English   Spanish

New Winter Hours Starting in November. Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm Closed Sat-Sun

English   Spanish

When it comes to fencing and decking, cedar has been a popular choice for many years. But why is that? What advantages are there when it comes to using cedar for decking and fencing projects? Find out below as you read what a few of our readers have to say.
Jen Stark

Jen Stark

Jen Stark is the founder of Happy DIY Home.

4 Reasons Homeowners Choose Cedar

Cedar is a very popular type of wood for your fencing or decking projects, but what are the biggest reasons people pay more for it? These reasons include [the following]:

    Durability – Cedar has a natural rot and mold resistance that doesn’t require any sealant to keep it looking nice. It can last for years exposed to moisture or the elements without developing issues with mold or rot.

    Natural Weathered Look – If you don’t seal your cedar wood, it’ll slowly develop a naturally weathered look in a few years with a soft gray color and distressed look.

    Sound-Resistant – Cedar is naturally a very porous wood, [which] means that it absorbs sounds very well. So, if you use it for fencing, it can help block out noise.

    Insect Repellant – Cedar offers natural insect-repellent properties, making it great if you live in an area with termites or wood-boring insects. Your deck or fence can last longer without you having to apply pesticides.

Durable and Low-Maintenance

Cedar is a very durable wood, as it is naturally insect and rot-resistant. It will need little to no maintenance, making it very handy to have as decking or fencing.

A disadvantage of cedar is that although its lifespan is around 15-20 years, it can fade into dull gray over time. [This] may put some people off if their deck is a statement piece.

Granger McCollough

Granger McCollough

Granger McCollough, CEO & Founder of Elite Patio Direct.

Kamil Kowalski

Kamil Kowalski

Kamil Kowalski, President of LimakWay Remodeling.

Long-Lasting

Cedar decking and fencing are beautiful, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. The natural oils in cedar help it resist decay and insects [such as] termites. The dark coloration of the wood protects it from the sun’s harmful rays. Cedar also has low shrinkage when it’s exposed to water, and is able to withstand high temperatures.

[Cedar can] last up to 50 years without needing any maintenance or replacement. [It also] provides an elegant look with its light coloration.

Beautiful, Durable, And Easy To Install

When it comes to decking and fencing, cedar offers a number of advantages that make it a popular choice among homeowners and contractors alike. Here are just a few of the benefits of using cedar:

First, cedar is an incredibly durable wood. It is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, meaning it will last for many years with proper care. This makes it an ideal material for both decking and fencing projects.

Second, cedar is a beautiful wood. Its rich color and grain pattern add visual appeal to any outdoor space.

Cedar is also a relatively light wood, making it easy to work with during installation. It can be cut, drilled, and shaped. Cedar’s tight grain pattern also makes it one of the most stable woods available for outdoor construction, helping to minimize warping and cupping over time.

Viktor Dub

Viktor Dub

Viktor Dub is the owner of TheDIYPlan.com.

Joe Ferguson

Joe Ferguson

Joe Ferguson, Architectural Joiner at SkirtingsRus.

Weather-Resistant, Durable, and Sustainable

Cedar decking and fencing are weather-resistant materials [that] have been preferred by builders for years. Cedar materials are durable and are now sustainably farmed and harvested. Its scent is also known to be a natural insect repellent.

This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.