Should I Choose Cedar or Treated Fence Pickets? The Differences Between The Fence Styles

[@gwendolynpitts5462]

i was trying to figure out if I should stain my cedar pickets. I didn't want to mess them up. Now I know. Thanks!

[@butlercontractingbastrop]

Cedar does have some natural oil in them that will help repel the weather for a little while however, the resistance depends on the species of cedar that you may have. It is always best to stain and seal a fence. Be sure to use a deep penetrating oil based stain for your project for the best results.

[@npsinboro]

This was super informative. Thanks for sharing your expertise to the world.

[@butlercontractingbastrop]

We are glad we were able to help you out!

[@losll]

Can you stain/seal treated pickets? If so is there a particular sealer you recommend?

[@butlerbrothersoddjobs3052]

Yes, treated wood can be stained and sealed. The key to to ensure it is dried out a few weeks prior to staining. You want to ideally get a moisture saturation of 12% or less before stain is applied. We recommend a deep oil based penetrating stain only as this will seal the wood from the inside out. Our preferred product is Expert Stain and Seal other products like Woodefender and Ready Seal are good options.

[@losll]

@@butlerbrothersoddjobs3052 thank you for your reply. I greatly appreciate it.

[@Dallas-c3l]

THANK YOU GOOD INFORMATION IS MONEY WE OWE YOU..

[@umairshah6358]

Cedar, a Hardwood! Live and learn.

[@losll]

I recently hung treated pickets and I noticed significant shrinking. Is there a remedy for this problem? Perhaps removing pickets and reinstalling while eliminating the gap?

[@butlerbrothersoddjobs3052]

Unfortunately it's going to happen and the best way to minimize the gap is to install them as close as possible so when they dry out they have minimal gaps. In addition. The supplier of the materials can play a factor as well if you can buy boards that are drier it helps installing very wet wood will have more shrinkage.

[@ranchoelbamboo4068]

Thanks

[@AllintheSoil]

Will japanese cedar at 5/8 durability last the same compared to western cedar or treated pine? Is it a good product choice?

[@butlercontractingbastrop]

Japanese Cedar is thinner and is more susceptible to cracking and splitting during installation. If you plan to go cedar I would suggest Western Red Cedar 3/4 inch thick pickets.

[@rmkensington]

Cedar is not a hardwood

[@butlercontractingbastrop]

As far as lumber classification you are correct I miss spoke.