Fort Smith Fence Pros connects homeowners with an independent local contractor for cedar fence installation in Fort Smith, AR, and the first question most people ask is whether cedar is worth paying more than pine.
The honest answer depends on how long you plan to stay, how much maintenance you want to do and how the fence will be built. This page puts cedar and pressure-treated pine side by side so you can decide before you request a free estimate.
Cedar vs Pine Fence Cost
Angi's comparison puts pine fence boards at about $1 to $5 per linear foot for materials and Western red cedar at about $6 to $8. Its cedar fence guide puts a fully installed cedar fence at roughly $18.50 to $46.50 per linear foot. These are national estimates that vary by style, height and site. Because labor is a large share of the bill, the gap between cedar and pine on the final invoice is smaller than the gap in lumber prices.
Lifespan, Warping and Upkeep in a Humid Climate
Angi estimates a cedar fence lasts around 30 years and a pine fence around 15. Part of the difference is stability. Pine tends to warp and twist as humidity changes, which can pull boards loose from the rails. Cedar shrinks and swells less, so it stays flatter through Fort Smith's long, humid summers.
Sealing schedules
- Pine: seal about every 2 to 3 years
- Cedar: seal about every 3 to 5 years
Left unsealed, cedar weathers to a silver gray rather than rotting quickly.
Termites, Rot and Why Posts Matter for Cedar Fences
The University of Arkansas extension service reports that eastern subterranean termites are the most common species in the state and are found statewide, swarming most often from March through May after rain. Cedar's natural oils help resist insects and decay above ground, but Angi notes cedar does poorly buried in soil. That is why many cedar fences here are built on pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact, or on galvanized steel posts, with cedar rails and boards above.
Cedar Fence Styles That Show Off the Wood
- Board on board privacy: overlapping boards, no gaps as the wood seasons.
- Horizontal cedar: a modern look that suits newer homes and patios.
- Shadowbox: attractive from both sides of the property line.
- Cap and trim: a top cap protects end grain and frames the fence.
Clear or lightly tinted sealers let cedar's red and amber color show.
When Pine Is the Smarter Choice
Cedar is not the right call for every yard. Pressure-treated pine makes sense for a rental, a long dog-run fence, a property you plan to sell soon, or any fence you intend to paint a solid color. A common middle ground is treated pine posts and rails with cedar boards on the side that faces the house.
Common questions
Is cedar fence worth the extra cost?
For many homeowners who plan to stay, yes. Angi estimates cedar lasts about twice as long as pine, warps less in humid weather and needs sealing less often. If you are selling soon, fencing a large area on a tight budget or planning to paint the fence, pressure-treated pine may be the better value.
Do termites eat cedar fences?
Cedar's natural oils make it less attractive to termites than untreated wood, but it is not immune, especially where it touches damp soil. Subterranean termites are found throughout Arkansas. Using ground-contact treated posts or steel posts, and keeping mulch and soil off the bottom of the boards, gives a cedar fence much better protection.
Does a cedar fence need to be sealed?
It does not have to be, since cedar will weather to gray without rotting quickly. Sealing every 3 to 5 years, as Angi suggests, keeps the color, reduces checking and slows moisture damage. In Fort Smith's humid summers, a sealer with mildewcide helps keep shaded sections from turning dark.
How much does a cedar fence cost to install?
Angi's cedar fence guide lists a typical installed range of about $18.50 to $46.50 per linear foot, and about $3,700 to $9,300 for a 200 foot project. These are national estimates. Height, style, post type, gates and old fence removal all change the price. Request a free estimate to get numbers for your property.
What posts should a cedar fence use?
Because cedar does poorly buried in soil, many installers set cedar fences on pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact or on galvanized steel posts. Steel posts can be hidden behind cedar boards or wrapped in cedar trim. Ask your contractor which post type they recommend and how deep they set them for your fence height.