is fir or cedar better for fencing

On average, cedars

are slightly softer. However, cedar significantly outperforms fir in its resistance to decay and wet conditions. Fir softwood can be used in fences after treatment with preservative chemicals, but the heartwood tends to resist impregnation.

Full Answer

Is cedar or fir better for fence posts?

Both fir and cedar wood are easy to cut and shape into fence posts, planks and other components. They bore well, taking holes without splitting or cracking. However, eastern white-cedar holds nails and screws poorly, especially compared to fir species.

Can fir be used as a fence?

Fir softwood can be used in fences after treatment with preservative chemicals, but the heartwood tends to resist impregnation. Fir has a medium bending strength and is weak to crushing force. Its soft surface makes it susceptible to denting.

Which is more eco friendly cedar or fir?

Cedar is a fast-growing conifer that has the advantage of low waste. Once harvested, the entire tree can be used, including the roots and bark. Fir trees grow more slowly than cedars, although not as slowly as hardwood trees. This makes cedar a more eco-friendly choice.

What are the differences between Cedar and fir lumber?

Both types of lumber have straight, even grain. Red cedars are often preferred in fences due to their attractive color, which ages to silvery gray. Both cedars and firs are softwood trees, with hardnesses ranging between 320 pounds-force on the Janka hardness scale and 490 pounds-force. On average, cedars are slightly softer.

Is fir good for fencing?

Douglas fir is widely known for its superior strength, stability, and high-quality appearance, making it a popular building material for projects from timber trusses to fencing. Left untreated, it features some natural resistance to rot and decay, which can be enhanced by applying a protective finish.

What type of wood is best for fences?

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.

Which lasts longer cedar or fir?

The primary differences between fir and cedar are longevity and appearance. All wood ages and turns a greyish/silver color. Cedar: Rot resistant, it can last 10-15 years as an attractive raised bed.

How Long Will Douglas fir fence last?

The worst option is non treated Douglas Fir. These posts will last as little as 3 years dependent on their contact with soil and their exposure to moisture. Homeowners and handymen commonly make this mistake because Douglas Fir is a commonly available and cheaper.

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.

What type of fence lasts longest?

What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest? Chain-link fences with a galvanized finish that doesn't rust are the longest lasting fences. All other components of the fence are made of steel and are also galvanized, so there is relatively no maintenance.

Is fir better than cedar?

Both cedars and firs are softwood trees, with hardnesses ranging between 320 pounds-force on the Janka hardness scale and 490 pounds-force. On average, cedars are slightly softer. However, cedar significantly outperforms fir in its resistance to decay and wet conditions.

Is cedar more expensive than fir?

Douglas Fir Wood Decking is slightly more expensive than Cedar Wood Decking.

Is fir a good outdoor wood?

Fir wood is simply an excellent choice for outdoor furniture items such as picnic tables, ottomans, and chairs. This is a typical wood that is not affected by weather and moisture. When the weather becomes damp or wet, it doesn't dry or warp out of its shape.

Is Douglas fir stronger than cedar?

While Cedar is easier to work with and more rot resistant being of the Type II durability class, Doug Fir is stronger and of Type III durability.

Does Douglas fir turn gray?

Since it will be covered it won't rot away but it will turn gray.

Is Doug Fir good for outdoor use?

Turns out Douglas fir is more than just a good-looking wood. Its durability and resistance to rot and insects make it a favorite choice for outdoor projects like porch decking as well. In fact, vertical-grain Douglas fir has been a traditional choice for porches on historic homes for more than 100 years.

Should I use pressure treated wood for fence rails?

When used for fencing, it must be pressure-treated to stand up to decay and the elements. It resists shrinkage, but it can still warp, crack, or twist. When properly treated, it can last a lifetime, even if it comes in contact with wet soil.

Does pressure treated wood last longer than cedar?

Longevity. Cedar decks last 15 to 20 years, compared to 10 to 15 years for pressure-treated wood.

Which is better for fencing redwood or cedar?

Redwood Fencing is measurably stronger than cedar – by about 23%. Redwood is therefore more durable than cedar.

Which lasts longer cedar or redwood?

Longevity and Value Redwood is a harder wood than cedar. It was found to be 23% harder than cedar when the Janka hardness test was used. Because it is a harder wood it will last longer and is more durable. Redwood has more natural occurring chemicals than cedar.

What is a wood fence?

Wood fences installed by a professional fence service are some of the most attractive and useful property enclosures for a home, usually because there are so many different types of wood that can be used in a variety of ways. When a homeowner is planning a fence [...] Wood fences installed by a professional fence service are some ...

When a homeowner is planning a fence, what is the most attractive and useful property enclosure?

When a homeowner is planning a fence [...] Wood fences installed by a professional fence service are some of the most attractive and useful property enclosures for a home, usually because there are so many different types of wood that can be used in a variety of ways.

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 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. When it comes to fences, both pine and cedar can be used interchangeably, depending on the owner’s preference.

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.

What color is pine?

Pine, meanwhile, tends to be much lighter in color, ranging from cream to very light brown. Since pine must be pressure-treated to resist the elements and other wear and tear, it does not have the most natural look and can even have a slight greenish hue in places.

Why is cedarwood used on fences?

Cedarwood requires less maintenance; the wood requires repainting with protective coating after a year. This wood is also known for its long-lasting characteristic; its fence can last up to 30 years when well maintained.

Why is redwood used on fences?

The most inner portion, called heartwood, is the most recommended redwood for fencing because it’s the strongest. The wood is stable after being manufactured; it does not bend or shrink when installing the fence, thus making a straight and strong fence.

Cedar vs. Redwood Fence (Comparison)

It can be a challenging task to choose the best type of wood for your fence when it comes to these two. Both of these woods are strong, durable and they have natural chemicals like tannins that enable them to resist moisture, rot, and pests.

Pros and Cons of Cedar Fences

Despite their similarities and differences, cedar fence has the following advantages and disadvantages.

Pros and Cons of Redwood Fences

Redwood fences are durable and more costly than cedar woods. The most inner part, called heartwood, is the strongest redwood than the sapwood for fencing. Therefore, these fences have various advantages and disadvantages.

Which one is better?

If you are a homeowner looking for low maintenance, strong, and durable fence, get a redwood fence. Redwood fence also has natural oils that enable it to resist the weather.