The Benefits of Choosing Northern White Cedar for Your Wood Fence over Treated and Red Cedar

Choosing the right wood for your fence can be confusing. Many consumers assume that treated wood or Red Cedar are the best options because they are widely available and heavily marketed. Yet, these choices may not offer the durability and natural resistance you expect. Northern White Cedar stands out as a superior wood for fencing, especially in climates with harsh weather conditions like Ohio. This post explains why Northern White Cedar outperforms treated wood and Red Cedar, helping you make a smarter decision for your next fence project.

Aged Northern White Cedar Fence Built by Elyria Fence

Why Treated Wood Is Not Always the Best Choice Over White Cedar For Fence

Treated wood fences are common because they are often less expensive upfront and widely available. These fences use Yellow Pine, a species selected for its ability to absorb moisture, which allows it to soak up chemical preservatives. While this treatment helps protect the wood from insects and decay, it does not prevent the wood from shrinking, warping, twisting, or cupping over time.

The natural cycles of soaking, freezing, and drying in places like Ohio put a lot of stress on wood fences. Treated Yellow Pine boards tend to react poorly to these conditions because their cells absorb water readily. This leads to frequent maintenance needs and a shorter lifespan compared to more stable woods.

The Natural Advantages of Northern White Cedar For Fence Boards

Northern White Cedar has unique properties that make it an excellent choice for fencing:

• Low Water Absorption

The cells in Northern White Cedar absorb very little moisture. This means the wood stays drier and is less prone to rot and decay.

• Natural Resistance to Rot and Decay

Growing in swampy areas of upper Michigan, Northern White Cedar has developed natural inhibitors that protect it from fungi and insects without chemical treatment.

• Exceptional Stability

This wood shrinks less than 1% and rarely warps, twists, or cups. This stability means your fence will maintain its shape and appearance for many years.

These qualities reduce the need for chemical treatments and frequent repairs, making Northern White Cedar a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.

Comparing Northern White Cedar and Red Cedar

Red Cedar is another popular wood for fences, especially sourced from Oregon. While it shares the cedar name, it differs significantly from Northern White Cedar:

• Tree Size and Knot Size

Red Cedar trees grow larger, producing bigger knots in the wood. These knots often fall out over time, leaving holes that weaken the fence and affect its look.

• Resistance to Rot

Red Cedar grows in a different environment that does not encourage the same natural resistance to rot and decay as Northern White Cedar.

• Weathering and Appearance

Over time, Red Cedar weathers to a dark gray or black color, while Northern White Cedar fades to a light gray, creating a rustic and attractive look.

• Grain Pattern

The tight grain of Northern White Cedar is finer and more uniform, contributing to its strength, ability to retain knots and attractive finish. Red Cedar’s grain is more pronounced and less consistent. Because the grain isn't as tight, it is prone to cracking.

These differences mean Northern White Cedar fences tend to last longer and look better with less maintenance.

Weathered Northern White Cedar fence board on the left and weather Red Cedar fence board on the right

Practical Benefits for Homeowners

Choosing Northern White Cedar for your fence offers several practical advantages:

• Lower Maintenance

Because it resists rot and warping naturally, you spend less time and money on repairs and treatments.

• Longer Lifespan

A Northern White Cedar fence can last decades with minimal upkeep, providing better value over time.

• Aesthetic Appeal

The wood’s natural light gray weathering and fine grain give your fence a timeless, rustic charm that enhances your property’s curb appeal.

• Eco-Friendly Choice

Using naturally resistant wood reduces the need for chemical preservatives, which benefits the environment and your family’s health.

Making the Right Choice for Your Fence

When planning your fence, consider the climate and how much maintenance you want to handle. Northern White Cedar is ideal for areas with wet, freezing, and thawing conditions. It offers a natural, durable, and beautiful alternative to treated wood and Red Cedar.

If you want a fence that stands up to harsh weather, looks great over time, and requires less upkeep, Northern White Cedar is the smart choice. It may cost a bit more initially, but the long-term savings and satisfaction make it worthwhile. For additional information on the materials that are used by Elyria Fence for our fence designs visit our materials page by clicking here