Caring for your Cedar fence

Cedar is one of the most popular fencing materials for privacy fences and other outdoor structures here in Bend. Cedar is almost the perfect wood for a fence since it is naturally resistant to insects, rot, and warping.  All this at a price that beats many other material options.

However, despite its hearty reputation, cedar still requires proper maintenance to ensure it’s continued fine appearance and durability.

Here are some tips to keep your cedar fence in good shape and to reduce weatherization and greying from Central Oregon's tough climate:

1.  Occasionally inspect your fence for any loose spots or other issues and repair them.

2.  Clean the fence every few years.  Power washing with a gentle spray (1500-2000 psi) will often wash away the grey and any mildew or dirt that has accumulated over the years.  Using a bleach/water mix, Oxiclean, or locally available wood cleaner will often restore much of the original rich color of the cedar.

3.  Keep lawn sprinklers calibrated in a way that avoids spraying any part of the fence.

4.  Remove any climbing weeds that may grow near the fence as they can damage wood where they become attached (if they don't dry up and die first!)

5.  Renew the stain on your fence every few years.  If your cedar fence is new, we recommend a 2-3 week curing period before applying stain or sealant. Always choose an oil based stain. Oil based stains will absorb better and offer better UV and water protection. For older cedar fences, use the power washing and cleaning tips above and let the fence dry before applying stain.  Transparent stains allow for the natural color and grains to show but offer lower levels of

protection than semi-transparent or colored

stains. Re-apply about every two to three years.

Broken Top Builders offers fence cleaning and staining services, so if you’d prefer to let the pro’s handle it, please give us a call. If it’s time for a new fence, we are happy to give free estimates.