How Long Does a Cedar Fence Last in Seattle?

Not all cedar fences age the same way. Here's what separates a 25-year fence from a 12-year fence: Post installation (biggest factor): • Concrete-set posts last 20–30 years • Surface-mount bracket posts: 10–15 years before bracket failure • Post bases are the #1 failure point — they sit in soil moisture year-round Board clearance: • Boards should never contact soil — maintain 2–4 inches off grade • Bottom rail clearance allows air circulation and prevents moisture wicking • Boards contacting soil rot 3–5x faster than properly elevated boards Staining regimen: • Oil-based penetrating stain every 2–3 years dramatically extends cedar life • Untreated cedar weathers to silver-gray and deteriorates significantly faster in Seattle's rain • Re-staining costs $250–$500 per 100 LF — a worthwhile investment for a fence you paid $3,000+ for Species quality: • Clear-heart western red cedar (fewest knots) outlasts knotty cedar by 5–10 years • Knots are where rot begins — heartwood is the most durable grade

Practical steps to maximize your cedar fence lifespan in Seattle: Year 1: Apply oil-based penetrating stain within 6 months of installation (after cedar dries fully) Every 2–3 years: Re-stain with penetrating stain (TWP, Armstrong Clark, or Cabot) Annually: Clear vegetation touching the fence — plants trap moisture against wood As needed: Replace any boards that show soft spots or significant rot before it spreads to adjacent boards Every 5 years: Inspect post bases — if posts are soft at ground level, sistering with new posts can extend fence life significantly The homeowners who get 25+ years from cedar fences are the ones who treat it like a maintenance asset, not a set-it-and-forget-it installation.