fence option. Wood fencing costs vary by type, but cedar is the most common wood, and it is cheaper per foot than PVC, wrought iron, or composite fencing. The price of cedar fences may be higher than those of other woods, but they are still among the most affordable. In addition, cedar can last a long time, so you can’t go wrong with it. Homeowners who want to save money, but don’t mind a little maintenance can save money with a cedar fence.
CONS
As redwood costs rise and lumber prices rise, homeowners are considering alternative manufactured products to replace traditional wood fences. Among wood types for fences, cedar ranks as one of the most expensive.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
These additional useful facts will help you better understand the pros and cons of a cedar fence. When it comes to choosing a fence material, cedar stands out as one of the most eco-friendly choices. Unlike pine, it does not require chemical treatment, so it does not seep into the soil or surrounding environment. The chemical treatment of some wood types can have a detrimental effect on the local ecosystem.
Moreover, cedar has an advantage over its competitors in the area of odor. There is no distinctive smell to pine fences, but cedar has a pleasant aroma.
Cedar fences also have the impressive ability to block out 70% of sound. The density of that sound-blocking material is only second to concrete! Whether you’re seeking privacy or noise reduction, a cedar fence can help you. Residents of tight neighborhoods will especially benefit from this option.
BOTTOM LINE
Residential yards usually have fences made of cedar. As far as versatility goes, it’s the best-looking material. From basic plank panels to bespoke frames, it can easily be used for a variety of fencing styles. However, cedar requires regular finishing to prevent weathering, which makes it relatively high maintenance. In contrast to treated wood, metal, and vinyl fencing, cedar posts rot at ground level and must be replaced. You cannot make a better choice than cedar if you’re determined to install a real wooden fence. Have any of these benefits piqued your interest in cedar fencing? Let Buckhead Fence Company build a cedar fence for your home today!