What are Cedar Rail Fences?

Cedar is a type of scented wood that has an attractive color and is beautifully grained. A fence made of cedar wood has been found to be more resistant to the damaging effects of weather than other types of wood such as hemlock, spruce or pine. Cedar is also resistant to insect invasion.

Wood constructed from the Western red cedar has a distinct color which, when left untreated, fades to a silvery gray color. Giving a rustic look to any property, a cedar rail fence's posts and rails come in various colors and shapes, so it is suggested that for a uniform look, try getting a cedar rail fence in vinyl. A cedar rail fence also requires less maintenance.

Gates that are for the use of pedestrians are generally small; they are thus made entirely of wood. These gates hang on red cedar posts with hardware that can be bought in addition to the system.

On the other hand, larger gates are much more complicated because wood is not as flexible or as strong as synthetic materials. Thus, a custom-welded galvanized frame is needed on which to mount the wood. This frame allows the construction of gates with larger widths. Moreover, hinges that are of the chain-link or barrel type are used as hardware for added durability. For aesthetics, the cedar rail material should always complement the fence.

As cedar wood generally lends a charming pastoral effect to the property it surrounds, cedar rail fences are widely used as fencing for cattle, horses and livestock. In addition, a cedar rail fence is one of the easiest fences to install, thus making it a fuss-free project for any do-it-yourselfer.

Normally installed without the application of concrete, the cedar rail fence's posts are set deep into the soil. With the aid of a tamping bar, the soil around the posts is compressed during the backfilling process. To keep the cedar rail fence upright, posts typically need to be re-tamped after the ground settles, especially when the cedar rail fence has been installed in a wet area. To help prevent posts from giving way under the weight of the rails, it would be advisable to position gravel around the posts rather than backfill them with dirt. Although most cedar rail fences are never treated, you may opt for a treatment for long-lasting durability.

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