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Cedar, or more commonly used type, the Western Redcedar has numerous extractives such as lignins, thujaplicins & terpenes, making it highly durable and an ideal choice for fences in Austin. If you are planning to install a cedar fence & seeking fence services in Austin, you are right where you should be.
Continue reading to find out what benefits a cedar fence can have & what gives it an edge on the cheaper substitutes.
Cedar fence installation has a multitude of advantages, ranging from its decay-resistant, fungicidal properties to termite deterrence. Moreover, it has dimensional stability & longer lifespan along with easy replacement. Visual appeal, environmental sustainability & low maintenance cost are other plus points.
Cedar is regarded as one of the most suitable materials for fence construction owing to its effective resistance against decay, fungi and termites & that too with little or no chemical treatments.
For instance, studies reveal that Western Red Cedar is highly decay-resistant in ground contact. Additionally, Cedarwood oil is naturally present in cedar which is a fungicide & termite repellent. According to research, cedarwood oil (CWO) is responsible for 100% termite mortality. Furthermore, CWO can significantly inhibit wood mass loss because of its resistance against wood decay fungi.
Austin’s warm and humid climate, coupled with heavy rains, can pose favorable conditions for decay fungi to come into action. Cedar's natural defense against fungi can decrease the onset of decay. Northern White Cedar, scientifically known as Thuja occidentalis, was proven as the most resistant out of 9 wood types against wood decay resulting from 12 major trunk rot & root rot fungi.
The abbreviation for Northern White Cedar is “Tocc”. These results were obtained after a 1 and 2-year decay period. The dry weight loss is less than 2% for Northern White Cedar after 2 years.
Wood is a hygroscopic & anisotropic material. Resultantly, it absorbs or releases moisture in accordance with variations in humidity & temperature which can lead to dimensional changes (swelling or shrinkage). For a climate like Austin’s, characterized by humidity swings, storms & heat, this impact becomes noteworthy.
Cedar fences can handle these swell-shrink cycles with lower chances of wear & tear. So, they are an optimum choice for Austin. For example, tangential shrinkage of Eastern Redcedar is 4.7% which is markedly less in comparison to White Pine (7.4%) & Spruce (7.5%).
The shrinkage values are also directly related to the density of wood. Cedar, being less dense, has less potential for shrinkage. For instance, Western Redcedar is one of the lightest woods having a density of 21 Ib/ft3.
Cedar fences have a longer lifespan, even if they are untreated. For example, Western Redcedar has a lifespan of 20+ years above the ground. Since cedar is resistant to decay and has low mass loss, it requires less maintenance in comparison to the other alternatives.
Cedar fences are generally built with individual boards so fence replacement in Austin, TX, isn’t problematic. If they are damaged in an event of thunderstorm or hail, the affected portion can be replaced by a fence service in Austin rather than the entire span. Moreover, cedar has a natural weathering pattern & a relatively consistent grain structure, which can seamlessly blend the new replacement boards with the existing ones.
Cedar fences possess an aesthetic silver appeal, especially as they age after being exposed to the environment. These aesthetic impressions carry weight for most people and can increase the worth of your property. However, they need to be properly maintained to add value, for which you can seek fence services in Austin.
Cedar fences are biodegradable, unlike the fences composed of composite or vinyl which aren’t biodegradable & will eventually end up in landfills lasting for centuries. So, cedar fence installation aligns with sustainable practices & zero waste initiatives.
Chemically treated wood employed for fencing can leach harmful elements like arsenic, copper or chromium which can seep into the nearby soil/water. Cedar, having no chemical treatments to increase its resistance, is a healthy choice for Austin homeowners having vegetable gardens or pets near the fence line.
Cedar is antifungal & has extractives (thujaplicins, phenolic resins, lignins, essential oils) which make it decay resistant & reduce the need for chemical treatments. Research reveals that no difference was observed between an untreated Western Redcedar & a treated lodgepole pine after 15 years. These conclusions were finalized after analyzing 355 cedar posts over a span of 19 years.
Potential Risks | Mitigation Strategies |
High upfront cost in comparison to the alternatives | It is a long-term investment considering its lifespan, repairability & maintenance cost |
Color Fading | While for some, the silver hue can be aesthetic, for some, it is a deal breaker. You can fix this by applying sealants/UV-resistant stains so that your fence retains its color in Austin’s intense heat |
Fire Risk | As the material is combustible, so clear dry vegetation & maintain a defensible space |
Maintenance Neglect | Issues left untreated will eventually lead to fence replacement in Austin, TX. So, a maintenance follow-up after every few years can help |
Wind Damage | Poorly constructed fences can topple in strong winds. Use thicker pickets & go for wind-resistant styles to bear wind load |
Looking for options that offer the best value for money while boosting your property’s aesthetic appeal? Philmar has got your back. We have already installed a ton of wood fences across the Austin area including types of cedar wood. So call us at (512) 910-0111 for a quick consultation and explore your options right away!
Fence installation doesn’t always require a permit. Go through the fencing regulations to figure out the situations that require a permit.
It is decay-resistant & termite-resistant, along with being an effective fungicide. Moreover, it has high durability and lasts for years without chemical preservatives.
A cedar fence improves curb appeal by adding natural warmth, rich color, and a refined wood grain that complements landscaping. Its distinct aroma and ability to age into a silvery patina enhance visual character, making the property appear well-maintained and inviting to visitors or buyers.
Cedar fences are low maintenance compared to other wood fences because they contain natural oils that resist decay, warping, and moisture damage. Unlike pine or spruce, cedar requires less frequent sealing or staining, reducing upkeep costs and effort while preserving its color and structure longer.
A cedar fence offers superior durability and insect resistance due to its natural oils and tannins. These compounds repel termites and prevent rot, allowing the fence to last 15–30 years without chemical treatments. This makes cedar one of the most weather- and pest-resistant woods available.
A cedar fence provides privacy while allowing airflow through its spaced boards or lattice designs. The wood’s natural density blocks sightlines, while small gaps between panels let air circulate, reducing wind resistance and creating a comfortable, ventilated outdoor area.
