Pressure treated pine and cedar are the most popular fence materials, but it can be hard to decide between them. Each wood has its benefits and drawbacks. In some cases, you may want to use both. This guide will help you decide the best wood for your fence.
Fence Appearance
You can see the first difference between pine and cedar with your naked eyes. The beautiful grain pattern and reddish color of cedar make it easy to recognize. Cedar is warm and rich in appearance. Pine is a lighter wood, with a range of colors from very light brown to cream.
Pine must be pressure treated to resist the elements. It can take on a slightly greenish tint in certain places and may not look as natural as it should. Cedar doesn’t need to be treated in the same manner. Cedar is more natural-looking, and therefore more appealing than other options.
Used Commonly For Fences
Pine is best used indoors, and not outdoors. Pine is an affordable and readily available softwood that can be used for furniture such as cabinets, drawers, tables and wardrobes. It can also be used to frame windows and doors. You can easily paint and stain it, which allows for versatility in interior design and decoration. However, you must chemically treat it when outside.
Cedar is a softwood similar to pine, but it is stronger and more resistant than pine. It can withstand the outdoors without any treatment. Cedar is a popular choice for yard furniture and outdoor tables. Cedar can also be used indoors for items such as wardrobes, chests and musical instruments. It is well-known for its unique grain and red appearance.
Both cedar and pine can be used interchangeably for fences depending on their owner’s preference. Both are equally good for fencing, but they have different aesthetic qualities. For those looking for a long-lasting, beautiful fence, pine is the best choice.
Cedar Or Pine Wood Fence Installation
There is no significant difference in the installation of cedar and pine fences. However, there are some things you should keep in mind. For example, cedar planks are lighter than pressure-treated pine so they are easier for people to transport and lift.
Cedar is harder to find than pine in hardware stores, making it more difficult for you to plan your installation.
Professional installation is generally recommended for fence installations. However, those who have a lot of DIY experience and are able to enlist the help of friends or family may be able do it themselves.
Cedar VS Pine Fences Price Comparison
Pressure-treated pine is more expensive than cedar. Cedar is more rare, more durable, and more attractive than pine.
Expect to pay $20-30 per linear foot for a pine fence. This includes labor and material costs. An average residential backyard fence measuring 150 feet in length will cost you anywhere from $1,500 up to $3,000.
The cost of a cedar fence is between $20 and $35 per linear foot, which includes materials and installation. The total cost for a 150-foot fence is between $3,000 and $5,250.
How To Properly Treat & Maintain Your Cedar Or Pine Wood Fence
The main difference between cedar and pine fences lies in the fact that pine must be pressure-treated. This means that different chemical preservatives can be applied to planks to protect them against weather, bugs and other elements that could cause wood to rot or break down.
Pine fences require extra maintenance to avoid rotting. They should be checked and cleaned on an annual basis. Any rotting parts need to also be replaced. This wood requires regular sealing, repainting, or re-staining.
Cedar is stronger than pine and does not require pressure treatment. Cedar requires less care, but it is still very easy to maintain. Cedar fences need to be cleaned with a water and soap solution once a year. Also, they should be inspected for signs of rot or loose boards. Cedar’s color will fade over time, unless it is cleaned with a pressure washer.
Durability Differences Cedar VS Pines Fences
Cedar is the more durable and stronger of the two wood types. Cedar does not require any special treatment. It is resistant to the elements and has a low chance of shrinking or warping.
Pine is more susceptible to buckling, warping, and shrinking. Pine is also more sensitive to the elements. Pine can quickly become damaged and weathered if it is not taken care of properly.
Although cedar is stronger, pressure-treated pine is more resistant to dirt. Many people choose cedar fence panels and pine fence posts.
Lifespan Of A Wood Fence
Pine fences last for between 10 and 15 years while cedar fences can last up to 20-25 years if properly maintained. This means that pine fences last about half the time as cedar. However, you can prolong the life of your fence’s lifespan by regularly cleaning and inspecting it.
Smell
Cedar’s clear advantage in this area is its odor. While pine fences don’t have an identifiable smell, cedar has a pleasant aroma. It is popular as a cabin flooring and indoor furniture material.
Thujaplicin is the main reason that cedar smells so good. There are many types of cedar and their odors vary in intensity. The strongest smell is found in Western Red Cedar 3.
Climate Considerations Related To Wood Fences
When choosing between pine and cedar fences, you should consider the climate of your region. It is crucial to consider the humidity levels in your area as well as the amount of rain.
Cedar is a more dry wood than pine. Cedar is able to withstand dry conditions, but boards can expand in humid areas, which can lead to problems.
Pine grows better in humid environments, but it must be allowed to dry before it is installed in extremely dry areas. It may shrink or buckle if the conditions are not right.
Environmental Concerns? Are There Any Regarding A Wood Fence?
Cedar fences are one of the most environmentally-friendly options. Cedar does not need any chemical treatment like pine so you don’t have to worry about chemicals getting into the soil or surrounding environment. The local ecosystem can be affected by the chemical treatment of a pine fence.
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