Western red cedar fences continue their legacy in PNW

Seattle is born of cedar. 

Besides the Douglas fir and several other regional coniferous and deciduous trees, the Western red cedar took its place as one of the defining natural resources that would shape the future of human habitation, architecture, and much more in this majestic corner of the United States — including Rain City Fence’s cedar fences! 

“The Tree of Life” in Western Washington

The power and influence of the Western red cedar, however, goes back many thousands of years. 

From the beginning, the landscape of Western Washington was dominated by the growth of the Western red cedar, with treetops commonly found to be over 200-250 feet tall. It was called the “tree of life” in Latin, a description also used curiously by local Indigenous Peoples due to its near-unlimited versatility. 

According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, many Native American populations looked to the tree as a gift from their creator. They used Western red cedar to create canoes, homes, fishing instruments, clothing, art, weapons, and medicines. The cedar was a fundamental asset with which they used to build their lives around.

For the “late arrivals” soon to settle in this idyllic northwest paradise, the tiny fledgling outpost that was to be Seattle found its footing in 1853 thanks to this plentiful timber resource, with “The Father of Seattle,” Henry Yesler and his mill helping to establish the industry in what is now Pioneer Square on the eastern shore of Puget Sound. As he dragged each giant to the Elliott Bay waterfront on “Skid Road,” later to be named Yesler Street, he would help usher in the economic future of the region.

Cedar fences: A versatile necessity for Western Washington homes

Stemming from those early days on Skid Road, the wood fence industry has played a foundational role in the history of the Pacific Northwest, and a service Rain City Fence is proud to continue for homeowners throughout greater Seattle. 

The Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) is an all-around, multifaceted, flexible, and fool-proof addition for both homeowners and their communities. Universally renowned for its durability, strength, longevity, and beauty in any environment, the Class-2, softwood cedar, and more specifically the tight knot cedar, has a number of advantages for homeowners seeking a reliable wood for their fences. These advantages, coupled with the resource’s evenly-grained texture, helps to make the tree more valuable per foot than the Douglas fir. 

Here are 10 ways cedar wood is a premiere option for a fence in the temperate climate of Seattle and the Western Washington region:

• Durability

Cedar is one of the most sturdy, durable woods. If even minimally maintained, cedar fences can last for decades. The natural extended lifespan of cedar fences means less replacements while minimizing waste over the life of the fence. 

• Natural beauty and home aesthetics

Featuring a warm and rich, yet inviting reddish-brown color and singular grain pattern, cedar wood offers an attractive aesthetic while being malleable enough to elevate the look of any Seattle property. 

• Built-in natural resistance

The natural oils contained in cedar wood discourage insects and ward off decay, prolonging the lifespan of the fence. 

• Elemental resistance

Those same natural oils and robust grain structure inherent in cedar wood enable its resistance to splitting and warping, even in more harsh weather conditions. 

• Less chemical treatments

Due to cedar’s natural resistance to insects and decay from the elements, it lessens the need for chemical treatments, thereby reducing damaging effects on the wood and the environment. 

• No muss, no fuss

Cedar fences are not demanding. They need minimal maintenance, if a spare cleaning and sealing session on the odd year, to maintain its appearance and integrity over the course of years or even decades.  

• Renewable resource

Cedar is a sturdy, wholly-sustainable wood, a sustainable resource, and an excellent choice if you wish to maintain a home that speaks to environmental sustainability. 

• Install with ease

A relatively lightweight wood, cedar is found to be much easier to handle and install for customers. 

• Versatility

From protection and privacy to decorative to ornamental, cedar’s versatility is legion when considering various fence designs. 

• Maximally customizable

Stains and finishes make cedar wood fences extremely customizable for achieving a wide palette of aesthetics that fit a given customer’s home. The endurance and historic success of cedar fences inspires homeowners across Western Washington to invest in this incredibly beautiful and multifaceted home-building resource. 

If you find yourself searching for a way to secure and enhance your property, consider a cedar fence by going to the Rain City Fence website for a free estimate. We hope to speak with you!