Western Red Cedar: The Premier Choice for Stunning, Long-Lasting Fences in Houston

As the premier fence builders in Houston with over two decades in the fence industry, We’ve seen countless materials come and go. But when homeowners ask us about the best wood for their fence project, Western Red Cedar consistently remains at the top of our recommendations. Let us share why this remarkable wood might be the perfect choice for your Houston home.

Why Western Red Cedar Stands Out in Houston’s Climate

Houston’s weather throws everything at your fence – blistering 100°F summers, sauna-like humidity, sudden downpours, and the occasional flood. Most materials simply can’t handle this punishment year after year. This is where Western Red Cedar truly stands apart from the competition.

Unlike pressure-treated pine (the standard budget option around town), Western Red Cedar contains natural oils and preservatives that make it naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and those pesky insects we deal with year-round. I’ve seen well-maintained cedar fences last 20+ years in Houston, while typical pressure-treated pine often needs replacement after 7-10 years.

The natural properties of Western Red Cedar mean it handles our climate fluctuations exceptionally well. It resists warping, twisting, and checking (those annoying surface cracks) far better than other wood options. For Houston homeowners looking for longevity without constant maintenance headaches, cedar delivers impressive performance.

The Unmistakable Beauty of Western Red Cedar Fencing

Let’s be honest – your fence is a major visual element of your property. It’s often the first thing neighbors and visitors notice. Western Red Cedar doesn’t just perform well – it delivers a natural elegance that makes other fencing materials look downright ordinary in comparison.

When first installed, cedar showcases a rich, warm honey-to-reddish-brown color that stops people in their tracks. I’ve literally had clients gasp when they see it for the first time. For those who prefer to let nature take its course, cedar weathers beautifully to a distinguished silver-gray patina that many of our high-end clients specifically request right from the start.

What really sets cedar apart is how each board tells its own story through unique grain patterns and natural character. Unlike the cookie-cutter sameness of vinyl or composite options, a Western Red Cedar fence has personality and depth. I’ve seen properly installed cedar fences transform ordinary properties into showcase homes, creating a perfect frame for landscaping that immediately boosts curb appeal and property value.

Cost Considerations: The Smart Long-Term Investment

I always give customers straight talk about pricing. Yes, Western Red Cedar costs more upfront than pressure-treated pine – typically about 30-40% more for the materials. But here’s where thinking long-term pays off.

Let’s break down the real numbers: When a cedar fence easily lasts 15-20+ years compared to 7-10 years for pressure-treated pine, suddenly that 30-40% upfront premium doesn’t seem like much at all. Do the math – you’d need to replace that cheaper fence twice during the lifetime of a single cedar installation. Factor in the jaw-dropping curb appeal and the documented boost to property values (we’ve had realtors tell us a beautiful cedar fence can add thousands to a home’s selling price), and cedar isn’t just the premium choice – it’s actually the smart financial move for the long run.

At Texas Fence, our cedar installations typically start around $35-45 per linear foot (depending on height, design, and other factors), compared to $25-35 for standard pressure-treated pine. For many Houston homeowners, that premium is well worth the benefits cedar provides.

Environmental Benefits You Might Not Have Considered

For environmentally conscious homeowners (and we’re seeing more every year), Western Red Cedar offers significant advantages:

• Sustainability: Cedar is harvested from managed forests that are continuously replanted
• Lower carbon footprint: Requires less chemical treatment and processing than other options
• Natural pest resistance: No need for toxic chemical treatments to prevent termites and other pests
• Biodegradability: At the end of its very long life, cedar naturally decomposes without leaving harmful residue

When clients ask about “green” fencing options, cedar is always at the top of my recommendation list. It combines natural beauty with environmental responsibility in a way that few alternatives can match.

Installation Tips from a Pro: Getting the Most from Your Cedar Fence

After 20+ years and literally thousands of fence projects across Houston, I’ve discovered the secrets that separate an “OK” cedar fence from one that has neighbors stopping to ask who built it:

1. Never skimp on fasteners: This is non-negotiable – use only hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel nails and screws. Cedar’s natural acids will eat through cheaper metals in no time, leaving ugly black streaks and compromised structural integrity. I’ve seen “budget” cedar fences fail in just 3-4 years because the contractor cut corners here.
2. Give it room to breathe: Cedar is a living material that expands and contracts with our Houston humidity swings. Our installers use precise spacing techniques developed over decades to accommodate this natural movement. This prevents the warping, splitting, and popped nails that plague amateur installations.
3. Keep it off the ground: Direct soil contact accelerates decay, even with cedar’s natural resistance. Proper post setting with concrete footings and slight elevation of horizontal members significantly extends fence life.
4. Choose the right grade: At Texas Fence, we typically recommend “Clear” or “Select Tight Knot” grades for fence boards. Lower grades may save money initially but often lead to more problems down the road.
5. Consider board orientation: Vertical board orientation (board-on-board or side-by-side) allows water to shed more easily than horizontal designs, particularly important in our rainy climate.

When properly installed by experienced professionals, a Western Red Cedar fence becomes not just a boundary, but a genuine asset to your property that will serve you well for decades.

Maintenance Made Simple

One of cedar’s biggest selling points is its relatively low maintenance requirements. Here’s what I recommend to our customers to keep their cedar fence looking great:

• Initial sealing: About 3-6 months after installation (after the wood has had time to dry and acclimate), apply a quality transparent or semi-transparent sealer designed for cedar.
• Regular cleaning: A gentle wash with mild soap and water every 1-2 years removes dirt and prevents mildew buildup.
• Periodic resealing: Every 2-3 years, apply a fresh coat of sealer to maintain optimal protection. This takes just a weekend for most properties and dramatically extends fence life.
• Prompt repairs: Address any loose boards or hardware promptly before small issues become major problems.

With this simple maintenance routine, your cedar fence will continue looking fantastic and providing service long after other fencing materials would need replacement.

Common Questions About Western Red Cedar Fencing

Will cedar warp or twist like my neighbor’s pine fence did?

Not even close. Cedar’s cellular structure gives it superior dimensional stability that pine can’t match. I won’t lie and say it never moves – all wood does – but properly installed cedar stays true and straight far better than cheaper alternatives. I’ve walked properties where the 15-year-old cedar fence looks straighter than the 3-year-old pressure-treated pine fence next door.

Is cedar really worth paying more for?

I get asked this almost daily. Here’s what I tell homeowners: If you’re planning to move within 5 years and just need a functional fence, pine might make sense. But if you’re staying put or care about your home’s appearance and value, cedar is the obvious choice. The doubled lifespan, head-turning looks, and minimal maintenance make it the better investment by far. Many clients who initially balked at the price come back years later thanking us for steering them toward cedar.

How long will my cedar fence actually last in Houston’s climate?

With professional installation and basic maintenance, 20+ years is completely realistic. Compare that to 7-10 years for pressure-treated pine. I’ve personally inspected cedar fences we installed back when we first opened in 2003 that still look fantastic today. The key is proper installation and occasional maintenance – give it that, and cedar will reward you with decades of service.

Can cedar stand up to termites and those crazy Houston bugs?

This is one of cedar’s superpowers. The natural oils and extractives in Western Red Cedar are like kryptonite to bugs. Termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring pests that would demolish a pine fence typically avoid cedar entirely. While I won’t claim it’s 100% immune (nothing is), cedar provides outstanding natural resistance without needing chemical treatments that can be harmful to pets and kids.

Can I change cedar’s color to match my home?

Absolutely! Cedar is like a blank canvas that takes stain beautifully. Want a rich mahogany look? A weathered gray? Something that perfectly complements your brick or siding? Cedar can do it all while still showcasing its gorgeous natural grain patterns. At Texas Fence, we’ve developed relationships with premium stain manufacturers to provide options specifically formulated for our Houston climate that won’t peel or fade quickly like generic products.

Why Choose Texas Fence for Your Cedar Fence Project

After building thousands of cedar fences throughout Houston over the past 20+ years, our team has developed specialized expertise with this premium material. We understand its unique properties and how to maximize its performance in our challenging climate.

Our cedar fence installations include:

• Premium-grade Western Red Cedar sourced from sustainable forests
• Hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners for maximum durability
• Proper concrete footings and post-setting techniques
• Precise cutting and installation to enhance appearance and durability
• Optional custom features like decorative post caps, lattice tops, and unique gate designs

We take pride in building cedar fences that become neighborhood landmarks – the ones that have neighbors asking “Who built your fence?” for years to come.

Ready to Explore Western Red Cedar for Your Fence Project?

If you’re considering a new fence for your Houston home, Western Red Cedar deserves serious consideration. Its combination of natural beauty, exceptional durability, and environmental benefits makes it ideal for our unique climate and lifestyle.

At Texas Fence, we’ve been helping Houston homeowners make informed fencing decisions since 2003. Whether you’re ready to move forward with a cedar fence or just exploring options, we’re happy to provide a no-pressure consultation and free estimate.

Contact us today at (281) 807-7900 or visit our showroom in northwest Houston to see samples and discuss your specific needs. Discover why Western Red Cedar remains the premier choice for discerning Houston homeowners who want the perfect combination of beauty, performance, and value.

Western Red Cedar – the natural choice for Houston fences that stand the test of time.