Longevity of a cedar fence

mickeyd · 08-03-2006, 12:20 PM

My cedar fence, which covers about 225' includes 2 gates but is on it's last legs (gates?). The fence is about 20 years old and I have replaced individual slats over the years, but it is really looking beat-up now.

I hate to spend good money (or bad $) on such an item however I may have arrived at a point that requires me to give up and replace the darn thing.

How long is the normal life of a cedar fence? Any experience on replacement costs?

cute fuzzy bunny · 08-03-2006, 12:26 PM

Depends on how its built and cared for and local pests. 20 years is a pretty good life though.

For example, posts buried in the dirt with no concrete, no cleaning or treatment, lots of moisture and termites, maybe 7 years.

Posts well buried in concrete, pressure treated posts and rails, dry environment, no termites or carpenter ants...maybe 20 years.

haha · 08-03-2006, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeyd

My cedar fence, which covers about 225' includes 2* gates but is on it's last legs (gates?). The fence is about 20 years old and I have replaced individual slats over the years, but it is really looking beat-up now.

I hate to spend good money (or bad $) on such an item however I may have arrived at a point that requires me to give up and replace the darn thing.

How long is the normal life of a cedar fence? Any experience on replacement costs?

I have one that is 30 years old and looking good. Two years ago I cleaned it up and brushed with a product called Inwood, a type of clear preservative. My posts are pressure treated also.

Ha

larry · 08-03-2006, 12:33 PM

I just bought some cedar fencing boards, #2, 1" x8" x 6' dog-eared cedar ran $2.68/board

wabmester · 08-03-2006, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeyd

How long is the normal life of a cedar fence?

It depends on whether you used heartwood or sapwood. * Heartwood is good for 25 years or so. * Sapwood will decay much faster.

haha · 08-03-2006, 12:40 PM

You guys are great. I bet you would tell a 110 year old that people camn only live to 95.

Ha

Scrooge · 08-03-2006, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaHa

You guys are great. I bet you would tell a 110 year old that people camn only live to 95.

110 years I don't have a problem with. But once you get past the numbers that we have well documented cases for (<125), I start suspecting Social Security fraud

BUM · 08-03-2006, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeyd

How long is the normal life of a cedar fence? Any experience on replacement costs?

About 6 beers.

mickeyd · 08-03-2006, 02:10 PM

Ok thanks. I really appreciate the input.

Expansion of original Q (just got back from HomeDepot):

The cost of Pressure treated (1"x6" 6X8 panel) is $58 but Cedar is $91. Does a 50% cost increase make sense or should I go with what attracts me the most ($58)? It is not a "showfence" as it is mostly backyard but since it is a corner lot, one side will face a street.

08-03-2006, 12:20 PM	#1
mickeyd Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Texas~29N/98W Posts: 2,290	Longevity of a cedar fence My cedar fence, which covers about 225' includes 2 gates but is on it's last legs (gates?). The fence is about 20 years old and I have replaced individual slats over the years, but it is really looking beat-up now. I hate to spend good money (or bad $) on such an item however I may have arrived at a point that requires me to give up and replace the darn thing. How long is the normal life of a cedar fence? Any experience on replacement costs? __________________ Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. Groucho Marx In dire need of: faster horses, younger woman, older whiskey, more money.

08-03-2006, 12:33 PM	#4
larry Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 252	Re: Longevity of a cedar fence I just bought some cedar fencing boards, #2, 1" x8" x 6' dog-eared cedar ran $2.68/board __________________ time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana

08-03-2006, 12:40 PM	#6
haha Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Seattle Posts: 8,474	Re: Longevity of a cedar fence You guys are great. I bet you would tell a 110 year old that people camn only live to 95. Ha __________________ "Show 'em just enough to win the turkey."- Former KY Governor Bert Combs

08-03-2006, 02:10 PM	#9
mickeyd Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Texas~29N/98W Posts: 2,290	Re: Longevity of a cedar fence Ok thanks. I really appreciate the input. Expansion of original Q (just got back from HomeDepot): The cost of Pressure treated (1"x6" 6X8 panel) is $58 but Cedar is $91. Does a 50% cost increase make sense or should I go with what attracts me the most ($58)? It is not a "showfence" as it is mostly backyard but since it is a corner lot, one side will face a street. __________________ Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. Groucho Marx In dire need of: faster horses, younger woman, older whiskey, more money.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

08-03-2006, 12:26 PM	#2
cute fuzzy bunny Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ... Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Losing my whump Posts: 22,527	Re: Longevity of a cedar fence Depends on how its built and cared for and local pests. 20 years is a pretty good life though. For example, posts buried in the dirt with no concrete, no cleaning or treatment, lots of moisture and termites, maybe 7 years. Posts well buried in concrete, pressure treated posts and rails, dry environment, no termites or carpenter ants...maybe 20 years. __________________ Many an optimist has become rich by buying out a pessimist

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hi - still on the fence	Behan	Hi, I am...	3	04-18-2007 09:53 PM
Waterproofing/protecting cedar fence	WanderALot	Other topics	6	11-16-2006 07:20 PM
Building a fence and neighorly relations	samclem	Other topics	3	05-26-2006 05:37 PM
longevity insurance	ats5g	FIRE and Money	17	02-06-2004 08:28 AM