Cedar Vs. Spruce Fences

Cedar

• Lumber from cedar trees has a prominent position in the fencing materials marketplace. Both western red cedar and white cedar work well as boards for fences. Red cedar also makes an excellent source for rail fencing. Although both red cedar and white cedar possess good resistance to decay, red cedar tends to last a few years longer, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. You can treat a white cedar fence with a preservative to strengthen its durability. Typically, red cedar costs more than white cedar.

Spruce

• Spruce, another frequently seen fencing material for wood fences, works best when sealed with a preservative. Otherwise, the boards tend to weather poorly. Spruce falls into a lumber category called whitewoods, which have a white appearance when they are new. However, weathering changes this to a silver-gray color unless the wood is treated. Spruce works easily and takes paint well. Spruce makes a good choice for the fence builder on a budget, as long as she uses preservatives to increase its longevity.

Life Span and Appearance

• Cedar fences tend to last longer than spruce fences due to their greater decay and insect resistance. Ceder fences can last for 15 to 20 years, while many spruce fences only last about five to seven years, although sealing the wood can increase the life span for both types. Low-grade cedar often contains knotholes, which will fall out, making the fence unsightly. Choose high-grade lumber to avoid this type of problem. Spruce, the much less expensive material, usually contains various flaws and blemishes.

Posts

• Spruce fencing works best when you set the boards between metal or treated wood posts in concrete footers. This helps to extend the life of the fence. Check with your local building officials for the proper dimensions of the post holes and footers. Cedar fencing also needs treated posts to increase its life span. You can usually set cedar posts into the post holes without sealing the hole with concrete.