Picking Cedar Pickets – A Guide to Cedar Wood Fencing Options
- Pro Fence Wilmington
- Aug 27
- 12 min read
Why Cedar Picket Fencing Stands Above the Rest
Cedar picket fencing offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, durability, and timeless appeal, making it a favorite fencing choice for generations. Unlike other woods, cedar brings unique advantages that make it a worthwhile investment.
Key Benefits of Cedar Picket Fencing:
Natural resistance to rot, insects, and decay
15-20 year lifespan (compared to 3-7 years for spruce)
Dimensional stability – less warping and shrinking
Beautiful aging – weathers to a neat silver-gray
Versatile styles – from classic flat-top to decorative Gothic designs
Low maintenance – can be left unfinished or stained as preferred
Cedar’s natural oils act as built-in preservatives, repelling insects and preventing decay without chemical treatments. This means your fence will maintain its structural integrity and appearance far longer than alternatives like pressure-treated pine.
The heartwood of cedar contains natural compounds that make it especially suitable for ground contact and outdoor exposure. Whether you choose Northern White Cedar for maximum longevity or Western Red Cedar for rich color, you’re investing in a fencing material that delivers both immediate curb appeal and long-term value.
From traditional spaced pickets that offer visibility while defining boundaries, to solid privacy designs that create secluded outdoor spaces, cedar adapts to virtually any style preference and property need.
Common cedar picket fencing vocab:
Why Choose Cedar for Your Picket Fence?
Cedar is an excellent choice for your picket fence project. It’s more than just an attractive wood; it’s naturally resistant to the elements. Cedar’s special quality comes from its natural oils, which provide built-in protection against insects and decay. While other woods may attract termites and carpenter ants, cedar naturally repels them.
The rot and decay resistance of cedar is legendary. Those same natural preservatives that keep bugs away also prevent the fungi and bacteria that turn other woods into mulch. This translates into serious durability and a 15-20 year lifespan that puts most other woods to shame.
Another key benefit of cedar is its dimensional stability. While other woods warp, shrink, and twist as they age, cedar maintains its shape. You’ll see less warping and less shrinking, which means your fence stays looking sharp instead of developing unsightly gaps and crooked pickets.
When it comes to cedar varieties, you have two great options. Northern White Cedar is built for the long haul with exceptional longevity. Western Red Cedar brings rich, warm colors that add significant curb appeal. Both varieties share cedar’s natural protective qualities, so you can’t go wrong.
For more detailed information about all our cedar options, check out our Cedar Fencing options.
The Natural Properties of Cedar Wood
Cedar wood is perfectly designed for outdoor life. The secret lies in the difference between heartwood and sapwood. The heartwood—the dense, darker core—is where the protective qualities are concentrated. It’s loaded with natural preservatives like tannins and oils that act as a defense mechanism.
The sapwood, the lighter outer ring, doesn’t have the same resistance to decay and insects. That’s why quality cedar fencing focuses on heartwood content—it’s the difference between a fence that lasts for decades and one that doesn’t.
Cedar’s pleasant aroma is another benefit; the fresh, woodsy scent acts as a natural deterrent for many pests.
Don’t let cedar’s lightweight strength fool you. This wood has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, making it easier to handle during installation while still providing rock-solid support. Its cellular structure also promotes weather resistance by allowing the wood to shed water rather than absorbing it.
Lifespan and Durability Compared to Other Woods
When investing in a fence, it’s important to compare your options. Here’s how cedar picket fencing stacks up against the competition:
Material | Lifespan (Years) | Cost | Maintenance | Rot Resistance | Insect Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cedar | 15-20 | Moderate-High | Low (can weather naturally or be stained/sealed) | High (Natural) | High (Natural) |
Pressure-Treated Pine | 10-15 | Low-Moderate | Moderate (requires regular sealing) | High (Chemical) | High (Chemical) |
Spruce | 3-7 | Low | High (requires frequent sealing/treatment) | Low | Low |
The numbers tell a clear story. Spruce may save money upfront, but with a 3-7 year lifespan, it will require replacement multiple times before a cedar fence shows its age. That initial bargain becomes more expensive when factoring in replacement costs.
Pressure-treated pine offers decent protection, but it relies entirely on chemical treatments for its resistance. Cedar provides the same level of protection naturally. Additionally, pressure-treated lumber can be unpredictable as it dries, often warping and twisting.
Cedar’s 15-20 year lifespan is not just impressive; it’s economical. When you spread the upfront cost over two decades of beautiful, low-maintenance fencing, cedar becomes one of the smartest investments for your property.
Understanding the Styles and Customization of Cedar Picket Fencing
The beauty of cedar picket fencing goes beyond its durability, offering a canvas for creating a unique fence. Cedar adapts to any vision, from a charming cottage border to a stately front yard boundary. The details—picket top style, board spacing, and height—are what complement your home’s character.
Every element can be customized to match your style and property needs. From classic dog-ear pickets to neat French Gothic tops, the possibilities are extensive. The spacing between pickets can create an open, welcoming feel or provide complete privacy, while custom heights ensure your fence serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Cedar is also ideal for customization because it accepts different finishes. You can let it weather naturally to a gorgeous silver-gray patina or stain it to maintain its rich, warm tones. See beautiful examples of cedar fences to spark your imagination.
Common Styles for Cedar Picket Fencing
The personality of your cedar picket fencing comes from the picket tops you choose. Each style creates a distinctive look along your property line.
The dog-ear style is a classic for a reason. Its angled corner cuts create a friendly, approachable appearance that works with various home styles, from colonial to modern farmhouse, making it a versatile choice for any neighborhood.
For those who appreciate clean lines, flat top pickets deliver a crisp, contemporary look. They are particularly striking with precise spacing and can make a traditional home feel fresh and updated.
To add a touch of elegance, Gothic and French Gothic styles are excellent choices. These pointed tops evoke classic English gardens and add architectural interest. The French Gothic variation offers a more refined, elongated point.
Stockade pickets bring a more rustic, utilitarian charm. While originally designed for practical purposes, they have found a place in residential applications where a straightforward look is desired.
The choice between spaced picket and privacy picket designs changes how your fence functions. Spaced pickets with traditional gaps (typically 1¾ inches) maintain an open feel, perfect for front yards. Privacy pickets eliminate gaps entirely, creating a solid barrier ideal for backyards.
For something truly special, consider scalloped designs. The gentle concave scallop creates graceful dips between posts. The reverse scalloped (convex) style does the opposite, creating neat arches that add height and grandeur.
Dimensions also matter. Whether you choose 4-foot or 6-foot heights, and widths from 3.5 to 5.5 inches, each combination creates a different visual impact. Some homeowners even opt for distinctive Victorian pickets with their unique 2×2 profile for a custom look.
Finishing and Customization Options
One of cedar’s best qualities is how it ages, but you are not limited to letting nature take its course. The finishing options for your cedar picket fencing are as varied as your personal taste.
Many homeowners love cedar’s natural weathering process. Over time, the warm tones transform into a soft, sophisticated silver-gray patina. This weathered look has a timeless appeal that blends seamlessly with landscapes.
If you prefer to preserve cedar’s original color or explore new ones, staining opens up a world of options. A good stain improves the wood’s grain and provides extra protection against UV rays and moisture. You can choose transparent stains that let cedar’s character shine through or semi-transparent or solid stains for more dramatic color.
Sealing your fence adds another layer of protection, helping to repel water and extend the wood’s life, which is especially valuable in harsh weather.
While less common, painting cedar is possible if you want a specific color to match your home’s trim. That paint requires more ongoing maintenance than stain, as it can chip or peel over time.
Customization doesn’t stop with finishes. Custom top rails can add architectural flair, and post caps can transform ordinary posts into charming focal points. These touches are what separate a good fence from a great one. More info about custom wood fencing can help you explore all the possibilities.
Installation, Maintenance, and Cost Considerations
Choosing cedar picket fencing is an investment in your property’s beauty and value. To get the most from your fence, it’s important to understand the installation, maintenance, and cost. While cedar is resilient, proper installation and care can extend its lifespan from 15 to 20 years or more. Here’s what to expect from the professional process and how simple care keeps your fence looking its best.
The Professional Installation Process
Proper installation is the foundation of a long-lasting cedar picket fencing. At PRO Fence Co. Wilmington, our refined process emphasizes attention to detail to prevent future issues. The process begins with crucial site preparation. We walk the property line with you to confirm the fence layout. Before digging, we call 811 (Digline in Massachusetts) at least two business days in advance to have underground utilities marked, ensuring a safe excavation.
Once the site is clear, we focus on post setting, the backbone of your fence. We dig holes approximately 36 inches deep for a standard 6-foot fence, ensuring about one-third of each post is underground.
To promote drainage and prevent premature rot, we add several inches of gravel to the bottom of each hole before setting the posts. After the posts are positioned and perfectly plumb, we add concrete and let it cure for a full 24 hours before proceeding.
Rail attachment comes next. We install the horizontal rails that support your pickets, ensuring they’re level and properly “crowned”—with any natural bow in the wood facing upward so water runs off.
Finally, we move to picket fastening. Each picket is positioned with a consistent gap from the ground (usually about 1.5 inches) to prevent moisture wicking. We use galvanized or stainless steel nails exclusively, as regular steel fasteners will rust and stain the cedar. Every picket is secured with two fasteners per rail, and we pre-drill when necessary to prevent splitting.
The whole process typically takes 2-3 days for an average residential fence. For more details about our installation approach, you can learn about our Wood Fence Installation process.
Maintenance Needs for Your Cedar Picket Fencing
One of the best things about cedar picket fencing is its minimal maintenance requirements. A little care goes a long way toward keeping it looking great.
Cleaning your fence is a simple task. A few times a year, a gentle rinse with a garden hose will remove dust and pollen. For any mildew or stubborn dirt, a soft brush with mild soap and water is effective. We advise against using pressure washers, as they can damage the wood fibers.
When it comes to staining or sealing, you have choices. Many homeowners love the natural silver-gray patina that cedar develops as it weathers. If you prefer to maintain cedar’s original warm tones, plan on staining every 3-4 years. This adds UV protection and helps repel moisture, extending your fence’s life.
Don’t be alarmed by wood checking—small, hairline cracks on the surface. This is a normal part of the drying process as cedar acclimates to the climate and does not affect the fence’s structural integrity.
Similarly, some shrinkage is normal and expected as the wood continues to dry and stabilize. Professional installation techniques account for this natural movement.
We recommend a quick inspection of your fence each spring and fall. Look for loose fasteners, damaged pickets, or areas where the finish is wearing thin. Catching small issues early prevents them from becoming bigger problems. If you spot something that needs attention, we offer Fence Repair Services to keep your fence in top condition.
What is the Average Cost of Cedar Picket Fencing?
Let’s discuss the cost of cedar picket fencing. The prices shared here are average costs based on general internet data and can vary significantly. These are not actual costs for PRO Fence Co. Wilmington, and we always recommend getting a personalized estimate.
Material costs for individual cedar pickets vary by size and quality. A basic 5/8″ x 3.5″ x 4′ picket might run from $4.00 to $12.00 per piece, while a larger 5/8″ x 5-1/2″ x 6′ picket could range from $6.50 to $20.00. Premium 1″ x 6″ x 6′ pickets might cost between $5.50 and $18.00. Taller 8-foot pickets (5/8″ x 5-1/2″ x 8′) typically range from $10.50 to $30.00 each.
For budgeting, it’s more helpful to think in terms of cost per linear foot, which includes materials and labor. For cedar picket fencing, costs typically start around $20-$30 per linear foot for basic styles. Most homeowners find themselves in the $35-$60 per linear foot range for common styles like dog-ear or flat-top at standard 6-foot heights. For premium grades, intricate designs, or challenging terrain, costs can reach $70-$100+ per linear foot.
Several factors affect pricing. Height is a primary driver, as taller fences require more material. Picket style also matters; decorative tops cost more to manufacture. Terrain can be a big factor, as installation on slopes or rocky soil takes more time. Gates and initial staining or painting will also add to the project cost.
For a more detailed breakdown, you can get details on the Average Cost of 6 ft Cedar Fence. The best way to know your cost is to get a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Picket Fences
When homeowners are considering cedar picket fencing, we find they often have similar questions about durability, maintenance, and installation. These are the most common concerns we hear, along with our straightforward answers based on years of experience working with cedar.
How long does a cedar picket fence last?
Here’s some great news for your investment: a well-maintained cedar picket fence typically lasts 15-20 years, which is significantly longer than most other wood options. To put this in perspective, spruce fencing usually gives you only 3-7 years before needing replacement, while standard pine falls somewhere in between.
What makes cedar so durable? It’s all about those natural oils and compounds we mentioned earlier. These built-in preservatives work around the clock to fight off rot, decay, and hungry insects that would love to make a meal of your fence. With proper installation and just a little basic care, your cedar fence will be protecting and beautifying your property for decades.
The key phrase here is “well-maintained,” but don’t worry – cedar’s maintenance needs are refreshingly simple compared to other materials.
Should I stain or paint my cedar fence?
This is honestly one of our favorite questions because there’s no wrong answer – it’s all about what makes you happy when you look at your fence!
Natural weathering is incredibly popular, and for good reason. If you love the idea of a low-maintenance fence that evolves over time, you can simply let your cedar age gracefully. Over the months and years, it will develop a beautiful silver-gray patina that many homeowners absolutely adore. Thanks to cedar’s natural insect resistance, this weathered look doesn’t compromise the fence’s performance one bit.
Staining is perfect if you want to maintain cedar’s warm, rich tones or introduce a specific color that complements your home. Stains come in various levels of opacity – from transparent options that highlight the wood grain to solid stains that provide more color coverage. As a bonus, staining adds an extra layer of UV protection and moisture resistance.
Painting opens up a world of color possibilities, though it does require more long-term commitment. Paint can chip or peel over time, especially with weather exposure, so you’ll need to plan for more frequent touch-ups compared to staining or natural weathering.
The beauty of cedar is that it performs well with any of these approaches, so you can choose based purely on your aesthetic preferences and maintenance comfort level.
Do cedar posts need to be set in concrete?
This is a surprisingly complex question that even professionals debate! While concrete is commonly used for fence post installation, it’s not always the best choice for cedar posts, and here’s why.
The main concern with setting cedar posts directly in concrete is moisture entrapment. When concrete surrounds the base of a cedar post, it can actually trap water against the wood rather than allowing it to drain away. This trapped moisture can accelerate rot right at the ground line – ironically shortening your post’s lifespan despite cedar’s natural resistance.
Our professional installation approach focuses on better drainage methods. We typically add 4-6 inches of gravel to the bottom of each post hole, creating excellent drainage that prevents water from pooling around the wood. Some installations use alternative backfill methods with compacted gravel and soil, or specialized techniques that avoid direct concrete contact with the wood at the base.
The key is ensuring proper water drainage and ventilation around your cedar posts. When posts can “breathe” and water can flow away naturally, you get the maximum benefit from cedar’s impressive natural longevity. Our installation methods prioritize these drainage principles to give your fence the longest possible lifespan.
Your Local Cedar Fencing Experts
When it comes to changing your property with a beautiful fence, choosing the right partner makes all the difference. Cedar picket fencing offers a timeless, durable, and naturally beautiful solution that truly stands the test of time, combining classic American charm with modern durability.
At PRO Fence Co. Wilmington, we understand that your fence is more than just a boundary—it’s an investment in your property’s beauty, privacy, and security. As a family-owned business, we take pride in delivering personalized service that larger companies simply can’t match. We listen to your vision, work within your budget, and bring decades of expertise to every project.
Our team serves homeowners throughout Middlesex and Essex Counties, including communities like Wilmington, Reading, North Andover, Salem, Wakefield, Andover, Woburn, Chelmsford, Lynn, Peabody, and Beverly. We know the local climate, soil conditions, and architectural styles that make each neighborhood unique. This local knowledge helps us recommend the perfect cedar fence solution for your specific needs.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality craftsmanship and custom solutions. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic dog-ear picket fence to frame your front garden or a taller privacy design for your backyard retreat, we’ll help you select the perfect style, height, and finish. Our installation process ensures your fence will look beautiful and perform flawlessly for years to come.
From the initial consultation through the final cleanup, we handle every detail with care. We’ll walk you through material options, discuss design possibilities, and provide honest guidance based on our experience. Most importantly, we stand behind our work with the confidence that comes from being part of this community.
Ready to explore the possibilities for your property? We’d love to discuss your project and provide a detailed estimate custom to your specific needs. Request an Estimate for your project today and find how cedar picket fencing can improve your home’s charm and value.
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