Whenever It comes to choose the type of wood for your fence your left with plenty options. However , The most common kinds you'll find is the pressure treated pine or cedar . Each species of wood has it own advantages and disadvantages and I'll share them with you here . Cedar Vs Pine Fence . Lets look at what each is and some characteristics.
Cedar is a more durable and attractive choice but can get pricey for those on a budget. Pressure-treated lumber is more affordable, although it demands more maintenance and won’t last as long.
The Appearance Of Pine And Cedar Wood
You can almost determine the difference of Cedar Vs Pine Wood on site . With cedar and Pine both being conifers or (soft woods). The main key indicator is the color . Cedar is more of a reddish color with white accents . Cedar also have unique grain pattern making for a richer looking wood .
Pine is more of a yellowish color ,but could also be light brown in contrast. Pine may have a striped or wavy grain pattern dependent on how it was cut.
Durability of Pine Vs Cedar
When it comes to durability cedar takes the cake on this one . It is a superior wood than pine. It does not need to be pressure treated to withstand the elements like its counterpart pine . Furthermore, Cedar is not as prone to warping and bucking like pine.
Without being pressure treating pine would be a far less superior wood than cedar . However pressure treated pine is more soil resistant to cedar. making for a better option for Fence Posts .
Fence Maintenance
Cedar Fence Maintenance
Cedar naturally resists moisture, while pressure-treated lumber is chemically treated to protect against the elements. Because of this, pressure-treated wood requires more maintenance, such as yearly restaining and sealing. Cedar requires little else aside from yearly sealing, regular cleaning and inspection.
Maintaining a cedar fence is less than to pine , you still need to have some care. This type doesn't need to be pressure treated . It also does not need to be stained and sealed vs a pine fence the only maintenance i would suggest is a good cleaning once a year . no special chemical needed Soap and water will do the trick and a pressure washer at it's lowest setting
Pine Fence Maintenance
Maintaining a pine fence is a little more involved than cedar. Not only does it have to be pressure treated , if stained , will need to be re stained/sealed every 3 years . Still a pine fence is a great option
Lifespan Of Cedar And Pine Fences
A pine fence has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while a cedar fence can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years when properly maintained. In general, this means that pine lasts about half as long as cedar, but you can extend the lifespan of your fence by checking and cleaning it regularly.
Climate Considerations
The area you live in will be the main consideration for a Cedar Vs Pine Fence . As we know Pine does a ton better in humid areas , but must have time for the pressure treatment to dry out if installing in dryer climates . Dry time is one of the main reasons for shrinkage, and bucking in adverse conditions .
Cedar wood is drier than pressure treated lumber . In areas with less humidity it thrives. However aread with a high humidity reading tends to make the boards expand overtime.
Price: Cedar Vs Pine
On average, cedar deck planks cost between $3 and $7 per square foot, while regular pressure-treated lumber costs between $2 and $5 per square foot. In general, cedar costs about 20% to 30% more than pressure-treated lumber.
For 150 Ft new fence build using Cedar , you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,750 on up This Price Includes Labor & Material .
For a 150 Ft new fence build using pressure treated Pine, You can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000