How Long Does an Overlap Cedar Fence Last?
If you are looking for a new fence and comparing your options, you may be wondering how long an overlap cedar fence lasts in BC. The answer depends on the quality of the materials, how the fence is built, and how well it is maintained.
After a decade of building cedar fences, the Mitchell family designed a cedar fence that would withstand the excessive rain in the Greater Vancouver area—a fence design that would last for generations in BC. Meet the Cambridge flow-through fence design. This is not just a standard overlap fence. Premium Fence has been installing this fence for over 30 years. When stained and regularly maintained, a Cambridge cedar fence can last up to 25 years.
What Is a Cambridge Flow-Through Fence?
A Cambridge flow-through fence has a solid overlap fence privacy section with an open detail at the bottom. It provides privacy while allowing airflow through the upper portion of the fence.
It is a good option for homeowners who want a traditional cedar overlap fence with a slightly more decorative finish.
Prefab Cedar Panels Use Cheaper Materials
Prefab cedar panels are built in a factory before they arrive at your property. They are typically made with cheaper materials, lower-grade cedar, thinner wood, and low-quality staples.
These panels can look acceptable when they are first installed, but the weaker materials show quickly. In some cases, prefab cedar fencing starts failing within two years. Boards will easily warp, staples can rust and stain the cedar, and fence sections can sag or loosen.
A low upfront price often means the fence needs repairs or replacement much sooner.
Our Cedar Overlap Fences Are Hand-Built on Site
We hand-build our cedar fences on site using Grade A cedar and treated posts. Building an overlap fence on site allows our crews to measure, level, and space each post properly for the specific property.
This also creates stronger fence sections, corners, and gates. Instead of installing pre-made panels, our crews build each section to fit the yard and fence line.
Better Fasteners and Stronger Posts
Fasteners matter. Low-quality staples rust and leave streaks on cedar. We use stainless steel staples, which do not rust or stain the fence.
Posts also need a solid base. We install posts at least 24 inches deep and use approximately one and a half bags of concrete per post. We also include post caps to help protect the posts from moisture.
These details help keep the fence straight, stable, and protected over time.
Overlap Fence Longevity Depends on Craftsmanship
Cedar fence longevity depends on more than the wood. It depends on the quality of the craftsmanship.
Poor installation causes problems early. Shallow posts, too little concrete, uneven spacing, rushed work, and weak gate construction can all lead to a fence that shifts, sags, or fails prematurely.
Our crews follow proven installation methods backed by over 40 years of experience. They use at least 1.5 bags of concrete for every post, with a minimum post depth of 24”. We build strong gates, install posts correctly, and complete quality checks throughout the job as we have strict installation standards.
Staining Helps Your Overlap Fence Reach Its Full Lifespan
Staining protects cedar from moisture, sun exposure, and weathering. It also helps preserve the color and finish of the wood.
A stained Cambridge flow-through overlap fence can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance. Keep the fence clean, inspect it regularly, and re-stain it when needed to protect the cedar and keep it looking its best.
Choose the Fence You Will Not Have to Replace Early
A cedar fence should not start failing after only a couple of years. Choosing hand-built construction, Grade A cedar, treated posts, stainless steel staples, and proper installation gives your fence a much stronger start.
Our Cambridge flow-through fence is built for homeowners who want a cedar overlap fence that looks good now and continues to perform for years to come.
