Is cedar a good wood for fences?
Know the Difference Between Types of Cedar Some Fence Companies Might Try To Increase Their Profit By Using Inferior Wood. Know How to Spot the Difference! Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather.
Are Japanese cedars easy to care for?
The Japanese cedar is a relatively easy plant to care for once established in suitable soil with plenty of room to grow. As usual, when planting such a large and long-lived tree, it is important to consider where you plan to plant your tree and even more important to consider that eventually, it will be massive.
What is the difference between red cedar and Chinese cedar fences?
Chinese Cedar- Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board.
Is Japanese cedar waterproof?
It is waterproof and contains tannins within the wood to help it withstand bugs, rot, decay, and much more. Not only that, but Japanese cedar is kiln dried, which helps stabilize the wood as well as limit split boards and end checks.
How long does Japanese cedar fence last?
Fences made of untreated cedar can last between 15 and 30 years, depending on how well you care for it and the specific cedar species used. If it's treated, a cedar fence may last up to 40 years.
What type of cedar is best for fencing?
Western Red CedarWestern Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage.
Is Japanese cedar as good as Western Red Cedar?
Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being a quality, lower cost alternative to Western Red Cedar. However, the pickets are thinner and less sturdy than Western Red Cedar, and have a tendency to split or break during installation.
What are the different grades of cedar fencing?
The West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau divides Western Red Cedar Fence Boards into three basic categories. Any grade may be rough or surfaced, Air Dried, Kiln Dried or “green”. Grade is determined by the best face.
Is Japanese cedar any good?
Used for centuries in Japanese construction work and exterior architecture, Japanese cedar is exceedingly durable. It is waterproof and contains tannins within the wood to help it withstand bugs, rot, decay, and much more.
Which cedar is most rot resistant?
Western red cedarResistance to decay: Western red cedar is the most decay-resistant cedar, making it great for outdoor construction projects like shakes and shingles. It is also one of the longest-living North American softwood trees. Stability: Western red cedar has twice the stability of other softwood species.
Is Japanese cedar rot resistant?
Comments: Sometimes called Japanese Cedar, the wood is in the Cupressaceae family, which includes many cedar-like species. Like most cedars, the wood is soft, light, aromatic, and resistant to decay.
What is the best wood for a fence?
The most popular woods used for fencing are pine and cedar, though cypress and redwood are also good options.Pine wood is common because of its relatively inexpensive cost and longevity. ... Cedar doesn't require much maintenance and the wood contains natural insect-repelling substances.More items...
Is cedar better than pine for a fence?
Cedar is generally regarded as the stronger and more durable of these two woods. It does not need any special treatment and stands up well to the elements, with a low risk of warping and shrinking. Pine, on the other hand, is more at risk of buckling, warping, and shrinking.
Is Chinese cedar good?
Cedar. Cunninghamia lanceolata (AKA china cedar) is a soft, but durrable wood. It is easily worked, resistant to bugs, termites, and decay.
Is there a difference between cedar and red cedar?
White Cedar vs Red Cedar: It's What's Inside That Counts Cut into these two trees, and the color of the wood differs greatly. Western Red Cedar gets its name from its red color, while Northern White Cedar is lighter and has a yellow hue. Make a crosscut into the trunk, and you'll see that both trees have two rings.
Which fence pickets are best?
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.
Is cedar good for fencing?
However, not all cedar is ideal for fencing. In fact, some wood fencing is marketed as cedar but is not cedar at all!
Is cedar fencing durable?
Western red cedar is gorgeous, and because it is a naturally durable material, it will hold strong through any type of weather, season after season, year after year.
Is Chinese cedar fir?
Chinese “cedar” is actually fir! And while fir may look nice and come with a lower price tag, it will not hold up to the elements for long. Indeed, when it comes to resisting deterioration, fir is far inferior to real cedar.
What type of cedar is used for cedar fences?
At A Better Fence Company, we use ONLY Western Red Cedar for our cedar fences, arbors and pergolas. After 40 years, Western Red Cedar continues to prove itself to be the ideal choice for fences and other outdoor structures. Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence with less repairs needed over the course of its life. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource.
Why is cedar not used for fences?
Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence.
What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Western red cedar?
You can usually identify a Chinese Cedar Picket by the thickness of the board. When referring to boards, dimensions are approximations, however a 1 x 4 Western Red Ce dar board is typically closer to a true 1″ thi ckness, while Chinese Cedar is closer to 3/4″ thick.
What is clear cedar grade?
Wood is graded for clearness and amount of defects after it is manufactured. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost.
What is cedar used for?
Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use. Making sure that the right type of cedar is being installed will make a huge difference in the quality, look, and overall longevity of your fence.
What grade of wood is used for a fence?
Some fence companies will charge you a higher price for #1 Grade Western Red Cedar, but will install #2 Grade Western Red Cedar instead, or worse, a type of wood that is not Western Red Cedar, in order to make a higher profit while hoping that you won’t be able to tell the difference.
Can you stain a red cedar fence in Texas?
Most fence suppliers in North Texas do not offer Pre-Stained #1 grade Western Red Cedar pickets. If you choose the Pre-Stained option, you are more than likely going to get a #2 grade cedar, unless that fence company has a staining facility where they stain the pickets themselves.
How to lower the pH of Japanese cedar?
If the pH is too high, hope is not lost. A soil’s pH can be lowered by applying soil sulfur, chelated iron, or organic compost.
How tall is a Japanese cedar tree?
The Japanese cedar var. japonica tree is a tree that can reach massive sizes and incredible ages. The tallest Japanese cedars have reached up to 230 feet, while the oldest, a tree named Jomon Sugi, is believed to be between 2,170 to 7,000 years old.
Why is my Japanese cedar tree browning?
The browning is due to a phenomenon called photoinhibition, which occurs when the tree is under high light and low-temperature conditions.
How much sun does a Japanese cedar tree need?
The tree will thrive and perform its best in full sun, ideally 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Is Cryptomeria japonica a conifer?
This evergreen conifer is the native tree of Japan and has been a part of its history, culture, and architecture for centuries. While it is commonly called a cedar, Cryptomeria japonica is, in reality, in the cypress family. It is a monotypic genus, so it truly is one of a kind!
Is Japanese cedar easy to grow?
The Japanese cedar is a relatively easy plant to care for once established in suitable soil with plenty of room to grow. As usual, when planting such a large and long-lived tree, it is important to consider where you plan to plant your tree and even more important to consider that eventually, it will be massive.
Is Japanese sage good for Japanese gardens?
It is an excellent addition to bigger Japanese gardens, especially as a backdrop to smaller trees. It is also suited for any other landscape design you may come up with as long as you have the room, or else look at some of the interesting smaller cultivars available on the specialty market.
What is the difference between Chinese cedar and Japanese cedar?
Chinese Cedar- Used by many fence companies because of its lower cost, Chinese Cedar is not actually cedar, it is a fir. Its ability to resist decay and weathering is inferior to Western Red Cedar making it less suitable for fences and other outdoor structures. Japanese Cedar- A newer product on the market in the US that shows promise as being ...
What is cedar wood used for?
Know How to Spot the Difference! Many people know that cedar is a type of wood that is known for being ideal for use in building outdoor structures because of its resilience and ability to withstand harsh weather. What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar ...
How many trees are planted for every red cedar tree?
The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association estimates that three trees are planted for every one that is harvested, ensuring the long-term sustainability for this remarkable natural resource.
Is cedar good for outdoor use?
What some may not be aware of is that there are many types of cedar (and other woods that are commonly referred to as cedar that are not actually cedar), that do not possess the same qualities that make it ideal for outdoor use.
Is Western Red Cedar good for a fence?
Western Red Cedar contains natural tannin oils that protect it from weathering, rotting, decay, and termite damage. It is a light weight wood which causes less stress on the posts and framework of the fence, and it is naturally more water repellent than other types of wood. Using this type of wood will mean a longer lasting fence ...
What is the best fence for privacy?
Cedar. Cedar, the king of backyard privacy fencing, is known for its long-lasting good looks—tight grain, fewer knots, and a desirable red hue—and its promise never to warp or shrink.
What is composite fencing?
Manufactured from wood fibers combined with plastic polymers, composite fencing provides a like-wood look without the propensity to degrade from insects and rot. Such combination of style and substance runs slightly more expensive than vinyl and cedar, though, in both material and installation—like vinyl fencing, composite requires precise installation by professionals. Since the material’s quality varies, you’ll want to explore your options and buy composite fencing components from a reputable dealer.
What is chain link fence?
While their open links certainly don’t do much for privacy, chain link fences offer adequate security for pets and kids at a competitively low cost. The materials are among the least expensive fencing options available, making this type of fence is a common choice for large rural yards where the amount of fencing needed makes other choices cost-prohibitive. In addition to economical materials, an easy-to-DIY installation—one that involves setting posts, installing a top rail, and then stretching linked mesh between the rails and posts—saves homeowners more money.
Can you mix masonry with wood?
Many homeowners mix some type of masonry with another fencing material, such as wrought iron or wood, for reasons of both design and cost. Block and poured concrete require steel reinforcement and brick fences often feature a concrete or block inner fence with brick veneer only on the exterior.
Can you build a fence from cedar?
If you choose to build a fence from cedar, it’s recommended to install in a concrete base or secure to fence posts that are treated wood. Even so, the installation process is DIY-friendly, and you can customize the planks to create a variety of styles, including saddleback and lattice-topped.
Can barbed wire be used in rural areas?
Before you install, know that barbed wire fencing is limited to rural use and prohibited in most communities. Maintenance Tip: Barbed wire strands should be re-stretched from time to time if they sag due to livestock leaning on them.
Is wrought iron fencing durable?
Options for metal fencing range from classic to contemporary, with a variety to match or blend with any home exterior. Wrought iron fences have survived centuries of style changes, and with good reason: More than simply classic, they’re extremely durable.
What kind of wood is used for a fence?
There are many fence material options available, but some of the most common wood species used for fencing are Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pressure-Treated Wood and Redwood. They’re not all created equal, but they all will give you a strong, sturdy fence (assuming it’s properly installed). Your choice is less about safety and more about ...
What is the color of Western red cedar?
Western Red Cedar has warm, reddish tones with a unique grain pattern and well-spaced knots. It weathers to a silver-gray patina over time – this can be minimized by applying stain or sealer regularly. It readily accepts a variety of finishes, so you can customize to get the look you desire.
What color is pressure treated wood?
Pressure-treated wood has a natural yellow to light mint-green hue with some knots which can vary based on grade and species of wood. There are also color-treated varieties that have been infused with a pigment to mimic the look of Redwood or Cedar. Like Western Red Cedar, pressure-treated wood accepts paint, stain and sealer so you can customize to meet your desired look. We recommend a semi-transparent stain for best results. This wood also weathers to a gray if it’s not maintained – follow a proper maintenance plan to keep your fence looking fresh.
Which is stronger, redwood or heartwood?
Redwood is the hardest of the three materials, making it very strong and durable. It’s also very stable – it will not shrink or warp after installation. Like its color, Redwood ’s resistance to insects and rot varies based on the part of the tree. Heartwood will have the greatest resistance.
What color is heartwood?
The heartwood from the inner portion of the tree has a deep reddish-brown color. Its outer sapwood is cream-colored. It has a tight grain pattern and well-spaced knots, fewer knots the higher the grade. This wood accepts a variety of finishes but will need to be properly cleaned before application.
Is pressure treated wood safe?
It’s treated with a preservative to protect against rot, decay and termite attack. Pressure-treated fences are safe for you, your kids and your pets when used in accordance with the Safe Handling Information Sheet. Pressure-treated wood can be somewhat less stable than Western Red Cedar and Redwood and may shrink or move slightly after it’s been installed. Purchasing a Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT) pressure-treated product will minimize the possible dimensional changes. Pressure-treated wood is treated to different standards based on application. When purchasing posts, for example, be sure to choose products that have been treated for ground contact.
Can you bury a Western Red Cedar post?
It is not recommended to bury the posts directly into the ground without treating it with a suitable wood preservative, as this will cause the wood to rot over time. If you like the look of Western Red Cedar but are concerned about the post, you can use pressure-treated posts with Western Red Cedar pickets and backer rails.
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.
