When it comes to choosing a type of fence to put up around your home or business, typically the most popular choice is a cedar fence. When maintained properly, cedar fence can not only be the most cost effective product on the market but can be designed to suit your needs.
Why Cedar Over Other Materials?
This answer varies from homeowner to homeowner, but there are a few main points when it comes to wood fences. Cost usually is the #1 factor. It is typically less expensive than its counter product in vinyl, composite, or wrought iron. Also, cedar has the natural look and feel and usually goes really well with its surroundings. When it comes to design, it’s hard to beat cedar. From privacy to split rail, you can choose how you want your fence to look.
Which Grade of Cedar is the Best?
Good questions? Cedar is usually graded on a few factors such as defects or holes. In a nutshell, typically cedar is rated from a #1 grade all the way to a #3 grade. Most contractors will use a #3 grade because out of the 3, it’s the less expensive. Although they call it a #3 with no holes, the cedar pickets will have knots in them and you take the risk of those knots falling out over time. A #1 grade cedar picket won’t have any holes or knots and usually have very little to no defect on them. The same goes for your posts and trim. The great part about cedar, you can mix and match to your liking to make it more cost effective.
Can I Install It Myself?
Out of all the styles of fence, cedar is the most forgiving style of fence to install. Before starting any project, make sure you have the proper tools and instructions so that your fence ends up straight. If done wrong, you can bet your fence will probably fall over. Most suppliers are willing to help you in every way they can.
Treating Your Cedar Fence?
There are several brands of stain out there that can be used on your fence. Most people will choose a transparent or semi-transparent color. This allows for the maximum penetration and still give the cedar its wood grain look. Here are a few things to look for in a product that will give you the maximum benefit for your money:
- High quality, deep penetrating natural oils used to replenish and revive the composition of the wood.
- Highest quality trans-oxide and finely ground iron oxide pigments that lessen the damaging effect of harsh UV rays while providing ample color choices for consumers.
- UV inhibitors to further lessen the effects of harmful UV rays and keep the color consistent through the duration of the warranty.
- Synthetic resins designed to promote maximum adhesion and penetration to the wood while beautifying the finished appearance of the wood structure.
- The latest available mildew ides and fungicides to repel the growth of harmful mildew and fungus spores that decay wood and turn the fence gray in appearance.
- Water-repellent silicone to repel water, decreasing the damage associated with warping, swelling and cupping.