Cedar Vs. Cypress Fence

Cedar Fencing

• Many types of cedar lumber are available in different areas of the United States. These include Western Red Cedar, Eastern White Cedar, Atlantic Cedar, Incense Cedar, Northern White Cedar, Port Orford Cedar and Southern Red Cedar. Western Red Cedar is the most common type of cedar readily found at lumberyards, but many lumberyards will also allow customers to special order other types of cedar if desired. Cedar trees tend to be light weight, resistant against decay and insect damage and can vary in color from white to yellow to brown or red.

Cypress Fencing

• Two varieties of cypress regularly produce lumber: bald cypress and pond cypress. Pond cypress lumber is ideal, as it has few---if any, depending on the tree---knots. When using cypress for fencing, you should it for a minimum of 10 days prior to installation. Keep it off the ground and in a dry, ventilated area. This aids in minimizing shrinkage or warping after installation.

Similarities

• Both cedar and cypress lumber contain natural oils that make them resistant to rotting and damage from insects. You can treat both cedar and cypress using a surface treatment such as staining or paint, to provide additional moisture and UV protection. This can prolong the life of the wood, making it a valuable choice. Both lumbers provide privacy and can block wind, but they can also become damaged by extreme weather such as storms or heavy winds. Cedar and cypress are longer lasting woods, but both varieties will need to eventually be replaced, as no wood lasts forever.

Differences

• Unlike cedar, which is found throughout the entire continental United States, cypress is found in the south eastern coastal areas and along the Mississippi flood plains into Illinois. Cedar tends to be relatively the same price no matter what area it is purchased in, as there are varieties of cedar throughout the United States. However, with cypress, the farther away from the south eastern areas a consumer gets, the more expensive the cypress becomes due to the need for shipping.