Cedar vs Pine Fence

Fencing is a significant investment, and it's essential to make an informed decision when choosing the right materials for your fence. Two of the most popular materials in the DFW area are pressure-treated pine and cedar. Both are durable, resistant to rot and pests, and can be stained. However, each material has its pros and cons, and it's essential to understand the differences to make the best choice for your needs.

Pressure-Treated Pine: A Cost-Effective Option Pressure-treated pine is a type of wood that has been chemically treated with a preservative to protect it from rot and insects. This material is significantly less expensive than cedar, making it a cost-effective option for many homeowners. The treated pine is stronger than cedar, which makes it a durable option for fencing. However, it's essential to note that treated pine is delivered wet, and it will require some time to dry before it can be stained. Additionally, this material is prone to warping, twisting, and cracking, which can affect the appearance of your fence over time. To solve these issues, there is a product called KDAT or kiln-dried after treatment lumber, which is kiln-dried after the treatment process and less prone to warping and twisting. However, this product costs more than the traditional treated pine but less than cedar.

Cedar: A Timeless Material Cedar is a popular choice for fencing due to its natural resistance to insects. This wood is known for its tannin oils, which insects do not like, making it an ideal choice for pest resistance. Cedar is also a lightweight wood, which is beneficial for the structure of your fence. Unlike treated pine, cedar has a beautiful natural appearance and does not need to be stained. Staining is a protective process that can add to the durability and longevity of a fence. However, a cedar fence can be treated shortly after installation for added protection. If you are looking for a high-quality fence that will last a long time and look great, cedar is an excellent option.

Combining Materials for the Best Results At Fort Worth Fence Pros, we believe that there is a happy medium when it comes to fence materials. Combining pressure-treated pine and cedar can achieve the highest quality fence at the most cost-effective price. We believe that KDAT is superior to cedar when it comes to fence rails and prefer to use this material for every fence we construct. On the other hand, we believe that cedar is the finest natural fence picket you can buy and is far superior to a treated pine picket. This way, you get the benefits of both materials, without having to sacrifice quality or affordability.

Picket Options When choosing pickets for your fence, there are some things to consider. Pressure-treated pine pickets are a cost-saving option, but they are prone to shrinkage and movement, which can affect the appearance of your fence. For this reason, it's advised not to build a board-on-board type of fence with treated pine pickets. Instead, treated pickets are best used for shadow box and side-by-side fence styles. On the other hand, cedar pickets are ideal for board-on-board fences, as they offer complete privacy. Rot boards or kick boards should always be made of ground-contact treated wood to ensure durability and longevity.

Pressure-treated pine and cedar are both popular materials for fencing in the DFW area. Both materials have their pros and cons, and it's essential to understand the differences to make an informed decision. At Fort Worth Fence Pros, we believe that combining materials can produce a cost effective and superior product.