Cedar Vs. Spruce Fences
Fences stand out in a landscape. They delineate, protect and define a property. Fences may be designed to keep animals in, or they may be designed to keep people out. Sometimes, fences are decorative rather than functional. Usually, they are both. For this reason, many homeowners choose attractive wood as the material for their fencing. Cedar and spruce are two of the most common types of wood for fences, for very different reasons.
Pros of Cedar
Cedar is a softwood, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t durable. In fact, it is one of the most durable types of wood, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Not all types of cedar are created equal, however. Eastern and Western red cedar are rated as "highly durable" by the university, with Eastern red cedar having a lifespan of more than 30 years, even when left untreated. Northern white cedar is rated as being "durable" with a lifespan of between five and 15 years when left untreated. The wood is naturally resistant to decay and insects. Cedar is also prized for its attractive appearance. Red cedar, as its name implies, has a deep mahogany color and fine grain.
Cons of Cedar
The primary con of cedar is that it is expensive compared to many other fencing materials. In general, the more durable and attractive the wood, the more it will cost. Cedar is also not a good choice if you want to paint the fence, as the color is strong. It will take several coats of paint to cover it up. Finally, some people do not care for the scent of cedar. To those who aren’t allergic to the scent, however, the fragrance may be a positive.
Pros of Spruce
Spruce is the most economical choice for fencing, according to the Goodday Fence Co. If you are on a strict budget and still want a wood fence, spruce is the way to go. The whitish-gray color of the wood is another plus. If you don’t paint it, it will weather over time to a distinctive, dark gray color. If you do choose to paint it, the light color of the wood makes the chore easier.
Cons of Spruce
Spruce is not as durable as other types of wood. It is prone to warping, especially in damp climates, and can suffer from insect infestations that can weaken or even destroy the wood. Treatment with a sealant can extend the life of the wood. In addition, many people don’t find the wood to be very attractive. The grain is coarse and usually has blemishes and other irregularities. Read More
Fence Contractor on Long Island. Fence Installation for Swimming Pools, Chain Link Fence,Aluminum Estate Fence, Custom Wood Fence and Stockade Fence. Serving Long Island: Commack, Huntington, Northport, Greenlawn, Huntington Station, Dix Hills, Lloyd Harbor, Brookville, Muttontown, Old Brookville, Kings Point, Syosset, Oyster Bay, Locust Valley, Smithtown, Nissequogue, Laurel Hollow, Oyster Bay Cove, Centerport, Port Washington, Sands Point, Elwood, East Northport, and Matinecock, Melville, Old Westbury, Manhasset, Great Neck, Franklin Square ,Hicksville, Farmingdale, Massapequa, Wantagh, Cold Spring Harbor, Hauppauge, Plainview, Fort Salonga, Babylon, Brightwaters, Belle Terre, Poquott, Old Field, Port Jefferson, Upper Brookville, Hampton Bays, Quogue, West Hampton, Glen Cove, Bayville. Vinyl PVC Fence, Wooden Fence, Post & Fence, Picket Fence and Chain Link Fence installed or repaired on Long Island’s Nassau and Suffolk counties. Some of our suppliers: Boundary Fence, Delgard Fence, Eastern Wholesale Fence, Master Halco Fence
