Does cedar fence need to be sealed? (2023)

Do you need to seal both sides of a cedar fence?

In actuality, you should be staining both sides of your fence. Not only will it be more aesthetically pleasing to all parties involved, it will help your wooden fence last longer. As the days continue to get longer and the sun beats down a little harder, sun protection should be on your mind.

Apply a waterproofing sealer to the cedar fence to protect the wood from splintering, cracking and warping due to the weather elements. Brush on two thin coats of waterproofing sealer using a paint brush. Allow the sealer to dry in between coats. Seal your cedar fence every three to five years.

Remember, if you install a cedar fence it will need 5-7 weeks to dry in the sun before it will be ready for any kind of staining or treatment.

Use clear sealer instead to show off all the fine details of wood grain. Another option you have is to use clear sealer on your entire fence. Clear sealers show off all the natural grain of wood. If you use a clear sealer, your fence may turn gray over time.

Sealing your fence protects the wood from weathering, excess moisture, ultraviolet rays, and pests. It also keeps damage such as fading, graying, cracking and splintering at bay.

Stains offer the same benefits as sealers but with some extra advantages. Sun damage can cause a fence to fade and become grey in as little as a few months. A quality stain can protect a fence against the UV rays at the heart of the process. The more opaque the stain, the more UV protection it provides.

Cedar is extremely good to use for outdoor use. It has natural resistance against, moisture, high temperature, bugs and insects, and natural weather resistance. Cedar furniture can keep outside untreated for so long because of its high durability and resistance to environmental elements.

Cedar is one of the most durable and long-lasting woods, making it much more suitable as a material for fencing. It can last for more than 15 to 30 years and is exceptionally sustainable. Cedar wood requires much less maintenance and won't weather as easily as spruce or pine.

Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you want to enjoy the aroma of varieties such as Western red cedar and incense cedar, leave the wood unsealed.

It's a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn't warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.

How long does cedar Last outdoors untreated?

The cedar's natural defenses towards rotting will be diminished, which will reduces the lifespan of an unmaintained deck to 10 to 15 years.

Sealing helps maintain the strength and beauty of the wood. Your cedar will retain its rich color and be protected from deterioration like cracking, graying, and warping due to sealing. Sealing your deck will increase its life and ensure that it will survive many years.

Overall, all types of wood finishings are suitable for cedar. However, clear penetrating finishes such as linseed oil, Tung oil, and Danish oil are best suited for indoor cedar furniture. This finish safeguards the cedar wood from the inside while preserving the beautiful natural color of the cedar.

The “phenols” also are responsible for Cedar's natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect infestation. The natural resistance provided by the oils and acids are what make these species more popular in outdoor applications. Properly finished, cedar will last for decades even in harsh environments.

An essential step in the fence installation process is to seal the wood on your fence. Sealing a wood fence will save it from swelling and turning gray from exposure to the elements. You could pay a professional to put a sealer on your fence, but it's not necessary.

When building a solid privacy fence, the fence boards are either butted tightly together, or spaced 3/8 to 1/4 inch apart to allow the wood to expand and contract in wet and dry weather.

Routine wood fence maintenance is important to maintain the aesthetic of the fence and the life of the wood. A fence should be stained every two to three years to preserve the look and function of the fence.

How long will a cedar fence last? If left to weather, it will last approximately 12 years in the ground and 15-20 years above ground.

Does raw cedar need to be sealed?

Unless you particularly want untreated cedar wood, it's best to treat it. Cedar fences should be treated once a year. Cedar's natural oils do protect the wood, but only for a finite period. Eventually, decay will start to set in.

Disadvantages of Cedar Wood Decking:

Cost- Just like composite, cedar can be much more expensive than other wood. Fades to a weathered grey over the years, which can be a drawback to some people.

In order for it to retain its beauty, a cedar fence needs to be cared for and protected from the environment. In many cases this just requires a simple application of a good wood stain.

While cedar resists this greying more than other types of wood, without protection, it will still happen. Given time, most wood types do fade to grey when exposed to the outside elements.