Cedar Fence Installation in Austin, TX

Cedar contains natural oils that resist rot, decay, and insect damage without chemical treatment. This makes it ideal for Austin’s hot, humid climate. Cedar also resists warping and shrinking better than pine, maintains dimensional stability, and weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left unstained.

Western Red Cedar comes from the Pacific Northwest and offers superior rot resistance, consistent grain patterns, and fewer knots. It’s the premium choice. Texas Cedar (Ashe Juniper) is locally sourced, more affordable, and has a distinctive character with more knots and grain variation. Both work well for Austin fences.

A properly installed cedar fence in Austin typically lasts 15-25 years with minimal maintenance. With regular staining every 2-4 years, cedar fences can last 25-30+ years. Cedar’s natural durability makes it the longest-lasting wood fence option available.

Both options work well. Unstained cedar weathers to a beautiful silver-gray over 6-12 months and requires no maintenance. Staining preserves the original golden-brown color and adds UV protection, potentially extending fence life. Many Austin homeowners choose semi-transparent stains that show cedar’s natural grain while adding color.

Cedar fence costs vary based on fence height, style, cedar grade, and property terrain. For accurate pricing on your specific project, contact us at (512) 900-5735 for a free estimate. We’ll assess your property and provide detailed pricing with no obligation.

We install all cedar fence styles, including board-on-board (overlapping boards for complete privacy), side-by-side (boards placed next to each other), shadowbox (alternating boards on each side), horizontal slat (modern contemporary look), good neighbor (looks identical from both sides), and picket fences for front yards.

Yes, cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine initially. However, cedar lasts significantly longer (15-25 years vs. 10-15 years for pine), requires no chemical treatment, and maintains better appearance over time. Many homeowners find cedar’s longer lifespan makes it a better value.

Yes, Austin Fence Company provides a 1-year workmanship warranty on all cedar fence installations. This covers our installation quality. Cedar lumber carries its own characteristics—natural checking and minor movement are normal and not covered, but installation defects are fully warranted.

Choose Western Red Cedar if you want premium appearance with consistent grain, maximum longevity, and minimal maintenance. Choose Texas Cedar if you prefer rustic character with natural knots and grain variation at a lower price point. Both perform well in Austin’s climate. We can show you samples of each during your consultation to help you decide.

Board-on-board is a privacy fence style where vertical boards overlap on alternating sides of the horizontal rails. This creates complete privacy with no gaps while allowing airflow. The overlapping design also accommodates natural wood shrinkage without creating visible gaps. Board-on-board looks attractive from both sides, making it ideal for shared fence lines.

Cedar naturally resists rot and insects without chemical treatment, while pressure-treated pine relies on chemical preservatives. Cedar lasts 15-25 years versus 10-15 for pine. Cedar maintains better dimensional stability with less warping. Cedar weathers to attractive silver-gray while pine often turns gray-green. Cedar costs more upfront but typically provides better long-term value.

Yes, cedar can be painted, but most professionals recommend staining instead. Paint sits on the surface and will eventually peel, requiring scraping and repainting. Stain penetrates the wood and wears away gradually without peeling. If you prefer a solid color, use a solid-color stain rather than paint for easier long-term maintenance.

UV exposure from sunlight causes cedar to oxidize and turn silver-gray over time. This is a natural weathering process that typically takes 6-12 months. The graying is only surface-deep and doesn’t affect the wood’s structural integrity. Many homeowners find the weathered gray color attractive. If you prefer to maintain the original color, apply UV-protective stain.

Wait 3-6 months after installation before staining a new cedar fence. Fresh cedar contains natural oils and moisture that need time to dissipate before stain can properly penetrate. Staining too early results in poor adhesion and uneven coverage. Test readiness by sprinkling water on the wood—if it absorbs within 10 minutes, the fence is ready to stain.

No, cedar naturally repels termites. The aromatic oils in cedar heartwood are toxic to termites and other wood-destroying insects. This is one of cedar’s major advantages over other woods. However, the lighter-colored sapwood on the edges of some boards has less natural protection. Quality cedar fencing uses primarily heartwood for maximum insect resistance.

Semi-transparent oil-based stains work best for cedar fences in Austin. They penetrate the wood, provide UV protection, and allow cedar’s natural grain to show through. Look for stains with mildewcide for Austin’s humid climate. Popular brands include Ready Seal, TWP, and Cabot Australian Timber Oil. Avoid film-forming stains that will peel over time.

Austin allows fences up to 8 feet tall in backyards and side yards behind the front building line. Front yard fences are typically restricted to 3-4 feet. Corner lots have additional visibility requirements at intersections. HOA rules may impose stricter height limits. We verify height requirements for your specific property during the estimate process.

Yes, Austin requires permits for most fence installations regardless of material. Permits ensure your fence meets setback requirements, height restrictions, and doesn’t interfere with utilities or drainage. We coordinate permits through our third-party partners to ensure your cedar fence meets all City of Austin code requirements.

Yes, we install cedar fences on slopes throughout Austin’s hilly terrain. We typically use stepped (stair-stepped) construction that follows the slope while keeping fence sections level. This approach is structurally sound and visually appealing. Racked (angled) installation is also possible for gentler slopes. We assess your terrain and recommend the best approach.

A good neighbor fence looks identical from both sides with no visible rails or ‘ugly side.’ Boards are placed on alternating sides of the rails so both you and your neighbor see an equally attractive fence. This style costs more due to additional materials and labor but is ideal for shared fence lines where appearance matters to both parties.

Start with quality kiln-dried or properly seasoned cedar. Use proper fastening techniques—two fasteners per board at each rail to prevent cupping. Allow adequate spacing for wood movement. Apply stain to all surfaces including cut ends. Ensure proper drainage at post bases. Cedar naturally resists warping better than most woods, but these practices minimize any issues.

Cedar grades indicate appearance quality. Clear or Select grades have minimal knots and consistent color—premium pricing for premium appearance. #2 or Standard grades have more knots and color variation—good quality at moderate prices. #3 or Economy grades have significant knots and defects—lowest cost but less consistent appearance. We help you choose the right grade for your budget and expectations.

Yes, we repair cedar fences including replacing damaged boards, posts, and rails. New cedar won’t exactly match weathered cedar in color initially, but it will blend over time as it weathers. For extensive damage, we can assess whether repair or full replacement makes more economic sense. Our fence repair service handles all types of cedar fence repairs.

Standard cedar fence pickets are typically 5.5 inches or 6 inches wide. Wider boards (8 inches) create a more substantial look with fewer joints but may be more prone to cupping. Narrower boards are sometimes used for decorative applications. For privacy fences, 5.5-inch or 6-inch boards provide the best balance of appearance, stability, and value.

Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel fasteners for cedar fencing. Standard zinc-plated fasteners will corrode and cause black staining on cedar. Ring-shank or spiral-shank nails hold better than smooth nails. Stainless steel screws provide the best holding power and corrosion resistance. Never use aluminum fasteners with cedar as they will corrode.

Yes, quality cedar fencing typically adds value to Austin homes. Real estate professionals report that well-maintained cedar fences appeal to buyers and support premium pricing. Cedar’s reputation for durability and natural beauty makes it particularly attractive. A cedar fence can return 50-70% of its cost in added home value while providing years of enjoyment.

For routine cleaning, rinse with a garden hose to remove dirt and debris. For deeper cleaning, use a solution of oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach) mixed with water, applied with a pump sprayer. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid pressure washing at high pressure, which can damage wood fibers. Clean your fence before applying new stain.

Shadowbox fencing places boards on alternating sides of the rails with gaps between them. This creates a fence that looks similar from both sides while allowing light and airflow through. Shadowbox provides partial privacy rather than complete privacy. It’s popular for properties wanting an attractive appearance from both sides without the cost of good neighbor construction.

Properly installed cedar fences handle Austin weather well, including storms and high winds. Key factors include adequate post depth (typically 30+ inches), posts set in concrete, proper rail attachment, and appropriate board spacing for wind passage. Board-on-board construction allows some wind through while maintaining privacy. We build all fences to withstand Central Texas conditions.

Vertical cedar fencing is traditional, widely available, and typically less expensive. It works with any architectural style. Horizontal fencing creates a modern, contemporary look popular with mid-century and modern homes. Horizontal requires more precise installation since spacing variations are more visible. Choose based on your home’s architecture, neighborhood style, and personal preference.