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Should I Use Cedar or Treated Lumber to Build a Fence in Vancouver?

9 Apr 2020 Building Supply

If you are looking for a good spring project for your home in Vancouver, replacing an old fence or building a new one can be a great way to raise your home’s curb appeal and improve your yard. For many people looking to build a fence in the Vancouver area, it is common to ask the question “Should I use cedar or treated lumber to build a fence?” At Country Lumber, we sell a wide variety of dimensional lumber that can be used for fences as well as other fence products, and our knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you find the right products for your home improvement needs.

Cedar vs. Pressure Treated Wood for Vancouver Home Fencing

Making sure that a fence is able to stand up to moisture is incredibly important, especially when your home receives as much rain as is common in Vancouver. For this reason, the two best types of wood to use for fencing are usually either cedar or pressure treated lumber. Some of the various benefits of the two different types of wood include:

Benefits of Cedar for Fencing

Red cedar is one of the best woods to use outdoors because it is naturally resistant to decomposition and mould. It also does not typically warp in the sun and its tight, straight grain makes it a strong option for long boards. Cedar does not usually stand up as well to being immersed in soil as pressure treated lumber does, so it is often best to encase posts in concrete before putting them in the ground. Cedar is well-known for its beautiful colour and aroma and it can be stained easily, making it compatible with the various aesthetics of many Vancouver homes.

Benefits of Pressure Treated Fencing

Pressure treated fencing is typically made from pine that has been chemically treated in order to protect it against rot, insects, and moisture. It is an incredibly popular choice for many fences as it can last for a long time, although it does not usually last as long as cedar and needs to be recoated every few years to ensure that it does not lose its weather resistance. Pressure treated fencing tends to be cheaper than other types of fencing.

If you would like to learn more about whether to use cedar or treated lumber to build a fence in Vancouver, or if you would like to find out about any of the other services and supplies available from Country Lumber, please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.