Cedar and pine fences are frequently selected as fencing solutions. They are highly appreciated for the way they enhance the appearance of a home. Homeowners are attracted to these options due to their eco-friendly characteristics, low upkeep, and their potential to boost property value.
But if you have to choose between the two, which one should you go for?
Here is a detailed comparison of these two fencing options that will come in handy in helping you to make up your mind.
Cedar is a better material for a fence because it can withstand the elements better. It is less demanding in terms of maintenance. It is also naturally resistant to insect infestations and rotting. And when you consider the beautiful natural colors and tones that the wood comes in, and the fact that it is a more eco-friendly option, it is easy to see why it is one of the best wooden fence materials in the market.
Cost of cedar and pine fence
The following is a breakdown of the average price range of cedar and pine fences.
| Material | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $15 per linear foot | $30per linear foot |
| Pine | $10 per linear foot | $25 per linear foot |
Maintenance of cedar and pine fence
Cedar fences require less maintenance than pine fences. This is because cedar is naturally tougher, resistant to weather elements, and less susceptible to warping, rotting, buckling, and splitting.
Installation of cedar and pine fence
Both cedar and pine fences are easy to install mainly because they are softwoods. They are thus light materials.
A cedar fence tends to be easier to install because cedar is usually lighter than pressure-treated pine. However, since pine fencing materials are more readily available in the market, they tend to make it easier to schedule installation and set up predictable installation timelines.
Durability of cedar and pine fence
Cedar fences are more durable than pine fences. They tend to last about twice as long in that they tend to have a lifespan of about 30 years compared to a pine fence’s 15 years.
Security of cedar and pine fence
Both cedar and pine fences are good at providing security and privacy. However, given that cedar tends to be tougher and more durable than pine, it is a better option as far as security is concerned.
The pros and cons of cedar fence
Cedar fences are a popular fencing option among homeowners. And so if you are planning on /installing a wooden fence, it is worth considering it as an option.
Here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of cedar fences.
Pros
Aesthetically pleasing
Cedar fences come with a natural grain look. When combined with its deep red color, it is usually hard to top — in terms of aesthetics. This is so especially when compared to pressure-treated pine which typically has an unnatural greenish stain.
Therefore, if you are looking for a natural-looking wooden fence, a cedar fence is an excellent choice. It is bound to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Long lifespan
Cedar fences typically last up to 30 years. And this is without getting treated with any special chemicals. Therefore, even though they may cost a little extra, they tend to be worth the extra expense simply because they last longer than other wooden fences.
Little to no maintenance
When compared to pine fences, cedar fences are less needy when it comes to maintenance. You don’t have to repaint, wash, re-stain, or repair them as often as a pine fence. As a result, they tend to cost less in terms of maintenance costs.
Easy to install
Cedar fences are lighter. They are easier to carry. And this makes them easier to install.
Eco-friendly fencing option
Cedar is naturally durable. Therefore, it doesn’t have to be treated with special chemicals before it can be used for fencing.
This makes it an eco-friendly fencing option as it usually comes free of any harmful chemicals. This is unlike pine fences, which are usually made from pressure-treated pine.
Cons
It is pricier than pine fences
Cedar fences cost more than pine fences. Even though they tend to last longer, a homeowner has to have a significant capital outlay before installing such a fence.
As a result, it is not an ideal option for homeowners who are on a budget.
Cedar is less readily available in the market
Cedar isn’t as readily available as pine fences. This may cause undue delays during the installation process. And it can thus make the process a little bit frustrating.
Poor at withstanding soil exposure
Cedar isn’t great at withstanding constant exposure to the soil. They tend to crumble faster than even pressure-treated pine. As a result, they are not great for use as fence posts. This is part of the reason why even people who opt for cedar fences use pressure-treated pine for their posts.
The pros and cons of pine fence
Pine fences are usually made from pressure-treated pine wood. This usually gives it a number of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the ones that stand out.
Pros
Extremely affordable fencing material
Pressure-treated pine is one of the most affordable fencing materials in the market. This makes them ideal for anyone who wants a wood fence, but who is working on a tight budget.
Better rot resistance when in contact with the ground
Even though it has the upper hand when it comes to being naturally better at resisting rot and insect infestations, pressure-treated pine is always preferred as a post material because it is better at resisting degradation when exposed to direct soil contact.
In fact, even homeowners who opt for cedar fences tend to use pressure-treated pine posts because of this.
Ready availability in the market
Pressure-treated pine wood is one of the most popular fencing materials. The market is flooded with it, mainly thanks to its high demand and affordability. As a result, anyone wanting to install such a fence will have an easier time getting the materials and scheduling installation.
Respectable durability of up to a decade
Even though pine fences do not last as long as cedar fences, they are still incredibly durable. One can easily get over 10 years of use from a pine fence. And given the cost of the product, this is a relatively respectable lifespan that makes investing in the fence worth it.
Its color doesn’t get worse with age
Unlike cedar fences that turn grey when they age, pine fences age more gracefully. They usually adopt an aesthetically pleasing patina. As a result, there is less of a need to paint or stain the fence in order to make it more appealing.
Cons
Greenish tint that is unnatural
Since pine has to be treated in order to make it durable, it tends to have a greenish color. This color is unnatural. And if you care about having a natural-looking wooden fence, this can be a bother. This is so even though the greenish color tends to fade with time.
Highly susceptible to shrinking and warping
In spite of being pressure-treated, pine fences tend to be susceptible to warping and shrinking. They are thus not as good as cedar fences when it comes to withstanding harsh weather conditions. This usually means having to worry about hiring fence repair experts on a regular basis.
Requires regular maintenance
In order to keep your pine fence looking great, you need to regularly wash it, seal it, re-stain it and re-paint it. It is more demanding than cedar fences, as it is less naturally resistant to the elements. Over the long haul, the cost of maintaining a pine fence can be a burden.
Relatively shorter lifespan than cedar fences
Even though they can last between 10 years and 15 years, the lifespan of pine fences is still typically less than half of that of a cedar fence. Therefore, even though pine fences are cheaper, they won’t last as long as cedar fences.
It is not an eco-friendly fencing option
Pine fences are made from pressure-treated pine. To get the pine wood to be able to last long without rotting, warping, or breaking, it has to be treated with chemicals. These chemicals are not eco-friendly.
Therefore, in a way, when you opt for a pine fence, you are choosing a fencing option that isn’t as eco-friendly as other wooden fences.
Which fence lasts longer?
A cedar fence will last longer than a pine fence. Generally, cedar fences have lifespans that extend up to 30 years, while the lifespan of pine fences tends to be limited to about 15 years. As a result, cedar fences tend to last almost twice as long as pine fences.
Which adds more value to a house?
A cedar fence adds more value to a house than a pine fence. This is because cedar fences tend to last longer, require less maintenance, and have a natural look that is incredibly attractive. Add to this the fact that cedar fences tend to be more expensive and rare, and it is easy to see why they are better at value addition than pine fences.
FAQ's
Are cedar fences worth it?
Yes, cedar fences are totally worth it.
Although they tend to cost more than pine fences, you will end up getting almost twice as long a lifespan from these fences. Over time, they also tend to cost less in terms of maintenance costs as they need little to no maintenance.
And when you consider the incredible aesthetic appeal that the fence adds, in addition to the effect that it has on property values, then it is obvious that cedar fences are worth the initial investment.
What is the best wood for a fence?
If you have to choose between a cedar fence and a pine fence, then the cedar fence is the better wood for a fence. It is stronger, more durable, resistant to warping and rotting, and it has a rich natural wood color that is incredibly beautiful.
However, given that it doesn’t cope well when it is in contact with the ground, it is not the best wood for fence posts. As far as fence posts are concerned, pressure-treated pine wood is the better option.
Will a cedar fence turn gray?
Yes, with time, a cedar fence will turn gray. It will assume a gray color, that is typically silver grayish, after constant exposure to the sun and weather elements. However, when it does, you can always paint and stain the fence in order to restore its aesthetic appeal.
