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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 an untreated 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. Cedar consistently outlasts other wood species. A spruce fence typically lasts only four to seven years.
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 long will an unstained cedar fence last?
Natural life of wood The most commonly used wood types for fences are cedar, spruce, and pine. Depending on the species, cedar may last for about 15-30 years, spruce may last for about 4-7 years, and pine may last for about 5-12 years.
How can I make my cedar fence last longer?
Use exterior oil-based stain or latex paint, which will seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, limit the amount of weathering and extend the life of the wood. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. Let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant.
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.
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?
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.
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 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 cedar or pine better 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.
How long does it take a cedar fence to 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.
How do you keep cedar from turning GREY?
To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.
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.
Should I paint or stain my cedar fence?
Cedar wood does not take paint well, and paint can actually reduce the lifespan of your cedar fence. For this type of wood, we recommend an oil-based stain or an oil-based wood treatment such as linseed oil to preserve the raw look of the wood.
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.
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.
