Water can be both a friend and foe to your cedar fence. While cedar’s natural oils help it repel moisture, standing water can still cause damage over time. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, be mindful of water pooling around the base of the posts, which can lead to rotting.
How to prevent water damage:
Ensure proper drainage: Make sure water flows freely around the fence and doesn’t pool around the posts. If you notice standing water, consider improving the drainage around your fence line.
Add gravel around the posts: For added protection against water, add a layer of gravel around the base of the fence posts to promote drainage and keep the posts from sitting in moisture.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: If your fence is located in a low-lying area prone to pooling water, consider adding a French drain or improving the grading of the land to prevent water from accumulating near the fence.
6. Seasonal Maintenance
Cedar fences, like any outdoor structure, are exposed to the elements year-round. In areas with harsh winters or hot summers, it’s important to prepare your fence for the changing seasons to ensure its longevity.
How to care for your cedar fence seasonally:
Before winter: Inspect your fence for any damage, especially if heavy snow or ice is common in your area. If your fence is prone to sagging, reinforce it before the weather worsens.
Before summer: Apply a fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect the wood from UV rays and harsh sun exposure. Clean the fence to remove dirt and debris that could affect its appearance.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: Regularly checking your fence before the extreme seasons hit will ensure it’s in good shape and prepared to handle whatever weather comes its way.
Final Thoughts on Cedar Wood Fence Maintenance
Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your cedar fence looking beautiful and lasting for years to come. By cleaning it regularly, staining or sealing it every few years, and performing routine inspections and repairs, you can protect your investment and enjoy the natural beauty of cedar for decades.
At Fleetwood Fence, we specialize in cedar fence installation and maintenance. If you ever need assistance with your cedar fence—whether it’s routine maintenance, repairs, or a complete replacement—we’re here to help.
Why Cedar Wood Fences Are the Most Versatile and Durable Option – Fleetwood Fence Explains
When it comes to choosing a fence for your home, durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal are probably at the top of your list. While there are many materials to choose from, cedar wood fences stand out as one of the best options. With their natural beauty and long-lasting performance, cedar fences have earned a reputation for being both versatile and durable, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to invest in a high-quality fence that will stand the test of time.
At Fleetwood Fence, we specialize in installing and maintaining cedar wood fences, and we’re here to explain why this timeless material continues to be a top choice for homeowners.
1. Natural Durability and Resistance to the Elements
One of the primary reasons why cedar wood fences are so durable is the wood’s natural resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage. Unlike many other types of wood, cedar contains natural oils that act as a defense against moisture and insects, making it naturally rot-resistant. This gives cedar an impressive longevity, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall.
Why it matters:
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Long-lasting performance: Cedar’s resistance to the elements means you’ll enjoy a fence that lasts for years without the worry of rotting or warping.
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Protection against pests: Cedar’s natural oils also help keep termites, ants, and other wood-destroying pests away.
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Low maintenance: Cedar fences require less frequent maintenance compared to other wood options, saving you both time and money in the long run.
2. Versatility in Design and Style
Whether you're looking for a classic picket fence, a tall privacy barrier, or a modern horizontal slat design, cedar wood is incredibly versatile. It can be customized to suit almost any architectural style, from traditional to contemporary.
Why it matters:
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Customizable appearance: Cedar can be cut, shaped, and stained in a variety of ways to match the aesthetic of your home and landscape. Whether you prefer a rustic look or a sleek, modern design, cedar adapts to your vision.
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Variety of styles: Cedar can be used for a range of fence styles, including picket fences, privacy fences, lattice-top fences, and board-on-board fences, making it ideal for homeowners with different needs.
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Complementing natural surroundings: The natural hues of cedar—ranging from reddish-brown to honey-gold—blend beautifully with natural surroundings, making it perfect for gardens, backyards, or homes with a rustic or natural design.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: Cedar fences can be stained in a variety of colors, from natural clear sealants that enhance the wood’s color to darker, richer tones that provide a more elegant look. You can even let it age naturally for that classic weathered look.
3. Superior Strength and Stability
Cedar is not only beautiful, but it is also strong and stable. Unlike some other types of wood, cedar is known for its ability to retain its structural integrity over time. This means your cedar fence will stand strong and maintain its shape and functionality, even in harsh weather conditions.
Why it matters:
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Withstands heavy winds: Cedar is known for its ability to handle high winds without warping or bowing. This makes it an excellent choice for areas prone to storms.
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Resilient against temperature fluctuations: Cedar can adapt to both hot summers and cold winters without losing its strength or shape. It’s less likely to crack or splinter compared to other types of wood.
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Sturdy construction: Cedar posts and boards offer excellent structural support, making it suitable for taller fences or fences that need to endure physical stress, such as those used for security or privacy.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: Cedar wood is naturally dense, which helps it resist damage from impacts or pressure. This makes it a great option if you need a fence that will stand strong and last for decades.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Cedar is a renewable resource, making it a more environmentally-friendly option compared to other types of fencing materials. Many cedar fences are made from wood sourced from sustainable forests, so you can feel good about your choice in terms of environmental impact.
Why it matters:
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Sustainable sourcing: Cedar wood used in fences is often harvested from managed forests that prioritize sustainability, making it a greener option for eco-conscious homeowners.
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Biodegradable: Cedar is a natural material that biodegrades over time, unlike synthetic materials like vinyl or metal, which can remain in landfills for hundreds of years.
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Reduced chemical exposure: Cedar wood does not require the use of toxic chemicals for maintenance, unlike some treated woods, which may use harmful preservatives that can leach into the soil.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: Cedar is one of the best choices for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly fence that offers both aesthetic value and environmental benefits.
5. Natural Beauty and Aesthetic Appeal
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons cedar is so beloved is its natural beauty. Cedar has a rich, warm color that looks stunning in any setting, from suburban homes to country estates. Over time, cedar develops a charming weathered patina, adding character to your property and enhancing the overall curb appeal.
Why it matters:
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Warm, natural look: Cedar’s rich, reddish-brown tones bring warmth and elegance to your yard, making it an attractive addition to any landscape.
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Aging beautifully: As cedar ages, it develops a beautiful silver-gray color, adding a rustic charm that only improves with time.
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Enhanced curb appeal: Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s value or simply improve its visual appeal, a cedar fence adds a timeless look that blends well with a variety of landscapes.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: To maintain cedar’s natural beauty, we recommend using a clear sealant or stain to protect the wood from the sun’s UV rays. This helps keep the wood’s vibrant color while extending its lifespan.
People looking for a unique, eye-catching fence design
Advantages:
Sleek, modern appearance that stands out.
Provides privacy while still allowing some airflow.
Easy to maintain with fewer seams to clean.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: Horizontal slat fences work well with both natural wood finishes and painted designs to give your fence a distinct, modern look.
8. Bamboo Fence: Eco-Friendly & Unique
For a more eco-friendly option, a bamboo fence can be a great alternative to traditional wood fences. While technically not made of wood, bamboo is a strong, sustainable material that can give your yard a unique, exotic look. Bamboo fences can be installed as panels or woven into a frame.
Best for:
People seeking a natural, tropical aesthetic.
Environmentally-conscious homeowners.
Areas with mild climates.
Advantages:
Sustainable and eco-friendly material.
Provides a unique, exotic look that stands out.
Requires little maintenance.
Fleetwood Fence Tip: Bamboo fences are often used for privacy in tropical-themed or Zen gardens and can be combined with other wood fence styles for a custom look.