Fences stick out at a landscape. They delineate, safeguard and define a property. Fences may be designed to keep animals in, or else they might be designed to keep people out. At times, fences are decorative instead of functional. Usually, they’re both. Because of this, many homeowners opt for appealing wood as the material for their fencing. Cedar and spruce are two of the most common varieties of wood for fences, for quite different reasons.
Aces of Cedar
Cedar is a softwood, but that does not mean it is not durable. In fact, it is among the most durable kinds of wood, as stated by the University of Minnesota Extension. Not all kinds of cedar are created equal, however. Eastern and Western red cedar are ranked as “highly durable” by the university, using Eastern red cedar having a lifespan of more than 30 years, even if left untreated. Northern white cedar is ranked as being “permanent” having a lifespan of between five and 15 years when left untreated. The wood is naturally resistant to insects and decay. Cedar is also prized for its attractive appearance. Red cedar, as its name implies, has a deep mahogany color and fine grain.
Disadvantages of Cedar
The primary con of cedar is the fact that it is expensive compared to several other fencing materials. Generally speaking, the more durable and appealing the wood, the more it will cost. Cedar is also not a good alternative if you want to paint the fence, as the color is strong. It will take a few coats of paint to cover this up. Eventually, some people do not look after the odor of cedar. To individuals who aren’t allergic to this scent, however, the fragrance might be a favorable.
Aces of Spruce
Spruce is the most economical alternative for fencing, as stated by the Goodday Fence Co.. If you’re on a strict budget and still want a wood fence, then spruce is the way to go. The whitish-gray shade of the wood is another plus. If you do not paint it, it will weather over time to some distinctive, dark gray shade. Should you choose to paint it, the lighting shade of the wood makes the chore easier.
Disadvantages of Spruce
Spruce is not quite as durable as other kinds of wood. It’s prone to warping, particularly in moist climates, and can suffer with insect infestations that can weaken or even destroy the wood. Treatment using a sealant can extend the life of the wood. Additionally, many people don’t find the wood to be very appealing. The grain is coarse and usually has blemishes and other irregularities.