Cedar fencing stands as a popular and timeless choice for homeowners seeking a balance between natural aesthetics and functional durability—it’s also one of the top three fencing choices here on Vancouver Island. Renowned for its rich, warm tones and distinctive grain patterns, cedar enhances the visual appeal of any property. Cedar is also a great option for those looking for a strong fence that can withstand Vancouver Island windstorms. However, this classic choice is not without its considerations. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of cedar fencing so that we can help you choose exactly what kind of fencing is right for you and your project.
PROS OF CEDAR FENCING
Here are some of the benefits of choosing cedar fencing for your next project:
- Cedar fencing is a strong choice. If your cedar fence is installed correctly with concrete in each hole, even the powerful windstorms we see here on Vancouver Island won’t affect your fence.
- Cedar fencing is easy to work with. This means that it can be molded into a variety of aesthetically pleasing designs, enhancing the uniqueness of your property and matching the vision you have for your yard.
- Cedar fencing can be stained or painted in all kinds of colours. This means your cedar fence can look exactly the way you want it.
- Cedar fencing has a natural look that never goes out of style. It looks especially good surrounding Vancouver Island properties, matching the natural beauty of our island.
- When you choose cedar fencing, you’ll notice that it blocks out sound better than other fences, giving you more peace and quiet in your yard.
- When it comes to maintenance, individual cedar fence posts can be replaced when needed. This means you don’t have to take down and replace an entire fence just to fix one portion.
CONS OF CEDAR FENCING
Let’s take a look at some of the potential drawbacks of choosing a cedar fence:
- Cedar fencing always comes with a “good side” and a “bad side.” This means you’ll have to decide whether you or your neighbour will be looking at the “bad side” from their property.
- Cedar fencing will naturally weather to a silver-grey over time. This means you’ll need to provide consistent maintenance to ensure that it stays the colour you want. This involves long-lasting colour and protection products, as well as penetrating sealant that should be applied immediately after installation. Reapplication should be done every two or three years.
- Cedar posts do tend to rot at the soil level over time. This can mean replacing them sooner than the rest of your fence.
- Termites and other insects are drawn to cedar fencing, so this is something to keep a watchful eye for.
- You’ll likely have extra labour costs when you choose cedar fencing—each post hole requires concrete to provide the additional strength it needs to remain secure.
- Finally, cedar fencing does not come with a warranty.
LONGEVITY OF CEDAR FENCING
If cedar fencing is what you decide on, you can expect your fence to last somewhere between 15 and 20 years. However, keep in mind that this applies to cedar fences that are properly maintained on a regular basis.
OTHER FENCING OPTIONS
Two of our other most popular fencing options include vinyl and metal fencing. Both of these also come with their benefits and potential drawbacks, which we’ll be covering in some upcoming blogs posts. If you’d like to learn more about cedar or any of our other fencing options, you can contact Preferred Choice Fencing and speak to Cliff, our consultant and installation expert.
Choosing the right fence for you isn’t always the easiest task. We know there are a lot of different factors to consider, and we want to make sure that you’re happy with the final product. Give us a call today, and we’ll chat with you about all your needs and what your goals for your next fencing project are. We can’t wait to hear from you!