Western red cedar is the most popular backyard fence material in the Treasure Valley because it handles Idaho's dry, high-UV summers better than most softwoods and is less expensive than vinyl at install. We build dog-ear, board-on-board, and custom-cap cedar styles across Boise and the surrounding communities.
Cedar contains natural oils that slow moisture absorption and resist fungal decay without requiring chemical treatment. Pine and fir lack those oils and are more vulnerable to rot at the ground line, which is where most Treasure Valley fence failures start. Under Boise's combination of hot, dry summers and occasional hard-freeze winters, cedar holds structural integrity longer than comparable untreated softwoods at the same price point.
Cedar left untreated in Boise grays out significantly faster than in the Pacific Northwest because the sun is more intense and the humidity is lower. Most homeowners in the North End and Bench neighborhoods who want the natural wood look apply an oil-based stain within the first year and re-treat every three to four years. Semi-transparent stains that let the grain show are the most popular finish choice for residential cedar in the Boise area.
Dog-ear boards are cut to a pointed top and laid edge-to-edge to create a solid screen. It is the most affordable cedar option and the right choice for a clean, simple privacy fence. Board-on-board alternates boards so each one overlaps its neighbor, giving both sides of the fence a finished look and eliminating visible gaps even as boards shrink in dry weather. We also build custom-cap and lattice-top cedar styles for sections where appearance matters more than cost.
$20 to $38 per linear foot installed including hardware and posts
Most cedar fences in Boise need retreating every three to four years, which is more frequent than in wetter climates. The high UV and low humidity in the Treasure Valley break down oil-based finishes faster. Starting with a quality stain at install and not waiting until the fence is visibly gray reduces the total maintenance load over the fence's life.
A maintained cedar fence in the Treasure Valley typically lasts fifteen to twenty-five years. The main failure points are post bases, where ground contact causes rot regardless of the cedar's natural oils. Steel post caps and a gravel collar at each post base extend life considerably.
Yes. The fresh cedar scent fades in a few months as the wood weathers and the oils stabilize. Many homeowners enjoy the smell during the first season. Applying a stain speeds up the weathering and reduces the intensity and duration of the scent.
Yes. Some HOAs in Meridian and Eagle require painted wood in specific colors rather than a natural stain. Paint forms a harder film over the wood and can peel if the fence boards are not fully dry before application. We recommend a primer coat and at least two coats of exterior paint for painted cedar in Idaho's climate.
We handle fence installation and repair across the Treasure Valley, working in the North End, the Bench, Meridian, Eagle, and out through the western suburbs. We know the local soil conditions, the HOA rules that govern most newer subdivisions, and the materials that hold up best under an Idaho summer. Every job starts with a written quote and ends with a clean site.
Get a free written estimate. Call now and know the full price before any work begins.
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