Spend any time in New England, and you’ll notice something: cedar fences are everywhere. From classic white picket fences lining village streets to tall privacy fences tucked behind coastal homes and wooded properties, Northern white cedar shows up again and again. And that’s not a coincidence.
New England’s climate is tough on outdoor materials. We get hot, humid summers, cold snowy winters, and plenty of rain in between. Fences have to stand up to all of it, year after year. Northern white cedar has earned its reputation as the gold standard of durability because it does exactly that, while still looking great.
Let’s break down why this wood has been a trusted choice for generations.
New England weather puts every fence to the test. One month it’s blazing sun, the next it’s freezing rain or heavy snow piled against the rails. Some woods just can’t handle that kind of stress. Northern white cedar can.
This wood naturally resists swelling and shrinking as temperatures and humidity change. That means fewer warped boards, fewer cracks, and a fence that stays straighter and stronger over time. It also doesn’t soak up moisture the way many other woods do, which helps slow down rot and decay.
In short, cedar fences age more gracefully in our climate; that’s a big deal when you’re investing in something that’s meant to live outdoors year round.
One of the biggest reasons cedar stands out is that it doesn’t need chemical treatments to perform well outdoors. Northern white cedar contains natural oils that help protect it from rot, fungi, and many insects.
That’s especially important in New England, where moisture and humidity can invite mold, mildew, and pests. While pressure-treated wood relies on added preservatives, cedar does the job naturally.
For homeowners, that means:
With proper installation and basic care, a cedar fence can last 20 years or more, even in challenging conditions.
Beyond performance, cedar just looks right in New England. Northern white cedar has a light, warm tone and a clean, straight grain that works beautifully with everything from historic homes to modern builds. It feels timeless without feeling dated.
Over time, cedar naturally weathers to a soft silver-gray color—a look many homeowners love, especially in coastal or wooded settings. Prefer to keep that warm cedar color? No problem. A clear sealer or light stain will help preserve it without hiding the natural grain.
Whether you’re going for a traditional picket fence, a full privacy fence, or a modern horizontal design, cedar adapts effortlessly.
Sustainability matters to a lot of New England homeowners, and cedar checks that box too. Compared to synthetic materials or heavily treated lumber, cedar offers a more natural, lower-impact option without sacrificing durability.
Northern white cedar is native to the Northeast and eastern Canada, which means it doesn’t need to travel halfway around the world to reach your yard. At AVO Fence and Supply, our cedar mill in Howland, Maine means we can ensure a reliable supply of cedar lumber for our customers. Our commitment to responsible forestry practices for cedar harvesting prioritizes long-term forest health.
Ask any fence contractor and they’ll tell you: cedar is a pleasure to work with. It’s lightweight and strong, easy to cut, and holds fasteners well. That means cleaner installations, fewer split boards, and a more polished finished product.
For DIYers, cedar is forgiving and manageable. For professionals, it helps projects move faster and smoother. And because it holds screws and nails securely, cedar fences tend to stay tight and sturdy over time.
It’s true; Northern white cedar often costs more upfront than pressure-treated pine. But when you look at the full picture, it typically costs less in the long run.
Here’s why:
Instead of replacing boards every few years or dealing with warping and rot, many homeowners find that cedar simply holds up, quietly and reliably.
One of cedar’s biggest strengths is its versatility. It works just as well for decorative fences as it does for heavy-duty privacy applications.
Common cedar fence styles include:
No matter the design, cedar delivers both structure and style.
Cedar doesn’t ask for much, but a little care helps it last even longer.
A few easy tips:
These small steps can stretch your fence’s lifespan by years and keep it looking its best while it protects your property and enlivens your landscape.
Northern white cedar has earned its place as the gold standard for New England fences because it delivers where it matters most. It stands up to harsh weather, resists rot and insects naturally, looks beautiful in almost any setting, and aligns with the region’s values around quality and sustainability.
Whether you’re fencing a historic home, a coastal property, or a modern backyard retreat, cedar offers a balance of performance and beauty that’s hard to beat.
If you’re building a fence in New England and want something that lasts, and looks fantastic doing it, Northern white cedar is a choice you can feel confident about.
AVO Fence is the leading cedar supplier in New England with locations in Stoughton, Hingham, and Plymouth. Our experts can guide you through our selection of high-quality fence materials to choose the option that is exactly right for you. Give us a call today at (781) 341-2963.