When it comes to wood fencing, most people choose either pine or cedar fencing. There are pros and cons to each of these types of fences, which will be explain below.
Durability and Maintenance
A cedar fence in Saint Paul, MN will last somewhere between 15 to 30 years as long as it’s properly cared for, but a pressure-treated pine fence is only likely to last between 7 and 15 years. This means that even though a pine fence is the cheaper option, in the long run, a cedar fence may be the better choice as it will last longer, which gives more value to your money. Pine is susceptible to splintering, warping, cracking and being damaged by insects, while cedar is resistant to insects and doesn’t splinter, warp or shrink over time. It just fades to a silvery color if not stained. However, the posts can rot over time in a cedar fence due to contact with the soil, so some people set them in concrete or use pine posts with cedar fencing to prevent this. Pine fences need to be regularly stained and sealed and should be kept wet if it is very hot to help limit the risk of cracking. A cedar fence should be inspected once a year for rot or mold and cleaned at this time using warm soapy water with a little bit of dish soap, but otherwise can be left alone as long as you’re fine with it going gray over time.
Cost Considerations
A pressure-treated pine fence costs somewhere between $10 and $25 per linear foot. This includes installation but doesn’t include the removal of any old fencing or any decorative features you might want to add to the fence. A cedar fence in Saint Paul, MN will be a bit more expensive, with an average cost of between $15 and $30 per linear foot.
Aesthetics
Most people find that cedar is more beautiful and better smelling than pressure-treated pine. It tends to have a nicer grain pattern and people enjoy the color, whether it’s the original red or the faded gray of an older fence. The chemicals used to treat pine often give it a greenish tint that isn’t very attractive but will fade over time.
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