In any home, a fence is desirable and privacy fences are especially essential as they automatically provide a sense of seclusion and security. 

This article will examine various species of red cedar, including Western Red Cedar and Inland Red Cedar, as well as Douglas Fir fences in this case study with useful insights into its function for private screening purposes.

What is a Wooden Privacy Fence?

Before we talk about the different types of woods that can be used for privacy fences, let us first define what a wooden privacy fence is. 

A wooden privacy fence is a barrier constructed of solid wood boards or panels that hinder the outside view. 

The height of the privacy fences is not more than standard ones, and it should be from six to eight feet. 

Such angled tend to work effectively, supplying some privacy both in your sense of home and yard; there is a limit on the extent to which the noise can affect you.

Western Red Cedar

Native to the Pacific Northwest, Western Red Cedar or scientifically known as Thuja Plicata – boasts noteworthy attributes, such as its alluring yellowish-brown hue and exquisite grain.

Renowned for its innate beauty and resilience, this type of wood serves as a favored material for privacy fencing, owing to its natural oils that serve as a safeguard, repelling decay and insects sans the necessity of chemical intervention.

Using Western Red Cedar for crafting a privacy fence holds numerous advantages.

First – its distinctive fragrance imparts a pleasing scent to its surroundings.

Second – its high resistance to warping and ability to mitigate swelling ensures the longevity and structural integrity of the fence.

Moreover, its innate decomposition process necessitates minimal maintenance, thus saving time and effort in the long run.

Inland Red Cedar

In terms of characteristics, Inland Red Cedar or also scientifically known as Thuja Plicata – can withstand strong sunlight and therefore is an effective option for privacy fences and provides a good alternative to western red cedars. 

As coat colors are concerned, Inland Red Cedar is a paler hue- from pale yellow to light reddish-brown. 

It is as naturally durable and resistant to insects as its western counterpart.

The affordability is one of the most important Inland Red Cedar’s benefits. 

It offers all the features of Western Red Cedar at lower price point hence ensuring that hard to maintain qualities are not compromised upon while still offering value for money. 

Further, this particular variety of cedar is dimensionally stable which implies that the timber does not warp or wane when exposed to ice, high temperature or moisture.

From this fact, it is evident that such a fence material can last for an extended period and hence reliable.

Douglas Fir

Although not widely used, in its place of cedar for privacy fences, Douglas fir or scientifically known as Pseudotsuga Menziesii – comes with its own merits that make it important. 

Douglas Fir tolerates rain, ice and sun well and is considered to be an enduring softwood due to its density.

Being durable, it exhibits these characteristics that make it great for use as a building material. 

It has a warm reddish-brown color, straight grain, and smooth texture making it an attractive option as a privacy fence.

The Douglas Fir possesses its great strength as its best feature. 

It is highly resistant to dents impacts, and other forms of deterioration.

This makes it a great option for the homeowner who desires a strong durable fence. 

Additionally, Douglas Fir is a widely accessible and comparatively inexpensive building material that makes this material attractive to homeowners on a tight budget.