Do you have your heart set on a wooden fence for your property? If so, you may have some concerns about the maintenance of the wood, and you may also wonder if your investment will be prone to rotting or pest infestations from insects such as termites. You do not have to settle for a material such as vinyl that mimics the appearance of wood. Instead, you need to direct your focus to a wood that is long lasting and resistant to pests. Cedar is one type of wood that can be used for fences, and the following information details some of its key benefits. 

Aesthetics

Cedar has beautiful natural markings. When used for fences, the wood may be sourced from the heartwood or sapwood portions of trees. The woodgrain is one way to tell which portion of a tree the lumber came from. The sapwood will have a yellowish or creamy color, and the heartwood will have a brownish color to it. Sometimes the heartwood of cedar may also have a small amount of pink mixed in. The grain of the heartwood is straight and has a fine texture, whereas the sapwood has a narrow grain texture. Your cedar fence can be constructed of all sapwood, all heartwood, or a mix. It is a matter of personal preference.

Pest Resistant

Cedar has natural qualities that make it pest resistant. This means that most pests that eat wood would likely not choose to invade a cedar fence especially if there are other wood options for them to feast off of. This means your fence would be a last resort; pests feeding off cedar is not unheard of, but it is uncommon. 

Durable

Cedar is one of the most stable lumber options. It can withstand humidity and remain remarkable. Some types of wood expand when exposed to humidity and precipitation. This can lead to rotting, warping, and shrinkage. 

Safe

If you are looking for a wood that will likely not have to be treated with chemicals, then cedar is the sensible option because of its natural defenses. Lumber sourced from some types of trees has to be treated with chemicals to keep it from rotting or being invaded by insects. These options may be treated during the manufacturing process and require future treatments as part of maintenance. 

A fence contractor, like one from Soldier Fencing LLC, is a good resource to use to discover more ways a cedar fence is ideal. They can also advise you of other lumber options that are available to you.