A horizontal cedar fence brings a modern touch to a home and offers both privacy and durability. It’s easy to install with proper planning and regular maintenance helps it last between 15 and 30 years.
Why Choose a Horizontal Cedar Fence?
A horizontal cedar fence brings a sophisticated and modern touch to any home’s exterior. Cedar wood has natural oils, making it resistant to decay and insects. This ensures your fence lasts long with minimal upkeep.
Horizontal fences can make your garden look bigger and match both traditional and modern architectural styles. They act as good sound barriers and provide privacy.
Key benefits include:
- Versatility in design with various stains and decorative elements. Learn more about enhancing your fence’s privacy with different wood fence designs.
- Annual cleaning, staining, and regular inspections keep it looking great. For maintenance tips, check our fence maintenance guide.
- Cedar is a renewable resource, with certifications like FSC and PEFC for eco-friendly choices.
Choosing a cedar fence combines beauty, practicality, and environmental care, creating a serene and elegant outdoor space.
Materials Needed for a Horizontal Cedar Fence
Building a horizontal cedar fence offers a modern look and provides privacy and security. Here’s how to get started:
- Board Sizes: Common sizes are one-by-six boards. You can mix in one-by-four or one-by-eight boards for variety. Wider boards offer more privacy, while thinner boards create an airy feel.
- Cutting the Boards: Use a chop saw or circular saw to cut the boards to size. They should span from the center of one post to the next.
- Aligning the Fence:
- Stepped Fence: Each panel is level but staggered. This is easier to build and looks neat.
- Contour Following: Adjust the fence to follow uneven ground. Use string lines or leveling tools for alignment.
- Advantages and Challenges:
- Pros: Modern look, more privacy, can be cheaper than vertical fences.
- Cons: Less airflow, more stress on posts, and tougher installation.
- Cost: Horizontal fences cost about $5-12 per linear foot for materials and $15-22 per linear foot for installation.
- Board Spacing: Maintain 1/4 inch to an inch between boards. This helps with airflow and prevents moisture buildup.
Make sure to use high-quality materials and follow these guidelines for a durable, beautiful fence. Happy building!
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Horizontal Cedar Fence
Building a horizontal cedar fence can transform your yard, offering both beauty and privacy. Follow these steps to create a sturdy and appealing structure.
- Gather your materials:
- Cedar fence boards
- Fence posts
- Gravel
- Concrete
- Nails or screws
- Measure and mark your fence line. Use stakes and string to outline where your fence will go. Ensure the line is straight and level.
- Dig post holes along the fence line. They should be deep enough to hold the posts securely, usually about 1/3 the length of the post.
- Place gravel at the bottom of each hole for drainage, then set the posts in place. Use a level to ensure they are straight.
- Pour concrete into the holes to secure the posts. Allow the concrete to set fully before moving to the next step.
- Attach horizontal rails to the posts. These rails support the cedar boards. You may need two or three rails, depending on the height of the fence.
- Finally, attach the cedar boards to the rails. Start from the bottom and work your way up, ensuring each board is level before nailing or screwing it in place.
- Apply a weatherproof sealant to protect your cedar fence from the elements and increase its lifespan.
Building a horizontal cedar fence takes some planning and effort but offers a rewarding result that enhances your home’s privacy and curb appeal. Get more tips from our expert fencing installation guide.
Maintenance Tips for Your Cedar Fence
Maintaining your cedar fence will keep it looking good and lasting longer. Cedar fences, when well-cared for, can last between 15 and 30 years. Here are some tips to help you keep your fence in top condition.
- Cleaning: Clean your cedar fence annually to remove dirt and prevent mold.
- Use a mixture of warm water, oxygen bleach, and non-ammonia dish soap.
- Wash the cedar with a garden hose and apply the cleaning solution.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub the areas with mold.
- Rinse thoroughly with a hose.
- Staining: Apply a stain every 3-5 years to enhance and protect the wood. Follow our guide on how to stain your fence.
- Inspect the fence and repair any damage before staining.
- Clean off any mold or mildew.
- Allow the fence to dry for about 24 hours before applying the stain.
- Let the stain dry completely for 48 hours.
- Replacing Boards: Replace any rotting boards immediately to prevent further damage.
- Water Protection: Keep water away from your fence to reduce mold and rot risks.
- Adjust sprinklers to avoid spraying the fence directly.
- Wood Treatment: Consider treating the wood with a protective solution to guard against decay and insects.
Regular maintenance is key to a long-lasting and beautiful cedar fence. With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy the beauty and functionality of your cedar fence for many years.
Benefits of Horizontal Wood Fence Designs
Installing a horizontal cedar fence offers a sleek, modern look for your outdoor space. Unlike traditional vertical fences, this design provides several benefits worth considering.
- Modern Appearance: These fences give a clean, contemporary look that can update any yard.
- Less Weather Deterioration: The horizontal orientation exposes less of the wood to the elements, enhancing durability.
- Open Feel: Without stringers, these fences can appear more open, making them great for smaller yards or patios.
Installing horizontal fences requires careful planning and quality materials. Posts are usually set six feet apart to minimize sagging, which means you need higher-grade lumber. This can increase the cost compared to vertical fences.
Keep in mind, installing horizontal fences can be tricky, especially on sloped or uneven ground. Keeping the boards level is crucial, and each post needs precise placement. This makes the installation more labor-intensive.
Privacy can be a concern, too. While horizontal boards can be tightly spaced, small gaps might be visible from both sides. Checking local codes and permits before installation is essential, especially for fence height and property lines. Generally, fences can be about six feet high, but some areas allow up to eight feet. If you’re sharing a fence with a neighbor, you might need their written consent.
Explore more about the top trends in wood fencing to stay updated.
If you have a flat yard and prefer a modern look, a horizontal cedar fence can be a stylish and functional addition to your home.
Comparing Horizontal Cedar Fence with Other Wood Fences
Choosing a horizontal cedar fence can give your home a fresh and stylish look. Here are the key points to consider:
- Materials and Design:
- No need for stringers.
- Made up of fence posts and horizontal boards.
- High-grade cedar boards reduce sagging.
- Board ends are less exposed, slowing deterioration and cracking.
- Fence Posts:
- Requires more posts than vertical fences.
- Usually one post every six feet.
- Extra posts help maintain structure and appearance.
- Appearance and Privacy:
- Offers a modern, open feel.
- May not provide complete privacy due to small gaps.
- Ideal for small patios or yards.
- Sloped Ground Challenges:
- Harder to install on sloped ground.
- Best for flat or gently sloping areas.
- Permits and Regulations:
- Check local codes before building.
- Fence height often restricted by laws.
- May need neighbor’s consent if on boundary line.
- Cost Considerations:
- More expensive due to higher quality lumber and extra posts.
- Modern look may increase property value.
Explore more about choosing the right wood.
Understanding these points can help you decide if a horizontal cedar fence is right for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horizontal Cedar Fences
Horizontal cedar fences are a stylish way to enhance any backyard with a modern look. These fences feature horizontal boards and posts, usually placed six feet apart to prevent sagging. Here are some common questions about these fences:
What Are the Benefits?
- Aesthetic Appeal: Fits well with modern design trends.
- Reduced Degradation: Slows down the wear and tear.
- Improved Privacy: Close spacing of boards offers more privacy.
How Long Do They Last? Cedar horizontal fences can last between 15 to 20 years with proper care. Regular maintenance, like staining or painting, helps maintain the wood’s appearance and extends its life.
How Much Do They Cost?
- Material Costs: $5 to $12 per linear foot.
- Installation Costs: $15 to $22 per linear foot. For those looking to save, a DIY approach can cut labor costs.
What Maintenance Is Required? Regularly treating the wood helps preserve its natural light honey color and prevents it from turning grey. Maintaining the fence can protect it from elements and prolong its life.
Is It Easy to Install? Yes, building a horizontal fence is straightforward. Key steps include:
- Checking for underground utilities.
- Digging holes for posts.
- Adding concrete and gravel for stability.
- Adjusting measurements for horizontal orientation.
If you want to get started with your own horizontal cedar fence, check out Pickets wood fences for more information and services tailored to your needs.
FAQ
Why choose a horizontal cedar fence?
A horizontal cedar fence brings a sophisticated and modern touch to any home’s exterior. Cedar wood has natural oils, making it resistant to decay and insects. This ensures your fence lasts long with minimal upkeep. Horizontal fences can make your garden look bigger and match both traditional and modern architectural styles. They act as good sound barriers and provide privacy.
What materials are needed for a horizontal cedar fence?
You will need cedar fence boards, fence posts, gravel, concrete, nails or screws, and tools like a chop saw or circular saw, stakes, string, and a level.
How do you build a horizontal cedar fence?
- Gather your materials.
- Measure and mark your fence line using stakes and string to keep it straight and level.
- Dig post holes, add gravel for drainage, and set the posts in place.
- Pour concrete to secure the posts and let it set.
- Attach horizontal rails to the posts.
- Attach cedar boards to the rails, starting from the bottom.
- Apply a weatherproof sealant to protect your fence.
How do you maintain a cedar fence?
Clean your cedar fence annually with a mixture of warm water, oxygen bleach, and non-ammonia dish soap. Stain the fence every 3-5 years, replace any rotting boards immediately, and keep water away from the fence. Consider treating the wood with a protective solution.
What are the benefits of horizontal wood fence designs?
Horizontal cedar fences offer a sleek, modern look that enhances any yard. They expose less of the wood to the elements, which can improve durability. These fences also provide an open feel, making them suitable for smaller yards or patios.
How does a horizontal cedar fence compare with other wood fences?
Horizontal cedar fences don’t need stringers, have fewer exposed board ends, and often require more posts than vertical fences. They offer a modern appearance but may not provide complete privacy due to small gaps. They can be harder to install on sloped ground and are generally more expensive due to the higher quality lumber and extra posts needed.
What maintenance is required for a horizontal cedar fence?
You need to clean the fence annually, stain it every 3-5 years, replace any damaged boards, protect it from water, and possibly treat it with a protective solution.
How long do horizontal cedar fences last?
With proper care, cedar horizontal fences can last between 15 to 20 years.
What is the cost of horizontal cedar fences?
Material costs range from $5 to $12 per linear foot, while installation costs range from $15 to $22 per linear foot. DIY installations can help save on labor costs.
Are horizontal cedar fences easy to install?
Yes, key steps include checking for underground utilities, digging holes for posts, adding concrete and gravel for stability, and adjusting measurements for horizontal orientation.
Explore more about choosing the right wood at Pickets for additional information and services tailored to your needs.