Having a wood fence in your backyard is more than just a matter of privacy. Your garden fence can establish the aesthetics of your garden.
Cedarwood is an excellent option for fencing, as these fence panels are long-lasting and durable. Cedar might not be the most affordable of wooden fences available, but the fence installation and upkeep are relatively easy.
A cedar fence will offer you security as well as add beauty to your garden.
These fences come in different sizes and shapes, making them fairly versatile to use in your garden design. The wood grain, textures and colours of this wood can compliment any landscape design aesthetic, while the natural oils in the wood protect the fence from termites and rot due to being exposed to the soil and surrounding environment.
Let’s take a closer look at why you should choose this fence material for your home.
Why You Should Choose Cedar Fence Panels
Here are some reasons why you should consider a cedar wood fence.
Repels insects and resists decay
Cedar wood contains natural oils that repel wood-boring insects and decay. This means that your wood fence is rot-resistant.
This wood also deters other critters, like deer and rabbits, making it great for those living near the woodlands who want to keep wildlife out of their gardens.
Does not require chemical treatment
Cedar fence posts are considered environmentally friendly as the posts and panels do not require chemical treatment, meaning no chemicals will seep into the soil. The lack of chemical treatment is due to the natural oils that protect the wood.
Easy to install with little maintenance required
Cedar panels and posts are very easy to install. The cedar posts are simply driven into the ground and can be done without the help of professionals.
These wood fences are also incredibly easy to maintain. They do not require any treatment as they are naturally resistant to water, decay and insects, and can last for many years.
Beautiful grain pattern
Cedar is one of the most beautiful woods available to homeowners. The natural grain pattern of this wood will add to the beauty of your garden. It offers a modern, clean look.
This type of wood also looks beautiful when stained. You can turn your garden fence into a feature by staining the wood red, white or grey.
Strong and durable material
Cedar is incredibly durable. It is a top choice for a wood fence, as it does not require any treatment to make it weather resistant.
Resistant to bad weather conditions
Cedar wood is naturally resistant to all weather conditions. This wood will not fade nor weaken due to the sun’s UV rays and is also naturally water-resistant so it will not rot or warp in the wet UK winter.
Affordable compared to other fences
Although cedar is a bit more expensive than other woods, it is still more affordable than aluminium or vinyl fencing.
It is also certainly worth the investment. The higher initial cost allows you to get a wood fence that is durable, beautiful, eco-friendly and low maintenance.
Provides privacy
Most fences are built for privacy and security, and cedar is no different. Boards can be placed tightly against each other, to construct a high, impermeable fence without any holes or slots.
Cedar has the versatility to give you the level of privacy you desire – you can construct a 2-meter tall fence, or decide on quaint picket fencing along your front yard.
Can be stained
Although cedar wood is naturally beautiful, you can also stain it using wood stain to match your fence to your garden design. For example, you can stain the wood red if you wish to match your house’s cladding, or grey if you want an unobtrusive modern look.
Types of Cedar Fence Panels
There are two main types of cedar panels: northern white cedar and western red cedar.
- Northern white cedar is considered the stronger of the two variants and is most commonly used for fencing. Despite its strength, it can still be shaped and moulded to create intricate designs. This type of cedar is longer lasting than western red cedar.It is highly resistant to termites, water and snow. It is also maintenance-free and is a popular choice for residential and commercial properties.
- Western red cedar trees grow in wet climates and are naturally water-resistant. Western red cedar grows incredibly tall, which means different types of grains and textures can be sourced from a single tree. The high variety of this type of wood means it is perfect for fencing as the different textures and grain patterns are a beautiful addition to the garden.
Any fencing company will agree that cedar is the top fencing material because of its durability and workability. This type of wood is ideal for outdoor use due to its natural resistance to water and insects. Cedar wood is great for both decks and fences.
Although other woods are also well-suited for fencing, such as pine fences, you get the best results with either of the two types of cedar wood. Cedar is a bit more expensive than pine, but the easy installation, long life and low maintenance make it worth the price in the long term.
Facts About Cedar Fence Panels
Here are some facts about cedar panels that you might consider when deciding on your fencing material.
Aesthetics
Cedar fences can be very tall to provide you with the best privacy and security. They are great – yet beautiful – barriers between you and your neighbours, or you and the rest of the world.
The addition of this type of fence to your home will also increase your house value and curb appeal.
Both types of cedar discussed above have their own unique features and look, however, they are both extremely durable and long-lasting. This wood is naturally rot-resistant thanks to the cedar oil, which means you do not have to worry about your fence becoming unsightly in the future.
So, if you are looking for a new fence that will offer you privacy without ruining the beauty of your garden, cedar fence panels are the way to go.
Durability
As mentioned above, cedar fencing is incredibly durable. This type of wood will stand the test of time, without warping, rotting, or getting devoured by insects.
Typically, a cedar fence will last for around 12 to 15 years with very little upkeep required.
Although this fencing type is low-maintenance, it does require a bit of attention if you want to maximise its lifespan.
Maintenance
Cedar does not require the same amount of maintenance as pressure-treated pine fences or other woods, however, it does require some level of care to maintain its durability. Cedar is a rich-looking wood, and a little bit of upkeep will ensure this fence remains beautiful and sturdy for a long time.
Cedar requires the following maintenance:
- Cleaning: you can use a broom or brush to occasionally wipe down the boards and posts. You can also wash the fence with a water and soap solution if it gets particularly dirty.
- Keep the grass short: You want to mow the grass against the fence so that it does not grow in between the boards.
- Paint or stain the wood: Although this is not a must, using an outdoor paint specifically for wood, or a durable wood stain, will ensure that the wood fences last a long time.
Cost
Although cedar wood is slightly more expensive than other types of wooden fences, it is actually more cost-effective due to the properties of the wood.
Cedar fences are incredibly durable, will last for many years, and do not require any kind of treatment to ensure their longevity.
The higher initial costs will provide you with gorgeous wood fencing that will not cost you anything in the foreseeable future.
Benefits of Cedar Planks
Cedar planks are the first choice of many fencing companies. This type of wood is easy to work with and can be carved or moulded into a variety of different sizes or shapes to create visually interesting fences.
These planks are incredibly strong, and once the tree is cut, the wood does not require a lot of maintenance. The natural water and termite resistance make this wood ideal for outside wooden structures such as fences, decks, walkways or even cladding.
The wood has a pretty natural grain and texture which can be painted, stained, or left natural to compliment any garden aesthetic. The versatility of cedar makes it great for tall privacy fences, picket fences, lattice work, and decks.
Cedar fencing is very easy to install. You can install it yourself with a little DIY knowledge, or you can have a fence company come to assist with the fence installation. Even if you hire professionals to do it, you don’t have to worry about high labour costs because of the ease of installation.
Because of the slow-growing nature of cedar trees, the planks tend to have a straight grain, without many knots. This is very beneficial, as it ensures that the cedar boards do not warp as they age – a common occurrence with treated wood boards.
The natural red hue of western red cedar, and the white accents of northern white cedar, make this type of fencing a pretty addition to any garden.
These planks also have a very distinct, pleasing aroma. And this smell is not just nice to have in your garden, but also serves a purpose. The scent comes from the cedar oil, which acts as an insect repellant that will prevent your fences from becoming destroyed by termites and other wood-borers.
The natural chemical composition of the wood also prevents rot and water damage, which means your fence can last anywhere from 12 to 20 years with very little upkeep. Comparatively, pressure-treated pine only lasts for about 10 years, and also requires a lot more maintenance.
Disadvantages of Cedar Wood
Unfortunately, there are a couple of disadvantages of using cedar panels for fencing, however, the pros mentioned above definitely still outweigh the cons.
Needs protection from the sun
Although cedar is naturally resistant to the sun’s UV rays, homeowners must still apply UV protection once a year. If you do not protect your cedar fence from the sun, you will notice that its natural colour will fade over time and the fence will become grey.
You can use a wood stain that doubles as a UV protectant to keep your fence looking brand new for many years.
Lower soil resistance
Despite the amazing water resistance of this wood, cedar fence panels struggle a bit when it remains in contact with wet soil. Other types of wood fencing, like pine, is more soil resistant and will not rot when in constant contact with damp earth.
High costs
Cedar is the most expensive wood fencing available. This high cost is definitely a worthy investment though, as the fence will last for many years and you will not have to pay large sums of money for frequent maintenance.
Cedar allergies
Not a lot of people are allergic to cedar, but there are some rare cases where allergies occur. Cedar allergy symptoms include redness, swelling and severe itching. If you or anyone in your family is allergic to cedar, it will be best to opt for alternative fencing material, like composite fencing.
Colour Fades
When exposed to the sun without UV protection, the colour of the cedar fence will fade. This is not a major disadvantage, as you can simply apply wood stain to refresh your paint. But, if you wish to have a fence that maintains its colour from the day you purchased it to the day you have to replace it ten years down the line, then a cedar fence is not the fence for you.
FAQs
Why should I opt for cedar fencing?
The real question is, why wouldn’t you go for cedar fencing? Cedar is one of the most durable fencing materials, and it is also naturally resistant to termites and water damage. Cedar fences last for many years and do not require a lot of upkeep.
Can I install cedar fence posts by myself?
Yes, you do not have to pay for professional installation. You can easily install a cedar fence yourself without complicated woodworking tools. You also do not have to worry about chemically treating the wood before installation, as the natural oils in the wood protect the wood from wood-boring insects and rot.
Are cedar fence panels environmentally friendly?
Yes, cedar is incredibly environmentally friendly. The oils found in the wood negate the need for chemical treatment, so you do not have to worry about chemicals seeping into your soil or the surrounding environment. The lack of chemicals makes cedar ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
What maintenance does my cedar fence require?
Cedar requires very little maintenance, however, you can do your bit to ensure you get the longest lifespan possible from the wood. You can apply a wood stain with UV protection every year or two, and also apply a wood preservative to make the wood last as long as possible.
You should also clean your fence – simply use a broom or elbow grease and some soapy water to keep your fence looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
Cedar combines beauty with functionality. The natural grains and texture of this wood make it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any garden, while the durability of the wood makes it ideal for a security fence or to ensure privacy from nosy neighbours.
The low-maintenance and easy installation makes this the ideal choice of fencing material.
This type of fencing is a great choice for homeowners in the UK, as it can withstand the harsh UK winters due to it being naturally resistant to water and snow. It also comes with a built-in insect repellant, so you do not have to worry about termite damage.
Cedar fence panels are available in a variety of sizes, making them great for tall security fences or adorable picket fences.
Ultimately, the choice of fencing is entirely up to you and your style, but the benefits of a cedar fence are clear: they are easy to install, easy to maintain, will last for many years, and are resistant to bugs and rot.
