How to Maintain a Wood Fence

Annual Maintenance Checklist A well-maintained wood fence can last 15-20 years. Follow this annual routine: Inspect for loose boards, leaning posts, and rot — especially at ground level Clean with a garden hose or light pressure wash (1,500-2,000 PSI max) Trim vegetation, vines, and tree branches away from the fence Repair damaged boards, tighten hardware, and re-secure loose rails Staining and Sealing Apply a quality wood stain or sealant every 2-3 years. This is the single most important thing you can do to extend your fence's life. Wait for a dry period with temperatures between 50-90°F. New pressure-treated wood should weather for 2-3 months before the first stain application. Preventing Rot The most common failure point is where posts meet the ground. Ensure posts are set in concrete (not bare soil) and that water drains away from the base. Keeping the bottom of fence boards 1-2 inches above ground prevents moisture wicking.

What Is the Cheapest Fence to Build?

Most Affordable Privacy Fence Options If budget is your primary concern, here are your best options from cheapest to most expensive: Bamboo: $10–$25/ft — cheapest eco-friendly privacy option Wood privacy: $15–$35/ft — cheapest durable privacy fence Cedar: $20–$45/ft — premium wood with natural rot resistance Vinyl: $20–$40/ft — cheapest long-term when factoring in zero maintenance How to Save Money DIY installation saves 40-50% on labor costs Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood (vs. cedar or redwood) Standard 6-foot height costs less than 8-foot Straight runs cost less than lots of corners and angles Off-season installation (late fall/winter) may get better contractor rates Cheapest vs. Best Value The cheapest fence upfront isn't always the best value. A $15/ft wood fence lasting 12 years costs $1.25/ft per year. A $30/ft vinyl fence lasting 25 years costs $1.20/ft per year — actually cheaper over time.

Cedar vs Wood

Choosing between Cedar and Wood fencing? Cedar offers medium maintenance, a 15–25 year lifespan, and $20–$45 per linear foot, while Wood offers high maintenance, a 10–20 year lifespan, and $15–$35 per linear foot. Here's a full side-by-side comparison of cost, lifespan, maintenance, and best use cases.

Quick Comparison

	Cedar	Wood
Cost / ft	$20–$45	$15–$35
Lifespan	15–25 yrs	10–20 yrs
Maintenance	medium	high

Overview

Cedar

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.

Wood

Wood privacy fences are the classic American fence, offering warmth and natural beauty. Typically built with pressure-treated pine, they provide full privacy with tightly spaced vertical boards. Wood fences can be painted or stained in any color and are easy to repair.

Common Uses

Cedar

✓ Privacy fencing
✓ Decorative yard fencing
✓ Garden enclosures
✓ Property boundaries
✓ Custom designs

Wood

✓ Backyard privacy
✓ Property boundaries
✓ Pet containment
✓ Decorative borders
✓ Noise reduction

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

Wood

+ Affordable upfront cost
+ Easy to customize height, style, and color
+ Natural, warm appearance
+ Simple to repair — replace individual boards
+ Widely available materials

− Requires staining or painting every 2-3 years
− Susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage
− Shorter lifespan than vinyl or metal
− Can lean or sag over time
− Weather damage accumulates without maintenance

Cost Comparison

Measure	Cedar	Wood
Per linear foot	$20 – $45	$15 – $35

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Lifespan & Maintenance

Attribute	Cedar	Wood
Expected Lifespan	15–25 years	10–20 years
Maintenance Level	medium	high
Material	Wood	Wood

Which Is Better: Cedar or Wood?

Choose Cedar if you need:

✓ Homeowners wanting natural beauty
✓ Areas with moisture or insect concerns
✓ Custom fence designs
✓ Long-term wood fence investment

Choose Wood if you need:

✓ Budget-conscious homeowners
✓ Custom designs and heights
✓ DIY installation
✓ Properties wanting a natural look

Cedar is not recommended for:

× Very tight budgets (premium pricing)
× Ground-contact applications without treatment

Wood is not recommended for:

× Areas with heavy termite activity (without treatment)
× Wet climates without proper maintenance
× Homeowners who dislike regular upkeep

Published February 15, 2026

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