Category Archives: Fences

Fences made from Western Red Cedar, as well as Hardwoods including Mahogany, and much more to inspire you

Create Privacy and Define Your Outdoor Living Space

Arbors, trellises and living fences are organic, beautiful ways to define outdoor living spaces, as well as create visual interest. Combined with natural plants, these defining elements create and support ecological diversity by serving as habitats for insects, birds and other small animals. On sloped properties, these structures and their plants can also help immensely with erosion control. 

While there are many building materials that arbors, trellises, and fence framework can be made from, Western Red Cedar is an especially popular and eco-friendly choice. Naturally resistant to rot and decay, Western Red Cedar requires no additional treatment to preserve the wood, so there is no need to worry about chemicals seeping into the surrounding soil. Sourced from renewable resources, it is lightweight and easy to work with, and completely recyclable at the end of its useful life.

In addition to defining an outdoor space, a living fence can also add privacy, as well as wind block. In these photos, our customer used our clear Western Red Cedar 2×2″s to create a gridwork for ivy to grown on. While it will take a little bit to get this privacy fence covered in ivy, it is an exceptionally pretty structure to look at in the meantime.

Clear Western Red Cedar 2x2" are used as framework for a eco-friendly living fence
Living privacy fence made from naturally rot resistant Western Red Cedar frame work

In this photo, a large backyard is defined into a cozy outdoor living space with a network of Western Red Cedar arbors and tumbling evergreen clematis and wisteria vines, string lighting, and horizontally installed fencing.

Looking for more outdoor living inspiration?

We’ve got lots of ideas on Pinterest!

We ship nationwide

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA 98233

Building a Good Neighbor Fence

Everybody knows that a fence makes a good neighbor, but do you know what makes a GREAT neighbor? A well thought out and properly constructed fence that looks good from the inside, as well as outside. This type of fence is a win-win for the whole neighborhood. 

Made from high-quality clear C&Btr Western Red Cedar lumber we supplied, this stunning fence looks great from any angle. Individual dimensional Cedar boards are attached to thicker Cedar boards both on the bottom and top to form a “panel”, then the panels are installed between top quality clear Western Red Cedar posts. With some fine craftsmanship, custom latticework was created just on the backyard area of the fence to add interest and extra height to keep critters in.

A good neighbor fence created from our Clear C&Btr Western Red Cedar dimensional boards
Clear Western Red Cedar crafted privacy fence makes the whole neighborhood happy

With this modern design, our 5/4×6” knotty grade Western Red Cedar decking is installed horizontally on both sides of the 4×4″ posts that have been firmly anchored in the ground. Not only does it add curb appeal and privacy, this type of “good neighbor” fence is less likely to blow down, since the gaps between boards allow the wind to pass through.

Knotty Western Red Cedar decking is installed horizontally on top of 4x4 posts to create a beautiful good neighbor fence

This lovely fence is constructed out of our 5/4×6” Red Balau “Mahogany” decking. While it is a little more costly initially than Western Red Cedar lumber, it won’t break the bank either, and will last for many, many years to come. Due to the durability and strength of the Mahogany, no additional rails or supports are needed between fence posts to attach the hardwood to. This fence will be sag free, with little to no maintenance ever needed.

5/4x6" Mahogany Decking is used for an extremely durable good neighbor fence that will last for many years with little to no maintenance

Take a look at this example of two homeowner’s unique ideas for making a good neighbor fences out of different types of Western Red Cedar lumber on their property. Both look great and express the individual style of the homeowner, while not competing for attention.

Examples of Western Red Cedar fences

We’ve got lots more good neighbor fence inspiration just waiting for you over on Pinterest!

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship to homeowners and contractors nationwide, with local delivery available in the north Puget Sound region.

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

http://www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Half Moon Bay Project using our custom milled Clear, VG Cedar

This jaw-dropping project in Half Moon Bay, CA, is about one month away from completion. It took 12 years to get the building permit.

Custom milled clear, vertical grain Western Red Cedar specialty building materials we supplied for a project in Half Moon Bay, Ca include exterior cladding and fencing

Custom homes built in Half Moon Bay using our specialty milled Western Red Cedar products

It was our pleasure to travel down to visit this project and meet with our client, Dave O’keefe of O’keefe Construction, based out of San Francisco, after working on this project with him for almost a year.  Each building is unique in its design but similar enough to create a cohesive look on the property.  One unit will be used as a vacation home for Dave and his family, while the other houses a small retail space on the ground floor, with residential living space above that will likely be rented out on Air B&B.

Custom milled Cedar siding on a unique build in the Bay area of California

Due to the unique nature of our business and the relationships we have developed with mills throughout the Pacific Northwest, we were able to match the architect’s spec for the custom milled clear, vertical grain, 1×6” Western Red Cedar “nickel gap” tongue and groove he was looking for to complete the exterior cladding.

clear vertical grain western red cedar siding and fencing

clear, vertical grain "nickle gap" Western Red Cedar t&g siding

The fence around the property was constructed using 5 foot 1×6” clear, vertical grain Western Red Cedar boards.  Not only did sourcing 5’ material save Dave money on the material and shipping, it also helped keep the boards super straight between the powder-coated aluminum posts.  A real win, win!

clear vertical grain Western Red Cedar fence and T&G siding

1x6" clear vertical grain Western Red Cedar boards used for a custom horizontal fence

custom milled clear, vertical grain Western Red Cedar for custom building in California

“In this industry, it’s tough to find people who do what they say they will. I’ve appreciated that about you.” Dave O’keefe, O’keefe Construction, San Francisco, CA

Before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!

360.757.6343

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

Clear Western Red Cedar Building Materials Used for Custom Fence

Grown only in the Pacific Northwest, Thuja plicata, commonly referred to as Western Red Cedar, is the ultimate building material for outdoor applications due to its natural durability and workability.  It is resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks.  This means that anything built with it will last longer and require less maintenance.  Aesthetically, there is no parallel for the natural beauty of Western Red Cedar.

Western Red Cedar is available in different grades, including the one that is just right for your project.  From casual knotty grades to clear grades, each offers its own unique style to help you achieve the architectural element you desire.

When a motivated homeowner in California contacted us about supplying him with Western Red Cedar for a fence he wanted to build, he also provided us with pictures he found on Pinterest.  This helped us determine what grade and dimension of Western Red Cedar he was interested in using for his custom fence.

With his handy work, and our high quality, clear Western Red Cedar, he was able to create an amazing feature on his property that will last for many, many years!

“Michele – G’Morning. I wanted to thank you for all you did and for providing the Cedar Lumber. I wanted to send you a couple of pictures of the end result, it turned out amazing” – Rick

custom gate constructed from clear Western Red Cedar lumber

custom fence made from clear western red cedar lumber

When specifying materials for your next project, don’t be disappointed, insist on Western Red Cedar, the Cedar that is grown in our back yard!  Even with shipping (in most instances), the pricing is comparable to your local lumberyard, with the quality and supply much better.

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

We ship nationwide!

Fence Inspirations

Whether it is to keep critters in or out, define property lines or outdoor spaces, create visual interest or add privacy, a well-thought-out and properly constructed fence adds immediate “curb appeal” to any address.   From rustic to fancy, using real wood in your fence design adds the warmth and beauty that man-made products just can’t duplicate.

Clear and knotty Western Red Cedar Fencing

Western Red Cedar Fencing

Prized for its natural durability and workability, Western Red Cedar has always been a top choice wood for outdoor fences.   For those wishing to create a traditional privacy fence at an economical price, standard 5′ or 6′ fence grade boards are a great choice.  The fence boards are installed vertically by securing them to 2×4’s that have been screwed or nailed into fence posts.

Western Red Cedar Privacy Fence

Another option for a privacy fence that adds a bit more character and interest is to install Western Red Cedar fence boards, deck boards, or fascia grade boards vertically between posts.  Here is a great example

5/4x6" Western Red Cedar Decking Used as Vertically installed Fencing

5/4×6″ Western Red Cedar Decking Used as Fencing

Western Red Cedar grapestake fencing and split rail fencing are popular choices for defining outdoor spaces or property lines when a rustic look is desired.

Western Red Cedar Split Rail Fencing

Western Red Cedar Split Rail Fencing

Another nice, economical, and extremely durable type of fence made from Western Red Cedar and galvanized “hog wire” panels has gained a lot of popularity recently.  It is perfect for defining garden spaces.

Western Red Cedar and Galvanized Hog Wire Garden Fence

Unique and beautiful, this fence is constructed out of varying widths of Cedar boards and stained a beachy-white to compliment the landscape.

Western Red Cedar Fence Ideas

This amazing fence was built by our customer in California using Clear Western Red Cedar dimensional lumber.

custom clear western red cedar fence

Alaska Yellow Cedar Fence

Also extremely durable due it is natural properties, a fence constructed of Alaskan Yellow Cedar will provide many years of carefree service.  In these photos, Yellow Cedar boards are installed vertically to define this landscape.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar Boards used for fencing

Yellow Cypress landscape fence

In this backyard, a combination of 1×3″ and 1×6″Alaskan Yellow Cedar boards are installed vertically to create this outdoor living space.

Alaskan Yellow Cedar back yard privacy fence

Hardwoods Used as Fencing

When the highest quality and durability is wanted, hardwoods such as Red Balau “Mahogany” and Ipe “Ironwood”, can be a naturally beautiful fencing choice.

mahogany fence

5/4×6″ Mahogany Decking Boards are installed vertically between masonry columns

For more fence inspiration, please visit us on Pinterest! We’ve got lots of ideas waiting for you!

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

We ship nationwide!

Western Red Cedar Split Rail Fencing

One of the oldest types of fencing, split railing fencing made from high-quality Western Red Cedar, is a popular and economical choice for defining property lines and other outdoor spaces and adding rustic beauty to the landscape.  Due to Western Red Cedar’s natural properties that resist rot and decay, as well as insect attack, Western Red Cedar split rail fences will last for many years with no maintenance.

Our Western Red Cedar split rail posts and rails are all individually split, peeled, and formed to expose the cedar’s natural color and grain.  Our split rail posts are pre-drilled for use as an end, corner, or line with either two or three holes to accommodate the rails.  Two rail posts will yield a fence with a finished height of roughly three feet, while the three rail post system provides a finished fence height of approximately four feet.

Split rail fencing end posts are drilled halfway through and are used as starting and stopping points in the fence.  Line posts are drilled all the way through to support rails on either side, while corner posts are drilled halfway through on adjoining sides to create right angles.

Western Red Cedar Split Rail Fence

Cedar split rails can be used in conjunction with either the two rail or three rail system and have a tenon on each end to slide into the split rail post.

Western Red Cedar Split Rail Fence tenon end

If needed, in addition to “standard” sized rails, we offer Jumbo rails that are more beefier and average 12”+ in circumference.  Jumbo cedar split rails are available in 10’ lengths.  The standard cedar split rails are generally about 10” in circumference. They are available in 8’ or 10′ lengths.

Two hole split rail western red cedar fence

Out of all fencing types, Western Red Cedar split rail fencing is one of the easiest to install, making it a good project for homeowners.  Once the posts have been set, the ends of the rails slip easily in place.

How to install Western Red Cedar Split Rail Fencing

  1. Practice due diligence to ensure where you are planning to place your Western Red Cedar split rail fence is on your property and does not interfere with boundaries, underground utilities, or your neighbor’s property.
  1. Contact your local building department to discuss your local building codes and permitting requirements for your proposed new fence.
  1. Since the rails are pre-cut, layout the fence with those lengths in mind, however, since it is likely to not layout perfectly, consider either shortening the overall length of your fence or shortening the fence rails to create shorter sections at each end by cutting the rails and trimming the ends to fit into the pre-drilled holes on the post.
  1. Stake out your fence line and determine where each post will be placed by using the same measurement as your rails. The post’s center will be placed either 8’ or 10’ apart based on the length of rail you have chosen.
  1. Lay out the posts and rails along your line to ensure a correct fit before you begin digging holes. Adjust as necessary.  This can save time later on.  And a lot of digging.
  1. We suggest using a posthole digger to ensure that you can secure each Western Red Cedar split rail post into the ground securely. When digging your holes, plan for a clearance of at least six inches from the ground to the lowest rail.  Adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of each hole can help with drainage, especially in wet climates.
  1. Place your end and/or corner posts first, ensuring they are plumb and straight, then backfill. Next, connect each post with a string line.  This will help your fence stay straight as you dig holes and place your other cedar split rail posts along the line.
  1. Staying along your string line, dig holes for each cedar split rail post, set each post, and insert the split rails into each post while checking each post for plumb and alignment.  Then, fill each hole with soil and tamp firmly.

Western Red Cedar Split rail fencing for sale

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

360.757.6343

Ninzan Studio Alaskan Yellow Cedar Gate

Prized for its workability and cool yellow tone, Alaskan Yellow Cedar (also known as Alaskan Cypress or Pacific Coast Cypress), has the same insect, rot and decay repelling tannins and oils as Western Red Cedar, but is heavier and denser, which gives it more strength.  This rare and remarkably beautiful softwood is only grown in the Pacific coast region of North America but is not a true “Cedar” species.

Located in Sarasota, Florida, our Instagram friends at Ninzan Studio were contracted recently to construct and install gates to match an existing fence made from Alaska Yellow Cedar.  When they were unable to find the products they needed in their local market, they contacted us to help them with their project.   We shipped them the materials they needed and combined with their superior craftsmanship; the new gates turned out beautifully!

Ninzan Studio makes a custom gate out of Alaskan Yellow Cedar, which is also called Pacific Coast Cypress

Clear, Alaskan Yellow Cedar is milled into pickets for a custom gate in Florida

Alaskan Yellow Cedar custom gates in Sarasota Florida

Clear, Alaskan Yellow Cedar custom cut gate pickets

Yellow Cedar Custom Gate

If you are on Instagram, be sure to give Ninzan Studio a follow!  And, before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We supply superior quality Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar, and Douglas Fir building materials to homeowners and contractors nationwide at very competitive rates!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington, WA  98233

Horizontal Western Red Cedar Privacy Fence

Built using our 5/4×6″ Knotty Western Red Cedar Radius Edge Decking, this fence will provide years of carefree service while creating privacy for this residence in Encinitas, CA.

5/4x6" Knotty Western Red Cedar Decking used as privacy fencing

Installed horizontally on 4×4″ Pressure Treated posts using stainless steel fasteners on both sides of the post, this fence is attractive from inside, as well as curbside.  Because of Western Red Cedar’s natural properties, always use stainless steel or coated fasteners recommended for use with Western Red Cedar.

Please enjoy these beautiful Western Red Cedar Fence photos from sunny California.

Cedar Deck Boards are installed over 4x4 pressure treated posts to create a beautiful privacy fence

Q: You might be wondering why a retailer from Washington state is sending Western Red Cedar lumber to California.  Wouldn’t it just be easier for the contractor to purchase the cedar building materials from his local lumber yard?

A:  Because Cedar Country Lumber is located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, the ONLY place where Western Red Cedar grows, we are able to supply homeowners and contractors nationwide with superior quality Western Red Cedar at extremely competitive rates.   Anytime Western Red Cedar is purchased outside its growing region; freight will always be factored in the final cost of the product.  Additionally, because the supply is more plentiful in our area, we are able to source more Western Red Cedar building materials, especially oversized or extreme length Western Red Cedar lumber.

Because Western Red Cedar is only grown in the Pacific Northwest, cedar building materials are plentiful including the 5/4x6" decking used to create this privacy fence

If you are looking for other ideas for your Fence, we invite you to check our Pinterest board on the subject by clicking HERE (no login or account required).

And before your next project, be sure to visit us! We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

Local 360.757.6343      Toll Fee 866.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA 98233

Custom Cut Cedar Fence Boards

Extremely popular for outdoor fencing in the Pacific Northwest and beyond, Western Red Cedar is prized for both its durability and beauty.  A properly constructed and maintained Cedar fence will perform admirably for many years because it is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack.    Sourced from the most sustainably managed forests in the world, Western Red Cedar is environmentally friendly by being entirely renewable and biodegradable.

A Cedar fence can be as elaborate or as simple as desired.  We recently supplied custom-cut Western Red Cedar boards for this beautiful fence in Anacortes, WA.  Each fence board was milled out of old-growth, knotty Western Red Cedar into exactly 5/4″ x 6”.  The craftsmanship and photos of this property defining fence for this new custom home were completed by Kreider Construction.

“Nice Cedar, thanks for sourcing us the good stuff!” Paul of Kreider Construction

Western Red Cedar Custom Fence Boards

Knotty Western Red Cedar Fence

Red Cedar Fence Idea

Before your next project, be sure to visit us!  We ship nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA  98233

Toll-Free 866.757.6343

Western Red Cedar Grape Stake Fencing

Because of the natural decay resistance in Western Red Cedar and its abundance, early vineyards used “grape stakes” to support their growing grapevines. Made from hand spitting pieces off of Western Red Cedar or Redwood blocks 4 to 6 feet in length, the stakes were used as posts between wires and held up exceptionally well to moisture, insects, and other elements.

Due to changes in the way grapes are grown and harvested in today’s vineyards, other methods of supporting the grapevines are more commonly used. However, grape stakes are still manufactured in Western Red Cedar and are used as pickets for fences when a natural, rustic look is desired.

Western Red Cedar Grape Stake Fencing

Hand split from blocks of recovered Western Red Cedar from down sources on Mount Rainier, each piece is uniquely beautiful and averages between 1-1/2″ to 3-1/2″ wide and 6′ in length.  However, since our Cedar Grape Stakes are split per order, we can produce custom lengths and, in some cases, widths.

 

Nailed or screwed to horizontal rails of either Western Red Cedar or pressure treated materials, the result is a beautiful, extremely sturdy fence that gives an old-world feel. Because of the natural preservatives in Western Red Cedar, we recommend using corrosion-resistant fasteners, such as stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized, to secure the grape stakes to the posts and/or supporting fence rails.

Western Red Cedar Grapestake Fence

Your beautiful new Western Red Cedar Grape Stake Fence can be left to weather to a stunning grey or stained to maintain the natural, varied reddish-brown color Western Red Cedar is prized for.  We recommend using a good quality penetrating oil, such as Penofin Red Label, that contains UV protection and mold and mildew inhibitors if you wish to keep the natural Cedar color.

Western Red Cedar Grape Stake Fencing is perfect for when a rustic look is desired

Before Your Next Project, Be Sure to Visit Us!

We Ship Nationwide!

www.CedarCountryLumber.com

 ph 360.757.6343

950 B Fountain Street, Burlington WA

 

Our hand split Western Red Cedar grape stakes are made from recovered sources on Mount Rainier