You just had a beautiful new western red cedar fence installed around your property using top-quality wood from your local lumber mills. This type of wood is a great choice for fencing because it's naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. According to Home Guide, you can expect a cedar fence to last 16 to 20 years. Even better, western red cedar is a sustainable lumber product from renewable forests. Still, you'll need to do a little bit of maintenance to keep your cedar fencing looking its best over years of service. Read on for tips on caring for your new fence.

Wash It Down Occasionally

It's a good idea to wash down your cedar fence every year or two to remove pollen, dirt, and other accumulated grime. You don't need anything fancier than a regular garden hose with a pressure nozzle. Adjust it to a reasonable pressure that won't damage the wood. Starting at the top and working your way down, spray the boards and rails to rinse away debris. This keeps the rich red cedar color looking vibrant.

Seal Unprotected Sections

Any parts of your cedar fence left unfinished at installation should be sealed to maintain that smooth sanded surface. Use an oil-based sealant or wood protector made for cedar fencing from your local hardware stores. Pay special attention to the bottom rails and ends of boards where moisture is most likely to seep into the grain over time. Sealing preserves the look and reduces warping or splitting in vulnerable areas.

Inspect Annually

Get into the habit of inspecting your cedar wood fence each spring. As the weather warms, walk the perimeter and look closely at the boards, posts, and hardware. Western red cedar is naturally resilient, but extreme weather and moisture saturation can lead to problems over time. If you spot any cracked, loose, or rotting boards, schedule repairs right away. It's much easier to replace one board here or tighten a post there than to let the damage spread. Your local lumber mills can cut replacement boards to seamlessly match the existing fence.

Maintaining your western red cedar is easy with an occasional wash and routine inspections. Ask your lumber mills for additional recommendations tailored to your climate and specific fence type too. With minimal care, you'll enjoy this sustainable and elegant fencing material for decades to come. If you're interested in having a red cedar fence, reach out to us at Cedar Country Lumber.