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Cedar is one of the most durable and long-lasting woods, making it much more suitable as a material for fencing. It can last for more than 15 to 30 years and is exceptionally sustainable. Cedar wood requires much less maintenance and won’t weather as easily as spruce or pine.
How long will a cedar fence last untreated?
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. Cedar consistently outlasts other wood species. A spruce fence typically lasts only four to seven years.
Are cedar fences worth it?
Cedar Wood Fences It’s non-toxic and insect resistance. It’s stable, and it doesn’t shrink, splinter, or warp, which makes it the perfect wood for building fences. Cedar truly stands the test of time, and maintains its look for decades. Cedar fence posts, though, aren’t as durable against soil as PTP is.
Does staining a cedar fence make it last longer?
Stain, Stain, Stain! An exterior decking stain will bring out the natural color and grain of the wood and will seal and protect from moisture and sunlight. Stain will also make your fence last significantly longer. Plan on re-staining your fence every three to five years for optimal protection and beauty.
How do you maintain a cedar fence?
Your cedar fence should be cleaned at least once a year. To do so, combine three quarts of warm water, a quart of oxygen bleach, and a fourth cup of non-ammonia dish soap into a garden sprayer, and dowse the fence with the solution.
Do I need to seal cedar fence?
If cared for properly, a cedar fence will remain attractive and structurally sound for many years to come. Apply a waterproofing sealer to the cedar fence to protect the wood from splintering, cracking and warping due to the weather elements. Seal your cedar fence every three to five years.
What is the longest lasting fence material?
Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance required. Unlike wood that can warp, rot, or shrink over time, vinyl is rigid and resilient. It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.
What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?
Cedar Disadvantage Requires Maintenance. Due to being softwood, cedar needs regular maintenance. Flammable. Cedar is a flammable wood. Fading Color. Changes color over time due to chemical reactions. Sensitive. Cedar is a sensitive wood. Weak. Cedar is a common material in construction.
Is cedar better than pressure-treated?
Cedar is stronger and more durable than pressure-treated lumber. Pressure-treated lumber can warp and weather within a few years if left untreated, while cedar is more capable of naturally keeping its shape. However, cedar is more susceptible to cosmetic damages, such as dents and scratches.
Is pine better than cedar?
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 it worth staining a fence?
A wood fence provides privacy, security and a great focal point for your property. Routine wood fence maintenance is important to maintain the aesthetic of the fence and the life of the wood. A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence.
How do you make a wood fence last forever?
How to Extend the Life of Your Wood Fence Build Your Fence With Metal Fence Posts. Add a Rot Board to the Bottom of Your Fence. Stain & Seal Your Fence. Inspect & Repair Your Fence Every Year. Minimize Contact With Water, Soil & Vegetation. Clean Your Fence Every 2-4 Years.
How long does untreated cedar last outside?
In outdoor structures that are not in contact with the ground, such as decks, gazebos, pergolas and fence boards, cedar may last 30 years or longer. When in contact with the ground, such as when it’s used for fence or support posts, it can last between 15 and 20 years.
Is it OK to pressure wash a cedar fence?
If dirt becomes built up on the fence, the cedar can decrease in water resistance from lack of natural oils. Pressure washing your cedar fence and then applying a stain is the best way to keep your fence in its best condition, giving your yard the beauty it deserves.
How long does it take a cedar fence to turn GREY?
After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. After that, the color will rapidly change from red to gray.
Can you stop cedar going GREY?
But you can delay the greying process by using UV-resistant wood finishing products and keeping the finish of your exterior wood in good condition. These UV-resistant products are ideal for providing extra protection for wooden cladding, garden sheds, wooden decking and garden furniture against the elements.
Is it better to stain or seal a fence?
Unlike sealers, stains penetrate into the wood. Although a wood stain is more expensive than a sealer, it can last up to 5 times longer and looks more professional. So you certainly get your money’s worth. Here at DeckMaster™, we recommend using wood stains for your deck and fence maintenance.
How long should you wait before staining a new cedar fence?
Remember, if you install a cedar fence it will need 5-7 weeks to dry in the sun before it will be ready for any kind of staining or treatment.
Do you need to seal both sides of a cedar fence?
If the fence is quality built from cedar, you do not need to seal. The posts (if wooden) and creavices/cracks will rot out long before the open parts of the boards will. If the fence is made from pine / doug fir / larch, then you want to seal.
