Using Western Red Cedar for Fencing

Wood fences in Houston, Texas, are almost always constructed with western red cedar. Many homeowners, who are replacing their wooden fences, question what type of wood should be used. This article describes the advantages of western red cedar for fencing and building materials.

The western red cedar is an evergreen coniferous tree that grows abundantly in the Pacific Northwest. The range of the tree stretches from southern Alaska to northern California and from the western coastline inland to Montana. Western red cedars have also been planted and cultivated in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and even Hawaii. The cedar tree is often planted and used for ornamental landscaping often reaching a height of 200 feet.

The wood is reddish brown in color and it is widely used for construction of fencing, shingles, outdoor furniture, decks, and siding. The oil contained in western red cedar plays a part in its resistance to decay, and is also responsible for the wide use of the wood to repel moths and carpet beetle larvae. Cedar also has an attractive grain and a pleasant aroma that comes from natural thujaplicins in the wood.

High moisture climates like those found in Houston make the use of western red cedar the ideal choice for construction of wood fences. Cedar can also be cut in long straight lengths because it does not bend or warp. This is an important consideration to the consumer when being prompted to consider a more "affordable" choice.