Western Red Cedar is the best wood for a fence in Oklahoma. It naturally fights rot and bugs, lasts 15-20 years with care, and handles our wild weather better than other wood types. While it costs more up front, cedar saves money over time because it needs less fixing and replacing.
Whether you’re looking for a custom cedar privacy fence or exploring other fencing options, understanding the right wood choice is critical.
Why Oklahoma Weather Makes Wood Choice Critical
Oklahoma’s weather is tough on fences. We deal with scorching 100-degree summers, icy winters, heavy spring rains, and those famous tornadoes. Your fence faces all of this year after year.
Heat and sun can make wood dry out and crack. The UV rays beat down and cause damage over time. Summer temperatures can reach extreme levels that stress most wood types.
Rain and humidity bring different problems. When wood soaks up water, it can rot, grow mold, and fall apart faster. Oklahoma gets its share of moisture, especially in spring.
Wind is another big issue. Oklahoma ranks among the windiest states. Strong gusts during storms can knock down weak fences or loosen boards that aren’t built right.
Temperature swings matter too. When wood freezes and thaws over and over, it expands and shrinks. This causes cracks and splits that get worse each year.
The right wood choice helps your fence survive all these challenges. Not all wood types handle Oklahoma’s climate equally well. Before you make your decision, it’s worth reviewing important fence considerations specific to our region.
Western Red Cedar: The Clear Winner for Oklahoma Fences
Western Red Cedar stands out as the top choice for Oklahoma fences. This wood has special qualities that make it perfect for our state’s tough weather.
Natural Protection Built In
Cedar contains natural oils called tannins. These oils protect the wood from the inside out. They fight off bugs like termites without any chemicals needed.
The same oils that stop bugs also prevent rot. Water has a harder time soaking into cedar compared to other woods. This natural water resistance keeps your fence standing longer.
Cedar also fights mold and mildew better than most woods. In humid Oklahoma summers, this matters a lot. Your fence won’t develop those ugly black spots or decay as quickly.
How Cedar Handles Oklahoma’s Climate
Cedar stays stable when temperatures change. It doesn’t warp, twist, or crack as much as pine or other soft woods. This stability means your fence keeps looking good year after year.
The wood holds its shape even during our freeze-thaw cycles. While pressure-treated pine might split and warp within months, cedar maintains its structure. Fence contractors across Oklahoma report that cedar fences last 15-20 years or more in our climate.
Cedar boards are also lighter than treated woods. This puts less stress on fence posts during high winds. The flexibility helps the fence bend slightly rather than break during storms.
The Look and Feel of Cedar
Cedar has a beautiful reddish-brown color when new. Over time, it weathers to a silver-gray that many homeowners love. Both colors look natural and attractive.
The wood grain in cedar is tight and consistent. You won’t see as many large knots or defects as you might in pine. This gives your fence a cleaner, more polished appearance.
Cedar also smells great. That fresh, woodsy scent is pleasant when you’re working in your yard. The smell comes from those protective oils that keep the wood healthy.
Cedar Costs and Value
Cedar costs more up front than pressure-treated pine. Expect to pay $20-35 per linear foot for cedar, compared to $15-25 for treated pine. For a 150-foot fence, that’s about $3,000-5,250 for cedar versus $2,250-3,750 for pine.
But cedar saves money over time. You won’t need to replace boards as often. The fence lasts longer without major repairs. When you add up the total cost over 20 years, cedar often wins.
Cedar also adds more value to your home. Buyers notice quality wood fences. A well-maintained cedar fence boosts curb appeal and can help your home sell faster. Learn more about cedar privacy fencing options available for your property.
Other Wood Options for Oklahoma Fences
While Western Red Cedar leads the pack, other woods have their place. Let’s look at the alternatives and when they might work.
Pressure-Treated Pine: The Budget Option
Pressure-treated pine is the most common fence wood in America. It’s cheap and easy to find at any home center. The chemical treatment helps it resist rot and bugs.
Pine costs less up front. For homeowners on a tight budget, this makes it tempting. You can fence a whole yard for less money than cedar would cost.
But pine has real problems in Oklahoma. The wood warps and twists, especially in our hot sun. Within a month of installation, you might see boards cupping or bowing.
The chemical treatment process makes the wood heavy with moisture. As it dries out, it shrinks and cracks. These cracks let water in, which leads to rot despite the treatment.
Pine fences typically last 10-15 years here, compared to 20+ for cedar. You’ll spend more time and money on repairs and replacement. Many Oklahoma fence companies won’t even offer pine anymore because of these issues.
If you do choose pine, use it for fence posts buried in concrete. The treatment protects wood that touches soil. But for the visible boards, cedar is worth the extra cost.
Japanese Cedar: The Newcomer
Japanese cedar has become more common in Oklahoma over the past decade. It appeared when Western Red Cedar became hard to find and prices went up.
This wood comes from Japan, where it’s called Sugi. It’s kiln-dried before shipping, which reduces shrinking after installation. The boards are usually thinner than Western Red Cedar—about 5/8 inch instead of 7/8 inch.
Japanese cedar does resist rot and insects fairly well. It contains tannins like Western Red Cedar. The straight grain looks clean and modern.
But there are trade-offs. The thinner boards are less sturdy. They can split or break during installation. Some contractors report more problems with warping over time.
The color is different too. Japanese cedar is lighter, ranging from pale yellow to light brown. If you prefer the classic reddish cedar look, this might disappoint you.
Price-wise, Japanese cedar falls between pine and Western Red Cedar. It offers a middle ground for budget-conscious homeowners who want better quality than pine.
Redwood: Beautiful But Costly
Redwood is gorgeous wood with deep reddish-brown tones. It resists rot and bugs naturally, just like cedar. The wood is dense and stable.
California grows most redwood. Shipping it to Oklahoma adds cost. Redwood fences can run $30-40+ per linear foot installed.
Redwood lasts a long time—20-30 years with care. The wood ages beautifully to a rich gray. For high-end homes, redwood makes a statement.
But it’s hard to justify the extra cost over Western Red Cedar. Cedar performs just as well in Oklahoma for less money. Most fence contractors here don’t even stock redwood.
Spruce: Skip This One
Spruce is cheap, but it’s not worth it. This soft wood has almost no natural protection against rot or bugs. Without stain, it typically lasts only 5-8 years in Oklahoma.
The wood warps badly as it dries. Boards twist and cup quickly in our heat. You’ll be replacing sections within a few years.
For a few dollars saved now, you’ll spend much more later. Most experienced Oklahoma contractors avoid spruce for fences entirely. Stick with cedar or at least treated pine instead.
Comparing Wood Types Side by Side
Here’s how the main fence woods stack up for Oklahoma conditions:
| Wood Type | Cost per Linear Foot | Lifespan in OK | Rot Resistance | Warp Resistance | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | $20-35 | 15-20+ years | Excellent | Excellent | Low |
| Japanese Cedar | $15-25 | 12-18 years | Good | Good | Moderate |
| Pressure-Treated Pine | $15-25 | 10-15 years | Good (chemical) | Poor | High |
| Redwood | $30-40+ | 20-30 years | Excellent | Excellent | Low |
| Spruce | $10-20 | 5-8 years | Poor | Poor | Very High |
The numbers tell the story. Cedar gives you the best balance of cost, lifespan, and easy care for Oklahoma fences.
Steel Posts: A Must for Oklahoma Fences
Wood posts rot when buried in soil, even cedar posts. Oklahoma’s extreme weather and wind make strong posts critical.
Most top fence contractors here use steel posts instead of wood. The standard is 2-3/8 inch galvanized steel posts, driven 30-42 inches deep into the ground.
Steel posts last much longer than wood posts. They won’t rot, split, or lean over time. During Oklahoma’s strong winds, steel posts keep your fence standing.
The posts are driven into the ground with a special machine. This compacts the soil around them for a stronger hold. No concrete is needed, which speeds up installation and reduces cost.
Quality contractors include steel posts as standard. This is one reason their cedar fences last 20+ years while panel fences from big box stores fail in 5-7 years.
Proper Installation Makes a Huge Difference
Even the best wood won’t last if it’s installed wrong. Here’s what matters for a long-lasting Oklahoma fence.
Post Depth and Spacing
Posts should go at least 2 feet deep, preferably deeper. In Oklahoma’s loose soil and high winds, 3-4 feet is better for 6-foot tall fences.
Space posts 8 feet apart for standard privacy fencing. Closer spacing adds strength but also cost. Wider spacing saves money but risks sagging or failure in storms.
Quality Rails and Hardware
Use real 2×4 rails, not thin 2x3s. The rails connect your boards to the posts. Cheap, thin rails often break first when fences fail.
Galvanized hardware resists rust. Regular screws and nails rust quickly in Oklahoma’s humid summers. Ring-shank nails hold better than smooth nails. They won’t work loose over time.
Panel vs. On-Site Building
Pre-built panels from home centers are convenient but often lower quality. The boards are thinner. The construction is rushed. Panels can fall apart in a few years.
Fences built on-site board-by-board last longer. Contractors can pick the best boards and skip damaged ones. Custom building ensures proper spacing and solid connections.
Building on-site costs more in labor. But it adds years to your fence’s life. For a cedar fence that should last 20 years, that’s worth it.
How to Care for Your Cedar Fence in Oklahoma
Cedar is low-maintenance, but some care helps it last longer and look better.
Cleaning Your Fence
Clean your fence once a year with mild soap and water. This removes dirt, mold, and pollen that can build up. Use a garden hose or gentle pressure washer.
Don’t blast the wood with high pressure. That can damage the surface and drive water into the boards. A soft brush works well for stubborn dirt.
Spring or early summer is the best time to clean. The fence can dry quickly in warm weather. Avoid cleaning right before rain or during humid spells.
Staining and Sealing
Cedar looks great unstained, but stain adds protection. It blocks UV rays that cause fading. Stain also helps prevent cracking and splitting.
Apply stain every 2-3 years for best results. In Oklahoma’s harsh sun, you might need to stain more often on the south and west sides of your fence.
Oil-based stains like Wood Defender work well. They soak into the wood and protect from inside. Water-based stains are easier to apply but may not last as long.
If you prefer the natural gray look, skip the stain. Cedar will weather to silver-gray naturally. It still protects itself with those natural oils even without stain.
Preventing Damage
Keep plants and grass away from the fence bottom. Constant moisture from sprinklers or soil contact can cause rot over time. Leave 2-3 inches of clearance.
Trim trees near your fence. Branches rubbing on boards during wind storms cause damage. Leaves piling up against the fence hold moisture.
Check for loose boards or nails each spring. Tighten anything loose before it gets worse. Small repairs prevent bigger problems later.
Inspect after major storms. High winds can loosen boards or damage posts. Fix problems right away rather than waiting.
What About Vinyl or Metal Fences?
Wood isn’t your only option. Vinyl and metal fences have their place, but they don’t offer the same look and feel.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl resists rot and bugs completely. It never needs staining or painting. Just spray it off occasionally.
But vinyl looks artificial. It can’t match the natural beauty of real cedar. The color options are limited—usually white or tan.
Vinyl also cracks in Oklahoma’s extreme cold. When temperatures hit single digits, frozen vinyl becomes brittle. Impacts can cause breaks that are hard to fix.
Wind is another issue. Solid vinyl panels catch wind like a sail. In Oklahoma’s storms, vinyl fences often blow down or bend.
Price-wise, vinyl costs about the same as cedar up front. Over time, it might need less maintenance. But you sacrifice appearance for convenience.
Metal Fences
Chain-link and ornamental iron fences are strong and long-lasting. Metal handles wind well. It won’t rot or warp.
But metal doesn’t provide privacy. You can see right through chain-link. Ornamental iron is beautiful but also transparent.
Metal also gets hot. In Oklahoma summers, touching a metal fence can burn you. Cedar stays much cooler to the touch.
For security or keeping pets in, metal works great. For privacy and curb appeal, wood is better. Many homeowners use both—metal for side yards, cedar for the backyard.
Real Costs: What to Budget for Your Cedar Fence
Let’s talk actual numbers for a cedar fence in Oklahoma. Prices vary by contractor and location, but here’s what to expect.
Material Costs
Cedar pickets run $1.50-3.00 each depending on grade and thickness. For a 6-foot fence, you need about 12 pickets per 8-foot section.
Steel posts cost $15-25 each. You need one every 8 feet. Rails, hardware, and concrete (if used) add another $50-100 per section.
For a typical 150-foot backyard fence, materials total $2,500-4,000. Better quality cedar and thicker boards push toward the higher end.
Labor Costs
Professional installation typically equals the material cost. For that 150-foot fence, labor runs $2,500-4,000.
Total installed cost: $5,000-8,000 for 150 feet. That’s about $33-53 per linear foot for everything.
DIY can save on labor if you have the tools and skills. But fencing is hard work. Setting posts correctly is crucial. Most people hire pros to avoid mistakes.
Adding Gates
A basic 4-foot walk gate adds $200-400. A double drive gate costs $600-1,200 or more. Custom gates with special hardware can cost even more.
Factor in at least one gate for backyard access. Most fences need 2-3 gates total. Explore our gates and operators to find the right options for your fence.
Optional Staining
Pre-staining before installation adds $2-5 per linear foot. This ensures complete coverage, even on the board edges. The fence looks better longer.
Staining after installation costs less about $1-3 per linear foot. But it’s harder to cover everything evenly. DIY staining can save money if you have time. Check out our professional staining services for the best results.
Choosing the Right Fence Contractor
The contractor matters as much as the wood choice. A good installer makes your fence last decades. A bad one causes problems from day one.
What to Look For
Check how long they’ve been in business. Companies that survive 10+ years in Oklahoma’s competitive market usually do quality work.
Ask about their post system. Do they use steel or wood posts? How deep do they drive them? Quality contractors use steel posts 30-42 inches deep.
Look at their wood sources. Do they stock Western Red Cedar or just “cedar” (which might be Chinese fir)? Quality matters for wood grade too.
Get references and look at recent work. Photos help, but seeing actual fences in person is better. Check how fences have held up over time.
Questions to Ask
- What thickness and grade of cedar do you use?
- Are steel posts included or extra?
- Do you build on-site or use pre-made panels?
- What’s your warranty on installation?
- Can you provide recent local references?
Good contractors answer clearly without pressure. They explain their process and why they do things certain ways.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be wary of the cheapest bid. If one quote is 30-40% below others, something’s wrong. They might use inferior materials or cut corners.
Pressure to decide immediately is another red flag. Quality contractors understand you need time to compare options. High-pressure sales often means trouble.
No written contract is unacceptable. Everything should be in writing—materials, timeline, cost, warranty. Never start without a detailed written agreement.
Asking for full payment up front is suspicious. Most contractors want a deposit (30-50%) with the rest due on completion. Full payment before work raises risk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with cedar, these mistakes can ruin your fence. Learn from others’ errors.
Skipping the Stain
Many homeowners skip staining to save money. While cedar protects itself, stain really helps in Oklahoma’s harsh sun.
The UV damage shows up after 2-3 years. Boards start cracking and checking. Stain would have prevented much of this. Applying stain later costs more than doing it right initially.
Using Wood Posts
Wood posts, even cedar, rot when buried in soil. Oklahoma’s moisture and temperature swings speed up this decay.
Steel posts cost a bit more but last decades longer. When your wood posts rot in 5-7 years, the whole fence fails. Steel posts prevent this expensive problem.
Ignoring Drainage
Standing water kills fences. Make sure the ground slopes away from your fence. Water pooling against the boards causes rot even in cedar.
Keep sprinklers aimed away from the fence. That constant moisture invites problems. A few inches of clearance makes a big difference.
Waiting Too Long for Repairs
Small problems become big ones fast. A loose board lets wind in behind your fence. The whole section can blow down in the next storm.
Fix issues when you spot them. Tighten loose hardware. Replace damaged boards right away. These 10-minute repairs prevent costly rebuilds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Cedar Last Without Staining in Oklahoma?
Cedar lasts 15-20 years unstained, but it fades to gray and develops more cracks. Staining extends life to 20-25+ years and keeps the reddish color. The natural oils still protect unstained cedar, just not as well as with stain.
Can I Mix Wood Types to Save Money?
Yes. Use pressure-treated pine for posts buried in concrete, then cedar for everything visible. This saves some money while keeping the fence looking good. Never mix woods in the visible fence boards though—it looks messy.
What’s the Best Height for an Oklahoma Fence?
Six feet is standard for privacy fencing. It provides good coverage without needing extra permits in most cities. Eight feet works for complete privacy or blocking wind, but check local codes first. Taller fences catch more wind and need stronger posts.
Should I Remove my Old Fence First?
Most contractors include removal in their quote. If you do it yourself, expect to spend $3-5 per linear foot for disposal. Removing old concrete posts adds difficulty and cost. Let the pros handle it unless you have the right equipment.
How Soon Can I Stain a New Cedar Fence?
Wait 4-6 weeks after installation. New cedar needs time to dry and acclimate. Staining too soon traps moisture and causes problems. Some contractors pre-stain the boards before installation, which works better.
Final Thoughts
Western Red Cedar is the best wood for a fence in Oklahoma. Its natural protection, stability, and beauty make it worth the extra cost over cheaper woods like pressure-treated pine.
Oklahoma’s wild weather demands a fence that can handle extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and rapid temperature swings. Cedar’s built-in resistance to rot, bugs, and warping makes it perfect for these conditions.
While the up-front cost runs higher, a cedar fence lasts 15-20+ years with basic care. Cheaper wood might save money today but costs more in repairs and replacement over time. When you factor in the full lifetime cost, cedar wins.
The right contractor matters just as much as the right wood. Look for companies that use steel posts, quality cedar, and on-site building. Check their references and past work. A well-built cedar fence protects your property and looks great for decades.
Ready to start your fence project? Contact us for a free quote on quality cedar fencing. We use premium Western Red Cedar, commercial-grade steel posts, and time-tested installation methods. Check out our gallery to see our work, read our FAQs for more detailed information, and learn more about our company and commitment to quality. You can also explore our full range of services or visit our home page to get started.
Your Oklahoma home deserves a fence built to last. Choose cedar, choose quality, and choose contractors who know what they’re doing.
