Cedar Posts
The foundation of every quality fence
Premium Cedar: Nature's Perfect Fence Post
A fence is only as good as its posts. While many contractors cut costs with pressure-treated pine, we exclusively use premium cedar posts for our wood fence installations. Cedar's natural properties—inherent rot resistance, dimensional stability, and longevity—make it the gold standard for fence posts that truly last.
"The fence post is buried where moisture and ground contact create the harshest conditions. Cedar's natural oils and tannins resist decay where pressure-treated pine fails. It's not just better—it's the only choice for posts that last as long as your investment deserves."
Why Cedar Posts?
Natural Rot Resistance
Cedar contains natural oils called thujaplicins that are toxic to decay fungi and insects. These oils are present throughout the wood—not just applied to the surface like chemical treatments. This means cedar resists rot from the inside out, even after cuts and drilling.
Longer Service Life
Premium cedar posts routinely last 25-30 years in ground contact—often outlasting the fence boards themselves. Pressure-treated pine posts typically begin failing at 15-20 years, requiring costly replacement of the entire fence structure.
Dimensional Stability
Cedar has a lower shrinkage rate than other softwoods. Posts stay straight and true, maintaining fence alignment over decades. Pressure-treated posts often twist and warp as they dry, creating alignment problems within the first few years.
Superior Aesthetics
Cedar's natural beauty—rich grain patterns and warm tones—enhances any fence design. The wood ages gracefully to an elegant silver-gray patina. Pressure-treated lumber has an unattractive green or brown chemical tint that never quite looks right.
Cedar Post Options
Western Red Cedar Posts
Harvested from the Pacific Northwest, Western Red Cedar is prized for its exceptional durability and beautiful appearance. This is our premium post option for discerning homeowners.
Characteristics:
- •Highest natural decay resistance
- •Rich, warm reddish-brown color
- •Tight, straight grain pattern
- •Aromatic cedar scent
- •Minimal checking and splitting
Available Sizes:
- • 4x4 posts (standard residential)
- • 6x6 posts (heavy-duty/decorative)
- • 8' and 10' lengths
- • Custom lengths available
Best For:
- • Privacy fences
- • Decorative fencing
- • High-end properties
- • Historic restorations
Northern White Cedar Posts
A traditional choice for fence posts, especially popular for split-rail and rustic fencing. Northern White Cedar offers excellent rot resistance at a more economical price point.
Characteristics:
- •Excellent decay resistance
- •Light tan to pale brown color
- •Lightweight yet strong
- •Pleasant cedar aroma
- •Naturally tapered for traditional fencing
Available Sizes:
- • Round posts 3"-5" diameter
- • Half-round posts for split-rail
- • 6'-10' lengths
- • Natural or milled options
Best For:
- • Split-rail fences
- • Rustic applications
- • Large properties
- • Natural landscape integration
Cedar Post Caps & Finials
Protect your investment and add decorative flair with custom cedar post caps. These finishing touches shed water away from the post end grain, significantly extending post life while adding architectural interest.
Classic tapered design
Traditional elegance
Modern simplicity
Function meets beauty
Proper Post Installation
Even premium cedar posts require proper installation to achieve maximum longevity. Our installation method ensures your posts will perform for decades.
Our Installation Process:
Proper Depth
Posts set to 1/3 of total height below ground (minimum 30" for 6' fence). Deeper is always better.
Gravel Base
4-6" of crushed gravel at bottom of post hole ensures drainage and prevents water pooling at post base.
Concrete Setting
High-quality concrete mix fills the remainder of the hole. Sloped away from post at grade to shed water.
Precision Alignment
Posts plumbed perfectly vertical in both directions and braced during concrete cure. No shortcuts.
Post Caps
Decorative caps protect end grain from water intrusion—the #1 cause of premature post failure.
Cedar vs. Pressure-Treated: The Real Comparison
| Feature | Premium Cedar Posts | Pressure-Treated Pine |
|---|---|---|
| Service Life | 25-30+ years | 15-20 years |
| Rot Resistance | Natural oils throughout wood | Chemical surface treatment only |
| Stability | Minimal warping/twisting | Often warps as it dries |
| Appearance | Beautiful natural grain | Green/brown chemical tint |
| Fastener Corrosion | No issues with standard hardware | Requires specialized fasteners |
| Environmental | 100% natural, no chemicals | Treated with heavy metals/chemicals |
The Bottom Line:
Cedar posts cost approximately 40-60% more than pressure-treated posts initially, but last 50% longer and require no replacement within the fence's lifetime. When you factor in the cost of replacing an entire fence when pressure-treated posts fail, cedar is actually the more economical choice—and infinitely more beautiful.
Build Your Fence on a Solid Foundation
Every fence we build uses premium cedar posts. It's not negotiable—it's how we ensure your investment lasts.