Which Is Better For Fencing Cedar Or Pine?

When it comes to fences, pressurized cedar and pine are the two most common materials to use, but the choice between these materials can be difficult. Each tree has its advantages and disadvantages, and you may want to use both for your fence in certain cases, rather than only choosing one. This guide shows you the key differences between cedar and pine and lets you decide on your fence.

 

PINE WOOD

 

This type of wood typically comes from the south-east of the United States and can include a yellow pine species from the south or a mixed species of pine. It is one of the few styles which can be handled under pressure and is a fast growing tree. Many wood forms have a distinct cell structure and are not subject to the method of treatment. This pine is dried for the first time after it is cut down to size and the rest of the moisture is removed. It is then grouped together and positioned in massive cylindrical tanks. Next, a micronized copper azole, water-based solution, is pressure pushed into the wood fibres. The wood is very heavy by this method and gives it a dark, green look.

 

PROS                                        

• More affordable

• Better for humid climates

• More soil-resistant

• Easier to obtain

• Better for posts
   

CONS                                    

• Less durable

• Shorter lifespan

• Less eco-friendly

• Requires more maintenance

• Less natural look
   

APPEARANCE

To withstand the elements and other wear and tear, pine must be pressurized, it does not have the most natural aspect and may have even a small greenish color on the site. Cedar must not be handled in the same way as chemicals.

 

USE

Pine is used instead of outside indoors. It is an inexpensive softwood readily available that makes it a good choice for furniture like cabinets, wardrobes, tables and drawers as well as for window and door frames. It can be quickly painted and stained with durability for interior design and decoration, but it needs to be processed chemically when used outside.   

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MAINTENANCE

Pine fences often require more maintenance in order to avoid rotation over time. You must clean and check every year, replacing any rotting bits. This wood must also be dressed and repainted or re-dressed.

 

DURABILITY

The risk of pine humps, warping and shrinking is increased. Overall, it is more sensitive to the outside. Pine can be weakened and weathered within only a few years without sufficient treatment. 

 

CEDAR

 

This species of wood is ideally suited to any form of board or picket fence, as long as the base of the fence does not touch the ground continuously. Cedar is highly stable. It's very stable. It does not break, shrink, or control, as pine treated with pressure would probably do. Pressure-treated Pine boards (PT) will tighten and shrink after installation as soon as one month. A cedar-board fence would look much more friendly at the age of 10 than a pine board fence handled with strain.

 

PROS                   

• Beautiful reddish appearance

• More natural-looking

• Eco-friendly

• Requires less maintenance

• Lightweight

• Pleasant odor

• Good for dry climates
   

CONS                            

• More expensive

• Weaker in humid areas

• Less soil-resistant

• Rarer
   

APPEARANCE

Due to its reddish hue, white highlights and beautiful grain style Cedar is easily identifiable. It's a warm, rich forest.

 

USE

Cedar is a softwood, but overall more durable and resistant, able to withstand external elements without care. For outdoor tables and yard furniture this becomes a very common alternative. Cedar has also various useful indoor applications for items such as wardrobes, threads and musical instruments.   
 

MAINTENANCE

Cedar does not, however, have to be handled with stresses to sustain the elements and is commonly known as stronger than pine. It needs less maintenance but it still needs attention. Every year, cedar fences must be washed with a soap-and-water solution and any loose boards or rotary signs regularly monitored. In addition, the color of cedar fades with the time unless a pressure washer is applied.       

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DURABILITY           

Cedar is commonly considered by both forests to be stronger and more robust. It needs no special care and resists the elements well with a low chance of stress and shrinking.