Why Cedar Is Essentially The Best Wood For Fencing
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of species of wood out there. Many of them can be used to make a suitable fence, but few make for a truly top-notch fence. If there is one wood that really stands head-and-shoulders above the rest as a fencing option, it's cedar. Here's why cedar is the king of the wood fencing world.
The wood bees will leave it alone.
If you've ever had a wood bee build a nest in your fence, you know how annoying this situation can be. Wood bees don't typically sting, but their extensive nests can weaken fence posts, and finding the nest to kill the bee can be time-consuming and difficult. This won't be something you have to deal with when you choose cedar as your fencing wood. Cedar's potent essential oils repel all sorts of insects, including wood bees, termites, and carpenter ants.
The cedar will age attractively.
Many kinds of wood look nice when they are new, but as they weather, they start to look pitted and gross. This is not an issue with cedar. It ages gorgeously, taking on a weathered, gray, beach-like look after a year or two. You can finish cedar wood if you like, but most people leave it unfinished and let it develop this natural patina. This reduces the need for maintenance and also means your backyard continues to look attractive as the fence ages.
The fence boards won't bow and warp.
Many types of wood tend to bow and warp as they age since various types of tissue within the wood absorb or release water at different rates. This can lead to a fence that looks wavy and uneven with gaps and empty spaces. Cedar fencing does not bow and warp like this. It stays straight as it ages, so if you have a solid fence, it won't develop gaps between the boards — and if you have a post-and-rail fence, those rails will remain straight and true.
Cedar is cost-effective in the long run.
Yes, you can get a pine fence a lot cheaper than you can get a cedar fence. However, consider that the pine fence will start to look pretty deteriorated in 5 years, and will probably need to be replaced in 10 years. A cedar fence will last closer to 20 years. Cedar is not even close to twice the cost of pine, so that makes it a more affordable choice in the long run.
Cedar fencing has so many advantages. Definitely push it to the top of your list of fencing options. For more information about cedar fencing, contact a fence contractor.
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