How to look after a cedar fence in a wet climate

Western Red Cedar is a good choice for a wet climate. It is naturally resistant to decay and it stays stable as it gets wet and dries out. A few simple habits help it last even longer.

Keep it off the ground

The bottom of a fence takes the most moisture. A pressure-treated kickboard along the bottom keeps the cedar boards up off the soil. Keep mulch, soil and garden beds from piling up against the boards.

Let it breathe

• Trim shrubs and vines back so air can move along the fence.
• Point sprinklers away from the boards.
• Clear leaves and debris from the base in the fall.

Clean it gently

Once a year, wash the fence with a soft brush and a mild cleaner made for wood, then rinse. Avoid aggressive pressure washing, which can raise and damage the wood fibres.

Stain or let it weather?

Both are fine. Untreated cedar weathers to a silver-grey over time. If you want to keep the warm colour, apply a stain or sealer made for cedar, following the product's directions on when and how often to recoat. A new fence usually needs time to dry before it will take a finish well, so check the product label.

Check the hardware

Once a year, look at gate hinges and latches, tighten anything loose, and make sure gates still swing clear. A sagging gate is much easier to fix early.

When to call

Leaning posts, boards that have split, or a gate that will not close are worth fixing before they get worse. We do fence repairs and replacement as well as new builds.