Cedar is a type of wood that comes from the cedars of Lebanon. Cedar has been used for fencing and some other purposes since ancient times, but it’s popularity as a durable fence material really started in the early 1800s when railroads were built. As trains moved people around larger and larger countrysides, they needed fences to keep livestock out of their path. Today there are many different types of cedar fences with varying durability levels and styles available depending on what you’re looking for.
Cedar, a type of wood, is used in fences. Fences made from cedar are resistant to rot and decay because the wood has natural oils that prevent bacteria from growing. Cedar lasts for about 20 years. Read more in detail here: how long will a cedar fence last.
In the United States, cedar is a common wood fence material. It is long-lasting and appealing, as well as sturdy and long-lasting. It degrades slowly, keeps its form well, and seldom shrinks or warps. It’s a low-maintenance option. It resists the elements and keeps moisture out. Its inherent oils protect it against decay and insect damage.
A cedar fence is expected to endure between 15 and 30 years.
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What Can I Do To Make My Fence Last Longer?
Protect Yourself From Moisture
Apply a waterproofing sealant to the cedar fence to prevent it from cracking and splintering due to severe weather. Apply two thin layers of sealer using a paintbrush, allowing the sealer to dry between applications. In hot weather, a sealer with built-in UV protection may also act as a sun-barrier for the fence.
Every three to five years, reseal the fence.
Make sure that your garden sprinklers aren’t too near to the fence to prevent it from decaying or developing moss.
The usable life of your fence posts might be shortened by up to three years if the ground in which they are installed is damp. Before you put them up, make sure they’re stained or treated. To keep moisture out of the post holes, use a concrete or gravel filler.
Fences should be treated with caution.
Insects may wreak havoc on your fence, so keep it free of trash and heaps of leaves that might harbor bugs.
Trim back any shrubs or vines that are clinging to the fence. They may absorb moisture and cause your fence to sag.
Check for good drainage around the fence, since you don’t want water to pool around the posts. Your fence may disintegrate if there is too much water on it.
Make sure the earth around the fence posts is firmly compacted and slopes away from the fence.
Make a Fence Repair
Check your fence for decay or damage at least once a year. If any of the boards are broken, you must replace them. Screws should be tightened or loose nails should be hammered down as needed. Check to see if any of your fence’s sections are sagging. Whether this is the case, check to see if the fence posts are securely anchored in the ground or replace them.
Make Your Fence Shine
Your cedar fence should be cleaned on a regular basis, preferably once a year. moss, mildew, and dirt should all be removed. Scrub the fence to remove any stubborn stains.
Mold and mildew may be removed from a fence by spraying it with a bleach/mild detergent solution and then washing it after an hour. This kills mold spores, preventing them from growing again and rotting your fence.
Recoat your fence with a water-repellant protective coating, ideally with UV protection, after cleaning, washing, and rinsing.
Is it necessary for me to treat my cedar fence?
Unless you maintain your cedar wood fence, its wonderful red color will fade to gray. A treated wood fence will endure longer than one that has not been treated. Your fence’s lifespan might be extended from 20 to 40 years if you treat it.
Bleaching oil, semi-transparent stain, solid color stain, or priming and paint are all options.
Let’s take a closer look at the distinctions:
- Bleaching Oil – after three to six months, this produces a gray, worn, naturally aged look while also providing moisture protection.
- Semi-Transparent Stain — creates a somewhat worn appearance (less weathered than bleaching oil) and protects wood from moisture.
- Solid Color Stain – this produces an opaque color but yet allows some of the natural grain of the wood to show through. It offers excellent UV and moisture protection.
- Primer & Paint — This is a fantastic choice if your primary purpose is to protect your fence from light, which causes wood fences to decay. Because cedar has big pores, you should prime the fence before painting it.
Is Cedar A Better Fence Than Pine?
Two of the most frequent fence materials are cedar and pine. When deciding between them, there are certain things to consider.
- Cedar has a reddish-brown tint and is a warm-looking wood. Pine has cream or light brown tones and is significantly lighter in hue.
- Pine is less expensive than cedar. Pine ranges in price from $10 to $20 per linear foot. While cedar costs $20-$35 per linear foot and is regarded more handsome and durable. Prices may vary based on your location and stock availability.
- Pine fences often last 10-15 years, but cedar fences typically endure well over 20 years.
- Climate — Cedar thrives in dry areas, but humid and damp weather may cause the wood to expand, producing issues with your fence. Pine thrives in humid environments.
- Smell – cedar has a pleasant scent that many people like. Pine does not have a strong odor.
Last Thoughts
After everything is said and done, the longevity of your cedar fence is mostly determined by how well you maintain it over time. Clean, repair, and inspect for damage on a regular basis, and apply a protective layer to prevent wear.
The “how long does redwood fence last” is a question that many people ask. The answer to the question is dependent on the type of fencing, and how well it has been maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years will a cedar fence last?
A: Cedar fences typically last anywhere from 20-30 years, but their durability depends on the quality of wood used and how well they have been taken care of.
How long will untreated cedar fence last?
A: Untreated cedar fence should last about 20 years.
How long will a cedar fence last without staining?
A: The lifespan of a cedar fence will depend on how well it is taken care of. Cedar fences can last anywhere from 10-20 years, but should be replaced after the first five to prevent rotting and insect infestation.
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