Cedar Vs. Treated Wood Split Rail Fencing

Weather Resistance

• Northern white cedar and western red cedar contain a natural oil that provides protection from the elements. For decades, cedar has been the preferred choice of wooden building material for the construction of fences, outdoor furniture, wooden walkways and decks. Treated whitewoods (fir, pine and spruce) are weather-resistant, dependent on the type of treatment used to weatherproof the lumber. Wood that's pressure-treated at the sawmill is more effective in repelling the effects of wind and rain than is wood that has been manually treated with an application of wood preservative.

Cost

• The initial additional cost of cedar is well offset by its length of serviceability. Although less-expensive treated woods will perform well for 10 to 15 years, a well-constructed cedar split rail fence can last for decades. Water-repellant treatments are effective only on the portion of the wooden fence post that is above ground. Water-repellent treatments will not protect fence posts installed in boggy or poorly drained soils. Replacement of damaged treated fence posts is more expensive in both time and labor than the cost of originally installing cedar fence posts.

Painting and Staining

• Pressure-treated or oil-treated wood is less able to absorb paint or wood stains. Cedar presents an open-cell structure, readily receptive to wood finishes. It isn't necessary to paint or stain cedar. Unfinished cedar will last for decades, turning a soft, silver-gray color, similar to well-aged driftwood. Because it can be left unfinished, cedar requires less maintenance and does not incur the added expense of paint or stain or wood-preserving sealants.

Durability

• Fungi and termites are natural enemies of wooden fences. Cedar wood is permeated by a natural ingredient that effectively repels attacks from termites or wood fungus. Treated wood cannot resist termites or fungi as efficiently as cedar.