Cedar vs Metal
Choosing between Cedar and Metal fencing? Cedar offers medium maintenance, a 15–25 year lifespan, and $20–$45 per linear foot, while Metal offers low maintenance, a 20–40 year lifespan, and $20–$50 per linear foot. Here's a full side-by-side comparison of cost, lifespan, maintenance, and best use cases.
Quick Comparison
| Cedar | Metal | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost / ft | $20–$45 | $20–$50 |
| Lifespan | 15–25 yrs | 20–40 yrs |
| Maintenance | medium | low |
Overview
Cedar fences are premium wood fences made from naturally rot-resistant cedar lumber. Western red cedar contains natural oils that repel insects and resist decay, making it one of the longest-lasting wood fencing options. Cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina if left unstained.
Metal panel fences use corrugated steel, Corten steel, or flat metal sheets mounted between posts to create a modern, industrial privacy barrier. They offer complete privacy and a bold contemporary look. Corten steel develops a natural rust patina that acts as a protective layer.
Common Uses
Cedar
- ✓ Privacy fencing
- ✓ Decorative yard fencing
- ✓ Garden enclosures
- ✓ Property boundaries
- ✓ Custom designs
Metal
- ✓ Modern home privacy
- ✓ Industrial aesthetics
- ✓ Commercial screening
- ✓ Contemporary landscaping
- ✓ Urban backyard fencing
Pros & Cons
Cedar
- + Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects
- + Beautiful natural grain and color
- + Ages gracefully to silver-gray if left natural
- + Lighter weight than pressure-treated pine
- + No chemical treatment needed
- − More expensive than pressure-treated pine
- − Still requires sealing for color retention
- − Softer wood — can dent more easily
- − Cost varies significantly by region
- − Not as structurally strong as hardwoods
Metal
- + Bold, modern aesthetic
- + Complete privacy with solid panels
- + Very long-lasting — metal doesn't rot
- + Fire-resistant
- + Low maintenance once installed
- − Can dent from impact
- − Corrugated steel can be noisy in rain and wind
- − Gets hot in direct sunlight
- − Professional installation recommended
- − May not comply with HOA requirements
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Cedar | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Per linear foot | $20 – $45 | $20 – $50 |
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Lifespan & Maintenance
| Attribute | Cedar | Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Lifespan | 15–25 years | 20–40 years |
| Maintenance Level | medium | low |
| Material | Wood | Metal |
Which Is Better: Cedar or Metal?
Choose Cedar if you need:
- ✓ Homeowners wanting natural beauty
- ✓ Areas with moisture or insect concerns
- ✓ Custom fence designs
- ✓ Long-term wood fence investment
Choose Metal if you need:
- ✓ Modern and industrial home designs
- ✓ Low-maintenance privacy
- ✓ Commercial and mixed-use properties
- ✓ Creative architectural statements
Cedar is not recommended for:
- × Very tight budgets (premium pricing)
- × Ground-contact applications without treatment
Metal is not recommended for:
- × Traditional neighborhoods
- × HOA-restricted communities
- × Budget projects
- × Areas prone to denting
Published February 15, 2026
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