My Cedar Fence Pickets Split Down the Middle

Damage

• When cedar fencing is exposed to humid or rainy weather for extended periods, it becomes cracked or split. The wood becomes gray, and you may notice raised nail heads, if nails were used during installation. Algae or mold may be growing on the wood, and the wood may rot below ground, reducing the fence's structural stability.

Treatment

• Minor cracks or splitting are probably not cause for concern, but if the fence pickets have cracks wider than 1/8 of an inch that run the length of the picket, it's probably best to replace them. These cracks continue to get wider until the fence is unstable. If you have a split-rail cedar fence, the pickets were probably installed in concrete footings. You must dig out the concrete and pour new concrete when installing a new picket. For a plank fence, simply remove individual pickets and nail new boards in place.

Prevention

• To prevent cedar pickets from splitting, spray them annually with a penetrating, semitransparent, oil-based stain. If you prefer a natural look, use a clear wood preservative. Make sure to spray the cut-grain tops of the pickets because water tends to collect here, and this is usually the first place that the wood splits. After spraying the product on the wood, go over it with a brush to ensure an even coat.

Alternatives

• In areas with high humidity, maintaining wood fences is a never-ending chore. If the fence is so badly damaged that you must replace it, consider a fence made from vinyl or wood composites instead. These fences require minimal maintenance and are impervious to moisture damage. Ensure that they are properly installed to increase their longevity. Many come with a lifetime warranty.