How do I protect cedar fencing?

Jean Pabst Burt
by Jean Pabst Burt

I have new cedar fencing - what can I use to protect it from the the elements?

  7 answers
  • Cedar is used for fencing because it doesn't really need treating, its a pretty oily wood. but you can rub it down with linseed oil if you want to

  • Billie K Billie K on Aug 06, 2018

    You could water seal it every year, time consuming and expensive, or let it weather, Personally I love grey cedar.

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Aug 06, 2018

    Cedar is an excellent wood that does not need anything to protect it from the elements. It will tone down to a soft silverish grey. It is used as house siding and for fencing as it does not rot.

  • 16999903 16999903 on Sep 07, 2018

    I agree with the others. No treatment needed unless you want to stain is just for color. It's what the pioneers used to put up barbed wire fencing 150 years ago......and a lot of them are still standing/leaning along old country roads! Your fencing is beautiful as is! It will naturally gray in time, but that's a personal preference if you like that look or prefer to stain it.

  • Jane Jane on Sep 07, 2018

    It’s beautiful. Though I agree that since it’s cedar it doesn’t have to be treated, if you want to keep the color you could use Thompson’s Waterseal. It comes in clear to keep the color true. It would also extend the life. Particularly if you live in PNW like I do.


    If if you don’t mind my asking a question, the gauge wire that was used on your fence, did it come in a roll or in sheets. Can you please post a source for it? Thanks.

  • Cindy Cindy on Sep 07, 2018

    If you don't want your fence to go gray over time, you could use Thompson's Wood Sealer. It comes with UV protection.

  • William William on Sep 07, 2018

    Cedar is high in resins and a super tight grain. It ages to a silvery gray tone if not sealed. If you want color use a good UV rated deck stain. To keep it's natural color Thompson's water seal would work.