For most of our residential clients, cedar wood and pressure treated pine are two of our best-selling materials. 80% of all wood fencing is either composed of pine or cedar. There are many positives to both styles of wood, but it’s important to remember the maintenance required for them.
Cedar wood does not warp or shrink and is a naturally stable material, perfect for picket and privacy fences. Cedar wood fences stand the test of time, and look great decades after installation. For fence posts, cedar can go several years without rotting; however, they tend to be less durable against soil erosion than pressure treated pine posts. For this reason, it may be a good idea to use pressure treated pine for the posts and cedar for the rest of the fence. Or, the cedar fence posts can be set in concrete to prevent soil-related rotting.
Pressure treated pine is the most popular residential fence choice in outdoor structures (decks, porches, and all types of residential fences, for example). Pressure treated pine can warp, shrink, and crack. The sun makes any outdoor damage worse especially if you don't stain it. To avoid this, pressure treated pine is chemically-treated in order to prevent against decay, termites, weathering, and other pine-related troubles. All pressure treated pine fences come with a warranty to protect against termites and rotting. They also need to be consistently and regularly maintained -- It is recommended that all pressure treated pine fencing should be stained and sealed about 6 weeks after installation to improve and maintain a handsome appearance and prevent rot.
Staining, sealing, moistening, stripping, and cleaning are all maintenance techniques that are commonly used and recommended for pressure treated pine fences. Cedar is increasingly rare and thus more expensive than pine. However, cedar stands up to the test of time and its aroma and beautiful appearance coupled with the comparatively low required maintenance make it a smart investment. These incentives outweigh the cons for most people who are strongly considering cedar as a fence material. Knowing the pros and cons of each type of wood type will help to make an informed decision when choosing the fence and fence company that fits your needs.
Find some of our favorite wood fence projects below!
