Is cedar still the top choice for wood fences in Minneapolis, MN?

Due to the limited quantity of old growth cedar trees — plus, tighter restrictions on forestry throughout North America — the majority of today’s cedar used in Minneapolis wood fences consists of new growth. New growth derives from a cedar species known to grow quickly and with very little heartwood. Furthermore, these particular trees are smaller when harvested, compounding the lack of the dark inner rings. Today’s cedar fencing is almost entirely harvested from sapwood. Cedar fencing made from sapwood cannot hold up to its reputation as the preferred choice for longevity in exterior applications — for the reason that its lifespan is significantly less than that of the heartwood cedar fencing of yesteryear.

What are my options over cedar wood fencing in Minneapolis?

Because of the restrictions and limitations on old growth cedar, the wood fence industry has moved on to more abundant species such as Douglas fir, white fir and incense cedar. These species exist in great abundance and allow for more options on wood fencing boards. These species are harvested from heartwood, proving to outperform cedar in the wood fence industry.

Is treated wood better than western red, incense cedar or Douglas fir?

Although treated materials can’t compare to cedar and Douglas Fir, treated and stained white and red pine have proven to be an excellent choice for fence posts. Pine is very dense and when treated with an ACQ or ACQ2 pressure treatment becomes almost impenetrable. Red and white pine posts form “checks” while drying following treatment. These consist of long, thin cracks formed along the grain of the post. This is a natural process to be expected that does not compromise the strength or longevity of the post. You should only be concerned if these cracks dig deep through the post where you can see daylight. Red and white pine posts are also prone to slight twisting. Again, this is part of the natural maturation process and does not compromise the quality or longevity of the post.

Do I need to stain Minneapolis wood fencing made of Douglas fir or cedar?

If your intention is to maintain that reddish and blonde cedar color, consider staining your Minneapolis wood fence within six weeks of installation. Ensure the wood is dry before applying the stain — we recommend waiting at least a week after the last rain. This makes the wood “thirsty” and more likely to receive the stain. Hire only insured professional staining contractors in Minneapolis. Staining is a messy business, and overspray onto houses and automobiles can easily occur without the right cautionary steps. Only stain on calm dry days. Tape off adjoining structures such as homes, sheds, and your neighbor’s fence. Lay a drop cloth to avoid overspray onto your lawn.

Brushing stain onto your wood fence is difficult because of the coarse surface. Rolling-on stain is easier but results in more runs and drips. Spraying is optimal if you have a good eye for when enough is enough. For best results, first spray your fence and quickly follow-up with a brush to even-out the application. Stain should be applied evenly with large continuous strokes. Unlike paint, if applying more than one coat of stain, you must apply the second coat while the first coat is still wet. Otherwise, the second coat will not stick and will eventually peel. Anticipate re-staining your fence every 2-3 years. Be sure sprinklers are not constantly spraying your fence. This will cause uneven discoloration. Though the Douglas fir holds its natural color longer than the cedar, both will gray in 6-12 months.

Why is cedar wood fencing in Minneapolis so popular?

40 years ago, cedar fence boards were rich with dark orange, red, and brown hues — equipped with an unmistakable cedar smell. Back then, cedar fencing came from old growth cedar trees. When the trees were harvested, the trunks were as big around as Volkswagens, mostly comprised of heart wood with a few outer sapwood rings.

What is the difference between sap wood and heartwood?

Sapwood, is the “working” part of the tree, as water and sap will flow through the sapwood much like blood through your arteries, veins and capillaries. While this part of the trunk, consisting of the outer rings, is vital to the tree when it is living, it doesn’t make for very good stock for fencing and exterior applications. Sapwood contains a lot of moisture, will shrink considerably when dried, and is much more susceptible to fungus. Heartwood is the inner, darker section of the trunk, formed from “used” sapwood. Functioning as the spine of the tree, heartwood is the preferred wood choice for fencing in Minneapolis, as it is far less susceptible to fungus and doesn’t contain nearly as much moisture as sapwood. This means it will shrink less when dried. Many mills specializing in cedar decorative exterior cedar posts and beams will actually remove the sapwood and use only heartwood.

Once the tree has “promoted” some of its sapwood to heartwood status, the sap stops flowing through that part of the wood and the converting material essentially dies. As part of the conversion process, the pores will begin to plug up with organic matter which causes the cell walls to change color due to the presence of chemicals called extractives. The extractives are responsible for the rich character, odor and colors found in heartwoods.

Should I use cedar or treated pine wood fence posts in Minneapolis?

If the concrete footing is placed to shed water from the posts, cedar or treated pine is fine. We will use premium cedar post or ACQ2 treated and stained posts. Though the treated pine posts are subject to forming checks and a slight twist, these posts have proven to outlast cedar. Cedar is less prone to form any cracking or twisting but it will occasionally warp. If not stained, cedar posts will eventually “grey out”.

Are treated materials safe for my family and pets?

Here at the premier fence contractor in Minneapolis, we recommend using only industry approved ACQ treated posts and avoiding use of  CCA (Cooper Chromate Arsenic) materials. If unsure how the materials are coated, look for a tag at either end of the post or inquire with your local fence experts.

Are wood gates in Minneapolis safe?

Only use a heavy duty 4” x 6” posts on the hinge side of your 6’ tall gate. Here at American Fence Company, we recommend using three hinges per gate. Make sure all hardware is powder coated to avoid rusting.

Will I have maintenance issues with my wood gates in Minneapolis?

Gates are set with two independent gate posts on opposite sides of your gate entrance. Being outdoor items, gate posts are naturally subject to settling of unsettled soil, frost, extreme change in temperatures and exposure to the sun. All of this can, with time, cause gate posts to change or shift position, and even the slightest change in the hinge post will result in exponential movement of the latch hasp on the gate. In summary: if this happens, your gate won’t latch because the latch hasp does not align with the latch receiver on the gate post.

What can I do to fix my gates in Minneapolis?

A standard drop fork latch will not be impacted by movement in your gate posts. These are the latches that look like two prong pitch forks that move up and down. If you have this type of latch, you should be fine. Latches that use a horizontal rod that strikes or falls into a receiver when the gate is closed will need to be adjusted. Latches that look like a standard door lock assembly will also need adjustment. If you have either of these types of latching or locking mechanisms, you should request four-way adjustable hinges. These are hinges that adjust up and down and in and out. With these hinges, you will be able to adjust your gate to changing conditions.

What nails do I need for my wood fence?

A galvanized or aluminized nail that is counter sunk to avoid popping-out is your best bet.