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Why Choose a Cedar Fence

January 5, 2023

Why is a Cedar Fence the Best Choice?

The topic of what sort of wood is ideal for wood fences is one of my favorite questions to be asked whether I'm talking to a customer or run across someone who has that perplexed expression on their face when shopping at a large box store. There are many different types of wood fences available, ranging from bamboo and spruce to yellow locust pine and fir, among others. All of them may be readily constructed in order to create an appropriate border for your home or business. Western red cedar fencing, on the other hand, is the greatest form of wood fence available on the market.

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A Brief Overview of the History of Western Red Cedar


The Pacific Northwest area is home to the western red cedar tree. Its use in our nation dates back to Native Americans, who dubbed this wood the "Tree of Life" because of its healing properties. As a matter of fact, Native Americans not only utilized this wood to construct their houses, but they also used it to construct canoe, totem poles, masks, rope, and clothes.


One of the most amazing aspects of cedar is that it was the source of one of the oldest fragrances known to humans. The sticky oil extracted from the cedar tree was used for embalming by the ancient Egyptians. They also utilized the wood from the tree to build coffins, some of which are still on exhibit in museums today, thousands of years after they were built. Assuming you are familiar with your Bible studies, you may recall that Noah prepared an offering of cedar and myrtle incense to express his gratitude for having survived the legendary deluge. There is also evidence that Tibetan monasteries used cedar to burn as incense, according to historical records.


Demonstrating the Benefits of Western Red Cedar


Western red cedar is a high-quality grade of wood that can be more expensive than other types of wood. However, the benefits of using western red cedar outweigh the increased expense. Never believe a service representative at a big box retailer when they tell you that there aren't many distinctions between wood grades and that buying anything less costly will frequently suffice (Believe me, I hear this all the time in those stores!). That simply isn't the case. For example, in the case of wood fences, using lower grade wood implies that your materials may need to be replaced sooner than you anticipate—which means that you may wind up spending more time and money on repairs because you used inferior fencing materials.


The following are some of the reasons why cedar fences are the finest option for any home or business, as explained by us to all of our customers.



When it comes to durability, cedar fence is the best option.


Simply said, western red cedar is one of only two varieties of wood (the other being red wood) that is extremely sturdy and lasts far longer than the majority of other forms of wood fences. Its natural oils assist to make the wood more resistant to rot and insect attack, therefore improving its longevity and strength without the need for chemical treatments. Western red cedar is extremely stable to the point that it shrinks very little when used to construct a fence, ensuring that your fence remains straight and robust for the long haul. A cedar fence that has been in place for over a decade adjacent to a pressure-treated pine fence shows that the cedar fence has aged very beautifully. The oils in the wood also assist to keep the wood looking good. Because cedar fence is so durable and long-lasting, if you travel about specific sections of Frederick and western Maryland, you may come across one of the fences that our founder, Charlie Powers, built in the early 1980s.


When it comes to adaptability, cedar fence is the best choice.


One of the most advantageous characteristics of western red cedar is that it is devoid of pitch and resin. If you are a homeowner looking to enhance or prolong the life of your wood by applying a variety of beautiful finishes, from dark stains to lightly colored bleaches to semi-transparents, cedar is one of the best choices when it comes to accepting and maintaining an extensive range of beautiful finishes, particularly if you want to maintain the wood's natural beauty.


If you want to build a wood fence for a variety of reasons, including keeping your pets and loved ones safe within your yard or increasing your privacy so that you can enjoy your time outdoors without being bothered by your neighbors or the general public, you can use western red cedar to construct a variety of different types of wood fences.


  • Fences made of board on board
  • Fences around paddocks and estates
  • Fences with pickets
  • Fences for personal privacy
  • When it comes to being environmentally friendly, cedar fence is the best option.


Real wood fences are the only kind to consider when choosing your fence. There is nothing more pleasant to the senses than the natural fragrance of cedar fence planks, in my opinion. There's something about the scent of genuine cedar that immediately brings to mind thoughts of home, of our nation, and of childhood memories for many. And if being ecologically conscious is essential to you, there is nothing better than a cedar fence! In addition to removing greenhouse gases from the environment, western red cedar is a renewable and biodegradable resource. When you purchase cedar fence panels, you can almost always be assured that the material was sourced from a sustainable forest.


When it comes to aesthetics, cedar fence is the most attractive option.


In conclusion, cedar is an absolutely stunning wood that always appears to be in good condition due to its rich texture and bright hues. When it comes to natural elegance, cedar is hard to match when it comes to creating a lovely and lush look to surround your yard or your entire home. Visitors to our offices on Tilco Drive are always impressed by the quality of our cedar fence samples, which makes it simple to see why cedar fence is our most preferred fencing material.


Are you prepared to purchase a Western Red Cedar fence?


Please contact us immediately if you are ready to build the greatest wooden fence possible. One of our cedar-loving fence experts would be delighted to work with you to develop a western red cedar fence solution that fits your demands while also staying within your budget.


how to build a privacy fence DIY

How to Build a Wood Privacy Fence DIY

By Steve Jackson • January 17, 2023
How to build a wood privacy fence DIY in ten simple steps
what does a privacy fence cost

How Much Does a Privacy Fence Cost?

By Patrick Brouillette • January 12, 2023
Cost of a Privacy Fence Most homeowners pay from $4,788 to $12,961 for a privacy fence. The national average price, which includes material and labor expenditures, is around $6,375. Because most fence contractors charge by the linear foot for their work, it's helpful to know that the average pricing across different materials is around $45 per linear foot of fence installation. A number of variables can affect this pricing, and you could wind up spending anywhere from $44 to $66 per linear foot depending on your circumstances.

Top Tips for Choosing the Best Fence for Your Yard

By Tori Klein • January 1, 2023
When planning to fence your yard, make an informed decision so that your option will meet the needs of your yard, family, and way of life, among other things. Homeowners have a variety of fence alternatives to pick from, as well as a plethora of factors to consider before constructing a fence. Make certain that the fence you choose will satisfy the needs of your home: Is it your intention to keep children and pets contained, increase seclusion, or just increase the value of your home by improving the appearance of your yard? Maintainability and pricing are also important considerations. You should also research neighborhood restrictions and choose the most qualified fencing contractor to do the installation. When deciding between a white picket fence and a wooden privacy fence, Patrick Brouillette, proprietor of highly rated BuyaFence.com in Schaumburg, IL, advises that you should thoroughly analyze your options before making a financial commitment. When it comes to the cost of a new fence, the average ranges from $4,600 to $12,000, depending on the size and type you choose. As a result, you want to make an informed decision the first time. The cost of fence installation is also affected by other factors, such as the slope of your yard. When choosing the ideal fence for your home and family, highly rated fencing companies advise you to consider the following considerations: 1. Select the most appropriate fence for your yard. Fences are installed by homeowners for a variety of reasons, including seclusion, aesthetics, and the protection of dogs and children. Fences, when done correctly, are one of the most important landscape components that can raise the value of a home. Pickens recommends that you first ask yourself why you need a fence and then let the answer drive your decision-making. He recommends that you put your necessities first and your wants second, rather than the other way around. If you want seclusion, but you need a picket fence, he says, adding that privacy fences are generally discouraged since they might detract from a home's value when it comes time to sell. 'When it comes time to sell your house, potential purchasers will wonder, 'What are they hiding back there?'" says the author. In the case of a need for seclusion, wooden fences are typically the most effective solution, while vinyl fencing is occasionally a feasible alternative, according to Jennifer Pechanec, manager of Chesapeake Custom Builders in Chesapeake, Virginia. However, she points out that certain vinyl fences may have panels that are too widely apart to give adequate privacy. Customers who do not require seclusion might opt for an aluminum fence, which provides a classy, open appearance to their yard. Aluminum fencing is required by some homeowners groups in certain localities. In terms of confinement, if you're primarily concerned with protecting a pet or a youngster, no one style of fence is particularly preferable to another, according to Michael Sterrett, owner of Affordable Fence in Bloomington, Indiana. Always keep in mind that you are constructing a fence for containment purposes. When building a fence to keep a pet contained in your yard, for example, it is important to consider what your animal is capable of in terms of digging and jumping, explains Pickens. “The last thing you want is to spend time and money building a new fence, just to have your dog jump over it when you let him out for the first time,” he explains. 2. Take into consideration fence upkeep. Consider how much time you want to devote to keeping your fence in good condition. Wooden fencing requires the most upkeep due to the fence painting and staining that must be done every couple of years, but it can increase the value of your home by making your yard more aesthetically beautiful, according to Pickens, who also recommends it. Many homeowners prefer aluminum or vinyl fencing because it takes little maintenance over time, according to Sterrett. Aluminum and vinyl fencing are also less expensive than other types of fencing. Pickens points out that wood fences have the advantage of being more easily mended than metal fences. It is possible to replace damaged boards and have them fit in with the rest of your fencing, according to him, if a storm causes damage to a few. As Pickens warns, if you need to repair or replace part of a vinyl or aluminum fence, you may discover that the fence manufacturer is no longer in business or no longer sells the product, making it difficult to find fencing that matches what you already have in your yard, or that the fence manufacturer is no longer in business. According to him, clients may find themselves having to replace an entire fence despite only minor damage to a few portions. According to Pickens, “the bottom truth is that if you construct a wood fence, it will always be easily repairable and replaceable.” 3. Consult with your homeowner's association. It's possible that if your community is governed by a homeowner's association, you will have no say in the style of fence you can erect. Before proceeding with a project, make certain that the fence you desire satisfies the organization's requirements for materials and height. In a related article, find out how much control homeowners associations have over your property. Maintain adherence to community association policies and procedures at all times, or you may face legally enforced fines. 4. Select the most qualified fence contractor. While it is possible to fence in a yard on your own, doing so will require specialized tools and a lot of hard work. Consider hiring a professional, but first check the company's licensing status and customer references to ensure that they are reputable. Also, make certain that the fence contractor will obtain all of the building permits that you may require from your city or county government. Your local planning and zoning agency can supply you with a plat map of your property, which will allow you to accurately delineate your property borders and better plan the location of the fence on your property. 5. Prepare a Budget Nobody likes being surprised, especially when it comes to pricing on something you really want for your home. Do your research on building materials. Prices have exploded since last year due to inflation, be prepared for a drastically higher price than you originally anticipated. Cedar , and lumber for that matter, are not the most expensive fence material. Vinyl is. Vinyl continues to go through the roof, and is often in low supply. Take this into consideration when choosing your fence installation options. A great way to budget for your next fence purchase is to use our fence price calculator . This will help you determine a starting point of material selection, number of gates, and if you can really afford the project or not. It's best to use this calculator prior to booking sales reps to come out, as it can be a waste of everyone's time if the budget is not available for the project from the get-go. Have questions? Feel free to contact us directly at info@buyafence.com or by calling 855-469-7742

Selecting the Appropriate Fence Height for Your Residence

By patrick • November 25, 2022
Selecting the Appropriate Fence Height for Your Residence Residential fence heights range from approximately three feet tall to approximately eight feet tall, but there are a number of considerations to consider when determining the height of a fence for your home. To decide the optimal fence height for your property, you will need to examine the type and function of your fence, as well as the location of your home and any applicable local laws and regulations. Determine the function of your fence What is it that you want your fence to do for you? Do you wish to be protected from inquisitive neighbors? Do you wish to keep trespassers off of your property? You want to be able to keep your dog and children in your backyard, right? Do you want to make your swimming pool more secure? Fence heights that are commonly encountered By establishing the purpose of your fence, you may cut down your selection of fence height and material alternatives. Decorative: These ornamental fences are typically used for their aesthetic appeal rather than for their protection. Fences that are decorative are typically three to four feet high, and they can be made out of wrought iron, vinyl panels, tubular bars, and other metals, among other materials. Privacy: Available in a variety of materials such as wood, vinyl, and chain link, six-foot-high privacy fences are usually sufficient to keep your neighbors from peering into your windows and yard. These picket or ornamental fences, which are commonly three feet high in front yards and six feet high in back yards, are often erected to a home in order to establish a clear border between your yard and a street or neighbor. Dog : The most vital thing to ask is "How high can your dogs jump?" A four-foot dog fence is sufficient for the majority of dogs, but a six-foot dog fence may be required for larger breeds or jumpers who are taller than the fence. Pool Fences: In the case of a pool, pool fences keep uninvited guests out while also protecting people and pets. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission provides general standards on pool fencing (which should be at least four feet tall), but it is crucial to verify your local legislation to ensure that you are complying with the regulations. Creating a garden fence between three and four feet in height allows you to show off your flowers or vegetables while keeping larger animals out. If you have a problem with smaller animals, consider installing a strong fence. Check the laws and regulations in your area. Fencing rules vary from county to county, city to city, and homeowner association to homeowner association. Fence height, color, material and position are generally governed by local ordinances. Before beginning your fencing project, it is critical that you are familiar with the applicable laws and regulations. Join forces with Elgin Fence & BuyaFence.com for all of your residential fencing needs. CMS can install and repair any fence kinds, and we can assist you in determining the height that is most appropriate for your needs. If you would like to make an appointment with one of our estimators, please call us at (855) 469-7742 or fill out our online contact form right now.

Tips for Choosing a Fence Company

October 20, 2022
Your home is a significant investment, and it is natural that you want to safeguard and enhance it. Installing a fence is an important step in security and a significant expenditure for a property owner. Choosing the appropriate fence contractor for the job is critical to avoiding issues at any stage during or after the installation. There are seven fundamental techniques to protecting yourself, your property, and your investment. Research Before interviewing any fence contractor, you can learn a lot about the person or organization you're working with from your first meeting. Here are some things to be aware about: When you phone the office, you should never get a generic response. Any professional company will have a professional phone answer that includes the company's name. Any advertisement must have a genuine address. Many fly-by-night services do not have a legitimate address to which they can be traced. Never be afraid to check Better Business Bureau listings. This is a free service designed to help consumers. While it is natural for people who are looking at listings to choose the first company they come across. Keep in mind that being at the top of a search or phone list is not an indication of a company's ability. Interview Red Flags Some other considerations to bear in mind when you search for a contractor are as follows: You should be wary of a contractor that requires you to make an immediate choice. It is never a good indicator when a professional presses you to pay in cash. There are some respectable firms that will provide their consumers a cash discount, which should not be confused with the contractor who only accepts cash. Any reputable contractor will provide you with a written estimate for the services you are requesting; if they do not, you should not do business with them. Questions to Consider Other items to discuss with your fence contractor or potential contractor include: What materials do they suggest, and why? Inquire about their methods if you are replacing or repairing your fencing. What is the contractor's track record for staying inside the estimate amount? How often do they complete their tasks on time? Have they installed similar projects to yours? Will any of the current materials be able to be utilized or recycled in the installation/repair? Always consult with family members and obtain documented quotations. Planning is as simple as 1-2-3. 1. When planning your fence, consider how much money you are willing to spend on materials and labor. Once you've made these decisions, you'll need to communicate them with the fence contractor and check that they'll be able to work within these parameters. 2. Determine the length of your fence. Will it include the entire property or only a piece of it? Do you want to incorporate different types of fencing, such as one near the house and another further away? 3. Look through magazines and other properties to get a sense of what you want, then show the photographs to the fence contractor to obtain a clear vision of what you want. Never be afraid to ask for design ideas or assistance. Determine a Timeline and a Contact Person As you go, you will require a firm timeframe for when the job is projected to be completed. Determine whether there will be any reductions for lateness or failure to meet the set goals. Find out who the direct responsibility is in the event of any problems or queries on major jobs where numerous employees will be doing the work. Guarantees Some contractors will provide you a warranty on your job or materials. Inquire about any job-related warranties provided by the organization. Depending on the materials you choose for your fencing, it may also come with a warranty. Many automatic gate manufacturers provide extended warranties of up to 7 years. Payment You'll need to find out what the company's policy is on work. Some businesses want full payment up front, while others require partial payment or payment at the conclusion of the job. Will they provide funding? Do they take credit cards, and if so, which ones? If you are interested in obtaining pricing information, please use our free online price estimator available here . If you require financing, click here . If you're ready to make a fence purchase, schedule an onsite visit with one of our sales representatives here .
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