There is no natural wood fence material quite like cedar, and it’s no wonder that it remains one of the most popular fencing options that Superior Fence & Rail sells. With a tight grain, one-of-a-kind reddish hues, and natural resistance to rot and insects, homeowners from Suffolk County, Long Island to San Diego (and at our over 100 locations in between) rely on cedar fencing for durability and classic styling. If you’re already a cedar fence owner, you know that cedar costs a little more than conventional lumber, but can far outlast any non-pressure treated wood. When it comes to the cedar-curious, however, there are always many questions about cost versus durability. How long does a cedar fence last?

A Long Lasting Fence Starts With The Best Fence Company

As any builder will tell you: when you want to get the longest life out of a structure, always start with the best materials, expertly installed. And when it comes to buying a fence that’s built to last, join the more than 30,000 satisfied customers who gave 5-star reviews to Superior Fence & Rail.

Why should you choose Superior Fence & Rail? From cedar to vinyl, Trex composite fencing to aluminum, all of Superior Fence & Rail’s fence products are the highest quality–with most fencing types sourced or fabricated right in the USA. Superior’s fence products come with best-in-class workmanship warranties on installation and are backed with manufacturer’s warranties to safeguard your investment. Superior’s cedar fencing comes with a three-year workmanship warranty and an incredible fifteen year manufacturer’s warranty against rot and insect damage.

Service is perhaps the most important reason to shop Superior Fence & Rail for your next fence project. All of their 100+ locations have national purchasing power, but are locally owned to provide expert knowledge and dedicated service.  Each branch has a highly trained staff who will help you choose the perfect fence for your home or commercial building, handle the complexities of permitting, and provide a licensed and insured installation crew from groundbreaking to final cleanup. When you’re asking, “How long does a cedar fence last?” think about quality and service as the foundation of that answer.

Answering the Question: How Long Does A Cedar Fence Last?

Anyone who’s opened a cedar chest can instantly bring to mind that unique smell. The pungent cedar oil that’s responsible for the scent of the wood is also what gives cedar its famous insect repellent qualities. From termites and other ants, to cockroaches, and even mosquitos, the compounds and acids in cedar oil deter insects naturally. And just like a coat of oil-based stain or paint, natural cedar oil provides the wood with protection against moisture.

Moisture and insects are the two major reasons a wooden fence will fail, and a cedar fence’s natural resistance is why it will outlast a typical wooden fence under normal conditions. Cedar wood experts claim that a cedar fence should last between 15 and 40 years (compared to between 15 and 20 years for a typical wooden fence) You can’t ignore the natural cedar oil, but the true secret to longevity is starting with a high quality and expertly installed cedar fence–like the selections from Superior Fence & Rail–and following up with proper maintenance.

The Art of Cedar Fence Maintenance

Like any part of your home, following a proper maintenance routine makes a world of difference in the lifespan of your fence. It’s true that all wooden fences require more seasonal upkeep than vinyl or aluminum fence, but with the right care they can last for a generation. How long does a cedar fence last? Much longer if you follow these techniques:

• Perform a routine surface cleaning. Surface dirt on your cedar fence can trap moisture close to the surface, provide a nesting area for insects, or disguise physical damage. Make a gentle surface cleaning part of your seasonal maintenance routine. Dry sweeping with a broom or brush combined with a gentle spray from a garden hose will keep your cedar fence looking clean. Make sure there’s good airflow around the base of the fence where the pickets come closest to the ground and trim back any vines or other plant life growing on the fence.
• Check annually for signs of damage. Look for cracks and splits and repair or replace any damaged boards before the problem gets worse. As a fence gets older, promptly correct any signs of moisture or insect damage.
• Apply a routine coat of waterproof sealant. Even though cedar fences have the natural protection of cedar oil, that protection fades over time as the wood is exposed to sun and weather. For maximum longevity, keep the wood moisturized and preserved with an oil- or water- based sealant. Ask your local paint or hardware store for recommendations, but as a rule of thumb: clear sealants allow the natural color of the cedar to show, but require more frequent re-application. Tinted sealants or opaque stains provide more complete protection and generally mean less frequent application.

Interested in Cedar? Get a Free Estimate Today

No other fence combines the timeless style and durability of cedar. If you’re ready to make the investment in quality, reach out to your closest Superior Fence & Rail location, or Contact Us online. Ask our expert staff about financing options, warranties, and what type of fence would be perfect for your yard. Let Superior Fence & Rail be your partner in constructing a fence that will last a generation!