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Choosing the right cedar fence for your home can feel overwhelming. With so many materials available, it’s easy to get stuck comparing options that sound similar — like Western Red Cedar and Incense Cedar.
At Rare Bears Fencing, we’ve installed both across countless outdoor projects. Each wood type has its own strengths, and we want to give you the facts to make a confident, informed choice for your property.
What Is Western Red Cedar?
Western Red Cedar is a premium softwood known for its beautiful color, long lifespan, and outstanding resistance to the elements. Grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest, it's one of the most sought-after fencing materials in the USA.
Key Benefits:
- Rich, warm red cedar tones that weather attractively
- Naturally high in oils that make it naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay
- Soft texture makes it easy to cut, nail, and shape
- Excellent for privacy fences, gates, and custom fence projects
- Sourced from sustainable forests, making it a responsible product choice
When we install a Western Red Cedar fence, we know we’re building something that will stand up to time and the elements, while enhancing the look and feel of your home.
What Is Incense Cedar?
Incense Cedar is another North American softwood used for fencing and siding. While less commonly known than Western Red, it’s also grown in the western United States and offers solid performance at a more budget-friendly price.
Key Benefits:
- Uniform texture and consistent color, typically light brown to pale yellow
- Resists insects and rot thanks to its natural oils
- Softer and lighter, making it easy to work with
- A good choice for standard fence panels, especially in warmer climates
- Lower material cost in many regions
Though it may lack the bold rich amber tones of Western Red Cedar, incense cedar is still a solid option for homeowners who want a functional, natural wood fence at a lower price point.
Appearance: Natural Beauty & Grain Variation
Western Red Cedar:
- Color: Deep rich amber, red-brown tones
- Grain: Varied, dynamic, natural look
- Appeal: Great for homeowners looking for a beautiful, natural woodgrain fence that stands out
- Finishing: Accepts stain exceptionally well, offering long-term color preservation
Incense Cedar:
- Color: Lighter, more uniform tan or golden hues
- Grain: Consistent and straight
- Appeal: Best for those who prefer uniformity or plan to stain in a solid color
- Finishing: Accepts stain but may show less contrast due to fine grain
Pro Tip: If your project focuses heavily on visual impact and organic beauty, Western Red Cedar wins for natural variation and standout appearance.
Workability & Installation: Ease Makes a Difference
As contractors, we can’t ignore the importance of how a material works during the install. A great wood should be easy to cut, smooth to nail, and predictable across panels.
Western Red Cedar:
- Soft and light, yet strong enough to hold shape
- Accepts nails, screws, and fasteners without splitting
- Ideal for detailed cut work, curved lines, and custom gates
- Works well in all fence styles, from traditional privacy to modern horizontal designs
Incense Cedar:
- Even softer than Western Red, which means it's very easy to cut
- May dent more easily if mishandled during installation
- Suitable for standard fence panels, basic privacy fencing, and light-duty gates
Both are workable, but if your fence involves advanced design or structural elements, Western Red Cedar offers more reliable performance without requiring adjustment.
Durability & Resistance: How Long Will It Last?
Fence longevity comes down to more than just looks — it’s about how well your fencing material resists moisture, bugs, UV exposure, and general wear.
Western Red Cedar:
- Naturally high in tannins, which repel insects
- Strong resistance to decay, even without chemical treatment
- With basic maintenance, lasts 20–30 years
- Ideal for wet climates, shaded areas, or close-to-ground installations
Incense Cedar:
- Also naturally resistant to pests and rot
- Tends to absorb moisture more quickly, which may lead to earlier weathering
- Generally lasts 15–20 years with good upkeep
- Works well in drier or low-humidity environments
Homeowners who want maximum fence lifespan — especially if you live in a wet or variable climate — will see better long-term benefits from Western Red Cedar fencing.
Fence Cost: Budgeting the Smart Way
Cost is often the deciding factor for many fencing projects, and it’s smart to look at long-term value rather than just up-front price.
Western Red Cedar:
- Higher material cost per board or picket
- Available in multiple grades (select, knotty, clear, etc.)
- Costs more up front but usually lasts longer, which reduces replacement frequency
Incense Cedar:
- Lower material costs, making it budget-friendly
- Fewer grade options; typically offered in standard or utility grades
- Shorter lifespan means it may require replacement or repairs sooner
Consider this: A Western Red Cedar fence may cost more at the start, but because of its longevity and lower maintenance needs, it often ends up being more cost-effective over time.
Grades, Sizes, and Custom Cuts
Whether you’re installing fence boards, panels, or building a custom gate, understanding the different grades and sizes helps you choose the right material for your property.
Western Red Cedar:
- Available in a wide range of grades, from clear to standard
- Offered in dimensional lumber and milled fence pickets
- Can be purchased as flat top, dog ear, split rail, or decorative cut
Incense Cedar:
- Typically sold in fewer grades, often standard or construction-grade
- Mostly used for fence boards or siding
- Less customization available at most suppliers
If you’re aiming for a true custom build or require specific cut dimensions, Western Red Cedar provides more flexibility and quality control.
Maintenance Needs: Stain, Seal, or Let it Age?
To extend the life of any wood fence, we recommend regular staining or sealing.
Western Red Cedar:
- Responds well to semi-transparent or clear stains
- Develops a beautiful silver-gray patina if left untreated
- Easy to refinish over the years
Incense Cedar:
- Should be stained or sealed to resist moisture and UV damage
- More uniform appearance limits the visible effect of some stains
Maintenance tip: Plan to stain or seal your fence every 2–3 years, no matter the wood type, to keep it strong and attractive.
Summary: Which Fence Wood Should You Choose?
Choosing between Western Red Cedar and Incense Cedar depends on your goals. Here's a quick recap:
Let’s Build the Fence That’s Right for You
Still unsure which cedar is right for your project? That’s what we’re here for.
At Rare Bears Fencing, we’ve worked with both Western Red Cedar and Incense Cedar extensively. We’ll help you choose the wood that matches your goals, your property, and your budget — and we’ll install it with craftsmanship you can trust.
Here’s how to get started:
- Call us for a free consultation and quote
- Ask about grades, sizing, and availability
- Book your installation and let our team handle the rest
We’re proud to help homeowners across our community build fences that last — and that they’re truly happy with.
Let’s build a fence that stands the test of time. Contact us today.
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