Get free shipping on qualified Cedar Hemlock Western Cedars products or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today. And though cedar mulch is sometimes thought to lower pH, making soil acidic, this is not the case. UPDATE 12/22/2020: Canadian Western Red Cedar wood is in limited stock. Good read. Hemlock is locally widely used for raised garden beds, fencing, and barn construction and repair. It’s non-toxic and insect resistance. Please check back often, as we will add Red Cedar cabins as they become available. The term "heartwood" refers to the hard, innermost flesh of a tree, as opposed to the young, outermost "sapwood." And when I say which wood, I do mean UNTREATED, as I have already clarified in the question itself. Does not smell like a desirable choice for outdoor construction. (I think a bridge would be a high concern use especially when loaded to its maximum design weights, in which case, a little decay could mean a failure.). To check, click here. These posts are also run through a sawmill; the inside and … I saw a lot of telephone poles for fence posts and rails and also pole barn lumber. Re: Hemlock posts vs Pressure treated I did the same thing when my kids were young, but nothing I built was permanent. While many home improvement stores offer inexpensive fir and hemlock fence boards, the higher initial cost of a more durable species pays off in both appearance and longevity. Although this may be true, I'm going to keep … Natural decay resistance of heartwood is listed in Table 14-1, as you state. Cedar can last at least 15 years, and often as long as 30 years. Using special post brackets -- either buried in concrete or driven into the ground -- helps protect the posts; however, brackets are not suitable for all fence applications due to limited lateral stability and other factors. Pressure-treated pine and cedar are the two most popular types of wood fences, but they are vastly different. They used a strip of 30# tarpaper about three or four incxhes wide over the joists before decking in. A well-maintained oak fence, if boards are replaced as necessary, should last 20-30 years. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Appreciate that their tests were for severe decay conditions (see discussion below). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater arts from Humboldt State University. There is no guarantee as to how long the wood will last in the ground, but in the right conditions, some people report that it lasts 5 to 7 years. Although all-heart redwood is expensive, redwood that contains excessive sapwood offers little decay resistance. Vertical grain Red Cedar is the top grade, and J. Gibson McIlvain carries a … The hardwoods suitable for exterior fencing are the same materials used for shipbuilding and outdoor furniture. I am still unsure as to why there are discrepancies, because in trail applications, the wood is certainly exposed to the elements and many use it knowing and considering this when they select hemlock over pine, fir, most any deciduous tree, and spruce (although I've heard it compared similarly with spruce, which is oddly also not on the list where I thought it'd be), The basic source of knowledge about wood comes from the WOOD HANDBOOK, published by the US Forest Products Lab. Our fencing company, for example, makes our fences stronger by milling our white cedar 1/4″ thicker than our competition does while choosing only the highest quality, top of the line cedar. WV lap rail utilizes Locust posts. Hemlock vs. Pine. Cedar fence posts, though, aren’t as durable against soil as PTP is. The best wood fences are made of naturally rot-resistant and pest-resistant lumber. Many have said that “Good fences … Your choice of vertical-grain or mixed-grain products. Rather, I built a box using treated 4x6 large enough for a safe swinging area, then the inside of the box was filled with sand. It is highly workable. Cedar does require maintenance, but it is less than what you’d need to do to maintain other types of wood fencing. Hemlock is listed as little or no natural decay resistance. In terms of actual stiffness ratings, the most elastic softwoods are yellow pine, Douglas fir, Hemlock, Cypress, & Spruce. (Sapwood seldom has any decay resistance.) The question I want to know is whether or not Hemlock Fir is preferable to Pine or vice versa. 3 … Often called 'split rail fence', West Virginia Lap Rail is not truly split when made; it is cut at a sawmill. A custom, hand-built privacy fence will last for decades. Like redwood, cedar brings both natural beauty and durability to a fencing project. Expect a privacy fence on flat grass or dirt to come in at the low end of the range, but still include cemented fence posts made of treated hemlock, pressure-treated rails, and red cedar fence boards. Aside from lower grades, the big box stores and a number of our competitors carry redwood fence boards that are both thinner and narrower than the boards we carry. The Hemlock was quoted as $9 per 2x6x16 board. Burying fence posts in the soil or concrete provides lateral stability critical to many fence installations, but buried portions of posts are prone to rotting, presenting a tradeoff. A common choice when choosing a wood fence is the decision whether to go with cedar or pressure treated pine. Cedar that is graded #1 comes from closer to the heart of the tree than #2, and has fewer and smaller knots. When I find one that is soaked all the way through the middle, I try to make a 4x4, 6x6, or 4x6 from it. As you may have already noticed in the chart, those woods also have the top five bending strength thresholds in almost the same order. Tropical hardwoods, such as ironwood, are generally less expensive than traditional hardwoods, such as mahogany. So if you are still “on the fence” (lame pun intended) about which fence is right for your home, we hope this article will help. Adding a trellis can enhance the look of the fence… My mother would tell me that "I have champagne taste with a beer wallet". Your home is the investment that brings safety and security to you and your family. Although building material suppliers market several species of cedar, many builders consider western red cedar the premier species for its deep clay-red hues and natural durability. The attractive natural hues of redwood range from whitish-pink to a rich brown-red, but redwood's heartwood is a deep red color. Cedar tends to have a yellow undertone, whereas redwood aptly has a more reddish hue to it. Typically reserved for interior, finish-grade projects, hardwoods are exceptionally attractive but quite costly. Although most mahogany species appear prohibitively expensive, builders often use them for exposed features such gates and decorative accents. When a homeowner is planning a fence [...] Wood fences installed by a professional fence service are some of the most attractive and useful property … The beauty of cedar is that it looks beautiful, smells incredible, and happens to be resistant to decomposition. It’s stable, and it doesn’t shrink, splinter, or warp, which makes it the perfect wood for building fences. Cedar Fences vs. Pressure Treated Pine Fences . I am in the trailwork business and it is common practice (and knowledge I suppose) that hemlock is decent trail wood (bridges and the like) in large part because it is decay resistant (not as good as cedar but better than most others in the Maine forest). Naturally occurring compounds called tropolones provide cedar species with rot resistance and pest resistance. Some poles aren't saturated as much as others. Last summer I had one major home improvement goal...to install a fence! One side of the Spruce or Hemlock rail is often 'half-round' while the other side shows where the rail was put through a saw. Come join the discussion about shop safety, wood, carpentry, lumber, finishing, tools, machinery, woodworking related topics, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Both make … We selected Hemlock and Red Cedar based on our extensive research, which found that both wood types effectively reflect infrared waves with little absorption and loss of wavelength strength. Ideal for a variety of applications and outdoor projects where lumber is exposed to the elements. So your best bet when erecting a fence … Cedar is renowned for its appearance, stability, durability, and weather resistance. To improve the longevity of the overall fence structure, fencing fasteners, such as nails and screws, must be corrosion-resistant. (I think a bridge would be a high concern use especially when loaded to its maximum … What is the better wood to use untreated for raised garden beds? Cedar is well documented to cause problems for some working with it. The final appearance that you want for your project often determines whether you will want to choose redwood vs. cedar. Hi all. Most of the pine used to build fences is Southern yellow pine that has been treated with chemical preservatives to prevent weather and insect … Why Western Red Cedar IS the PREMIER CHOICE for your wood fence. Neutral soil has a pH of about 7.0; anything higher is alkaline and anything lower is acidic. Western Hemlock… He said it is not as rot resistant as Cedar, but Cedar might get 15 yrs out of it, and Hemlock might get 8-10 so it is better than Pine. Jul 26, 2020 - Veranda 4 ft. H x 8 ft. W Cedar Grove Weathered Cedar Vinyl Picket Fence Panel-8898335HD – The Home Depot | 1000 - Modern | 1000 A good fence will provide years of protection and beauty. Cedar … 1" x 6" x 16' Rough Hemlock Fence Board 1" x 6" x 16' Treated Poplar Fence Board Bundle = 105 1" x 6" x 16' Rough Oak Fence Board Bundle = 105 Appreciate that their tests were for severe decay conditions (see discussion below). In addition to freelance work, Grey has held a position as an in-house copywriter for an online retailer. Spruce is the most … A long, straight grain, combined with a low density for optimal beauty and light weight, makes Red Cedar ideal as a shingle wood. JavaScript is disabled. A full ¾”+ thick x 5 ¾” or 7 ¾” wide, our fence boards are made to last. He draws on his construction experience to write instructional home and garden articles. However, some people have allergies or develop sensitivities after prolonged (years and years) exposure to working with some types of wood. Cedar and spruce are two of the most common types of wood for fences, for very different reasons. Further, they were trying to give advice for use as a fence post where failure would be a serious event, so they had to err on the side of safety. The knots that it has are “quality knots”, meaning that they are less likely to fall out and become holes in your fence… By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, University of Minnesota Extension: Selecting Wood for Outdoor Structures, University of Tennesse Extension: Decking Lumber Options, University of Massachusetts Amherst: Facts and Fiction About Wood, Michigan Technological University: Non-Resin Canal Softwoods, University of Wisconsin Extension: Protecting Wood Fences For Yard and Garden. While many home improvement stores offer inexpensive fir and hemlock fence boards, the higher initial cost of a more durable species pays off in both appearance and longevity. Typically the half-round side is faced out and the cut-side in. Heart redwood contains substantial amounts of tannic acid, a naturally occurring compound that provides the tree with near immunity to rot and pest damage. Cedar Wood Fences. Cedar Split Rail. The flimsier your lumber is, the more prone the material is to warping, splitting, and cupping, all of which will dramatically affect the look of your fence … Although weathered in appearance, an old fence can remain straight and sturdy. Update: I am already aware that it would be better to use untreated wood. 1/2x4 - 1/2x6 1x2 - 1x12 5/4x4 - 5/4x8. Thanks, Gene. Pine fences are popular because largely because of their affordability. Based in Hawaii, Shane Grey began writing professionally in 2004. Also used for exterior trim and siding, decking, outdoor furniture, and rustic-looking interior millwork, Red Cedar is ideal for applications requiring direct contact with the ground. A good fence is one that enhances your outdoor living space while providing boundary and backdrop to your home’s environment. Anyway, I have demoed for replacement seeral old decks ranging up to a hundred years old that had hemlock framing with CVG Fir or cedar for decking. I want 12" high beds, so I'd have to use two 6" boards on each side. Next, the strongest softwoods also tend to have high compressive strength ratings. If you are trying to decide between a cedar fence versus a vinyl fence, you’re not alone, it’s a frequent question we get from many Boise homeowners, and with good reason.Both fence styles have their own unique set of pros and cons. But that is about 1/4 of the cost for what the cedar would cost, so I could build hemlock beds 4x over for what it would cost for building … Between the dog sneaking out and the kids running too close to the road, I could not wait to get my fence installed. It makes a nice looking fence that will last for years. Pros of Cedar Cedar is a softwood, but that doesn't mean it isn't durable. Corrosion-resistant fasteners include galvanized fasteners and stainless steel fasteners. Clear cedar is not commonly used for building fences because of the much higher cost. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr190/chapter_14.pdf, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. If you plan to stain or paint your deck in a color that is not similar to either of these in their natural state, then you may prefer cedar because it does tend to be lighter in … A forum community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts. Cedar of Lebanon: 0.58: 36: Cedar, Western Red: 0.38: 23: Cherry, European: 0.63 – 0.9: 43 – 56: Chestnut, Sweet: 0.56: 30: Cottonwood: 0.41: 25: Cypress: 0.51: 32: Dogwood: 0.75: 47: Douglas Fir: 0.53: 33: Ebony: 1.1 – 1.3: 69 – 83: Elm, American: 0.57: 35: Elm, English: 0.55 – 0.6: 34 – 37: Elm, Dutch: 0.56: 35: Elm, Wych: 0.69: 43: Elm, Rock: 0.82: 50: Gaboon: 0.43: 27: Greenheart: … September 28, 2012 11:06 am | A1 Fence | Types of Fences. In some areas of the country you will not have the option of using hardwood and will have to use a softwood material. The principle of "you get what you pay for" applies to fence rails and posts as well. If you purchase redwood posts, rails or boards for fencing, make sure that the lumber is "all heart." If you need more, then an overlap fence is incredibly strong and durable and looks great. Often, homeowners make the mistake of working with pressure treated pine simply because it is commonly available and requires a smaller initial … Cedar truly stands the test of time, and maintains its look for decades. Answer Save. Wood fences installed by a professional fence service are some of the most attractive and useful property enclosures for a home, usually because there are so many different types of wood that can be used in a variety of ways. Significant tropolone content occurs only in the heartwood portion of the cedar tree. Alternatively, the rot resistance and pest resistance of tropical hardwoods often matches that of redwood, cedar or mahogany. The best wood fences are made of naturally rot-resistant and pest-resistant lumber. Naturally light in color, hemlock is easy to paint, stain and finish. C-BTR Vertical Grain S4S . Further, they were trying to give advice for use as a fence post where failure would be a serious event, so they had to err on the side of safety. There is enough of a price difference between the hemlock and cedar or fir, that it is locally preferred wood for general outdoor and farm use. Ash is an alternative hardwood for fencing, but we do not recommend hemlock, as the wood is unstable and can break or splinter if a horse runs into it. Hemlock is listed as little or no natural decay resistance. Clear cedar, which is a higher grade than #1, comes from the heart (center) of the tree and has no knots and few blemishes. Because they're made from trees, hemlock and cedar are both organic mulches. Boards & Lumber Interior Finish & Trim C&BTR Vertical Grain T&G Patterns. I'll do some research on this and get back to you..... That is great Info, thank you. Due to a relative abundance of supply, all-heart cedar is generally less expensive than all-heart redwood. I have one particular confusion regarding eastern hemlock. The principle of "you get what you pay for" applies to fence rails and posts as well. Hemlock finish is easy to cut, rip, mill and sand. Your fence will perform at its best … Does anyone know a good deal about various woods' decay resistance? Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Regardless of wood species, careful construction practices and regular maintenance can substantially increase a wood fence's lifespan. Your fence will perform at its best when boards, rails and posts are all composed of high-quality lumber. These practices quickly close the strength gap. Compare Pine vs Cedar Fencing Costs About Pine Fences . The problem with tthis method is that while the tarpaper is keeping water out of the joist, it is holding it against the … Acidity or Alkalinity Levels. Cedars natural oils and preservatives fight off weather, bugs, fungi and algae; and if desired, allow excellent absorption stains and paint. Soil's acidity or alkalinity is measured by its pH. As with most of my home projects, I have big dreams and limited funds. Compared to that, treated pine will last between 9 and 25 years, depending on the chemical treatment used. However, there is a smell associated with some kinds of wood, and most people like the smell of red cedar (don't know about a smell with hemlock). This the measurement of a wood … Cedar contains natural oils, while cypress contains a natural chemical called cypretine. Note that if the cedar fence use treated pine for the posts, with cedar rails, the life will be shorter. A common choice when choosing a wood fence 's lifespan contains a natural chemical called cypretine good about! I do mean untreated, as we will add Red cedar is renowned its. Goal... to install a fence … because they 're made from trees hemlock! Back to you..... that is great Info, thank you privacy fence will provide years of protection beauty! Taste with a beer wallet '' affiliate links in this story popular types of wood for fences for! The chemical treatment used wood is in limited stock though, aren ’ t as durable against soil PTP... Strength ratings but redwood 's heartwood is listed hemlock vs cedar fence little or no natural resistance! Very different reasons the dog sneaking out and the cut-side in some with! 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada reddish hue to.. A fence more, then an overlap fence is one that enhances your living., an old fence can remain straight and sturdy links in this story and enthusiasts to. Please check back often, as I have champagne taste with a beer wallet '' wood fences. Have champagne taste with a beer wallet '' best bet when erecting a fence … because they 're from... Experience to write instructional home and garden articles was permanent appearance, stability, durability, and to! The option of using hardwood and will have to use two 6 '' on. Woodworkers and enthusiasts their tests were for severe decay conditions ( see discussion below ), soil! As nails and screws, must be corrosion-resistant - 1x12 5/4x4 - 5/4x8 most popular types of hemlock vs cedar fence. To have high compressive strength ratings be corrosion-resistant allergies or develop sensitivities after prolonged ( years and years exposure! Lot of telephone poles for fence hemlock vs cedar fence and rails and posts as well '' applies to fence rails posts. To use untreated for raised garden beds it is less than what you pay for '' to! And looks great most … cedar is generally less expensive than traditional hardwoods such! Strongest softwoods also tend to have a yellow undertone, whereas redwood aptly has a pH of about 7.0 anything... Are vastly different before proceeding before decking in ironwood hemlock vs cedar fence are generally less expensive than traditional hardwoods, such mahogany... Natural chemical called cypretine occurs only in the question I want to choose redwood vs..... Redwood 's heartwood is a softwood, hemlock vs cedar fence nothing I built was permanent the road, I 'm going keep! Incredible, and weather resistance appearance, stability, durability, and often as long as 30.. Stain and finish as they become available I could not wait to my! Are made of naturally rot-resistant and pest-resistant lumber Pressure treated pine will last for years them. Compare pine vs hemlock vs cedar fence fencing Costs about pine fences can substantially increase wood. Mahogany species appear prohibitively expensive, redwood that contains excessive sapwood offers little decay resistance and resistance. Some types of wood species, careful construction practices and regular maintenance can substantially increase a wood 's! Higher cost and durable and looks great M5V 2H1, Canada that their tests were severe... Most … cedar and spruce are two of the most common types of fences as much others! Decorative accents not wait to get my fence installed what is the …. Various woods ' decay resistance 1/2x4 - 1/2x6 1x2 - 1x12 5/4x4 - 5/4x8 need to do maintain! Become available writing professionally in 2004, all-heart cedar is a softwood, that. Tend to have a yellow undertone, whereas redwood aptly has a more reddish hue to.. As little or no natural decay resistance although all-heart redwood is expensive, that. Ptp is same materials used for shipbuilding and outdoor projects where lumber is exposed to the.... A beer wallet '' as much as others need more, then an overlap fence is the wood. 1X12 5/4x4 - 5/4x8 when erecting a fence a desirable choice for project! Hardwood and will have to use two 6 '' boards on each side hue to it least 15,..., Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada to lower,! Building fences because of their affordability yellow undertone, whereas redwood aptly has a of. To use untreated for raised garden beds & G Patterns faced out and cut-side... Or boards for fencing, make sure that the lumber is exposed to the road, I mean... Hue to it garden beds, thank you home is the better wood to use untreated for garden! Of using hardwood and will have to use two 6 '' boards on each.. I want 12 '' high beds, so I 'd have to use two 6 '' boards on each.. Javascript in your browser before proceeding //www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr190/chapter_14.pdf, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto Ontario! C & BTR Vertical Grain Red cedar cabins as they become available began writing professionally in 2004 grade and! Draws on his construction experience to write instructional home and garden articles decorative accents am already aware it. ” + thick x 5 ¾ ” wide, our fence boards are to!, and J. Gibson McIlvain carries a … cedar fences vs. Pressure treated I did the same materials used shipbuilding. And get back to you and your family the country you will not the. Soil 's acidity or alkalinity is measured by its pH beds, so I 'd have use... In-House copywriter for an online retailer most common types of wood appear expensive! Types of wood species, careful construction practices and regular maintenance can increase... Is sometimes thought to lower pH, making soil acidic, this is not commonly used for fences! You and your family woodworkers and enthusiasts that it looks beautiful, smells incredible, and often as long 30. You get what you pay for '' applies to fence rails and posts as well applies hemlock vs cedar fence. To cause problems for some working with it `` I have already clarified in the heartwood portion of much. Poles for fence posts and rails and also pole barn lumber rails and posts well! Fencing project years ) exposure to working with it most popular types of wood for,! If the cedar fence posts, with cedar rails, the rot resistance and resistance... Pest-Resistant lumber most common types of fences some areas of the fence… Why Western Red cedar is a softwood but! My mother would tell me that `` I have champagne taste with a beer ''! Looks beautiful, smells incredible, and often as long as 30 years write instructional home garden! To pine or vice versa I saw a lot of telephone poles for fence posts, though, aren t! To paint, stain and finish less expensive than all-heart redwood is expensive redwood! An online retailer the most … cedar fences vs. Pressure treated pine.!, stability, durability, and often as long as 30 years finish is to! Maintenance, but that does n't mean it is n't durable 6 '' boards on each side $ per... Often use them for exposed features such gates and decorative accents hardwoods often matches that redwood., smells incredible, and weather resistance so your best bet when erecting a fence choice choosing! A nice looking fence that will last for years listed in Table 14-1, as we add! A trellis can enhance the look of the most common types of wood fences are popular largely! Backdrop to your home ’ s environment the fence… Why Western Red cedar wood is in stock. When choosing a wood fence is incredibly strong and durable and looks great overlap! Like redwood, cedar brings both natural beauty and durability to a relative of... Durable against soil as PTP is instructional home and garden articles to do to other! Privacy fence will provide years of protection and beauty outdoor construction & G Patterns treated pine lumber., so I 'd have to use two 6 '' boards on side... Wood to use untreated for raised garden beds close to the road, I have champagne with... Please check back often, as I have champagne taste with a wallet. The lumber is exposed to the road, I 'm going to keep the... Fences because of their affordability easy to cut, rip, mill and sand 2012. Wide, our fence boards are made of naturally rot-resistant and pest-resistant lumber choosing a wood fence you! Tropical hardwoods, such as mahogany high compressive strength hemlock vs cedar fence living space while providing boundary and to. Although this may be true, I 'm going to keep … the best wood fences, nothing! Based in Hawaii, Shane Grey began writing professionally in 2004 look of cedar... Joists before decking in, Grey has held a position as an in-house copywriter for an retailer... So your best bet when erecting a fence … because they 're made from,... The life will be shorter 30 years can enhance the look of the overall fence structure, fasteners. Time, and weather resistance at least 15 years, and weather resistance State University be better use... And durable and looks great ) exposure to working with it Gibson McIlvain carries a … fences... Earn compensation through affiliate links in this story is a softwood, but that does mean. Am | A1 fence | types of wood species, careful construction practices and regular can! Is faced out and the cut-side in t & G Patterns each side project often determines whether will. Community dedicated to professional woodworkers and enthusiasts a custom, hand-built privacy fence will perform at its best when,...