Cedar vs. Vinyl Fencing in Oregon Weather

Clean Cut Fencing
2 days ago
2 min read

Clean Cut Fencing • Molalla, OR • CCB# 250058 • (503) 475-1929

Cedar = natural wood privacy with a warm look and lots of style options; needs periodic care.

Vinyl = low‑maintenance privacy with clean lines and consistent color; great in wet Oregon weather.

If you want natural wood character, choose cedar. If you want easy upkeep, choose vinyl.

How Oregon weather affects each material

Cedar: Western Red Cedar has natural oils that resist rot and insects. It handles rain well if boards can dry. Expect 15–25+ years with proper install and care (top cap optional), drainage‑friendly footings, and corrosion‑resistant hardware.
Vinyl: Won’t rot or rust, doesn’t absorb water, and cleans easily. Quality posts and rails handle wind well. In very cold snaps vinyl can become brittle if struck, but normal use is fine.

Maintenance & long‑term cost

Cedar: Light wash as needed; optional seal/stain every few years to preserve color. Individual board repairs are simple.
Vinyl: Usually just a hose/soap wash. Color is built‑in—no painting or staining.

Style options we build

Cedar privacy in classic vertical or modern horizontal layouts (1×4 or 1×6, tight or small reveal).
Good‑neighbor boards that look finished on both sides.
Mixed cedar & steel (cedar infill with steel posts or welded steel frame on longer runs).
Hog‑panel accents framed in cedar or combined with privacy where views matter.
Matching walk and drive gates.

How we build (what you’re paying for)

Posts set deep in concrete, sized for height, run, and local wind.
Rails sized for the span; mid‑span stiffeners on long bays to prevent sag.
Corrosion‑resistant fasteners and hardware that hold up in Oregon weather.
Clean step or rack on slopes; square corners and straight lines.
Gates that stay true: reinforced or steel frames, proper hinges/latches, and drop rods on double drives.

Pro tip: A well‑built fence saves money over time. We set posts deep, size rails for the span, and use corrosion‑resistant hardware so gates stay true.

Which should you choose?

Pick cedar if you want the natural wood look and the most style flexibility.
Pick vinyl if you want the lowest maintenance with a clean, consistent finish.
Either way, the build quality matters more than the material—set posts right, size rails correctly, and use the right hardware.

Ready for a clear estimate?

Have a layout in mind—privacy, pet‑safe, or a clear view? Send a photo or sketch. We’ll confirm style, height, and gate locations and give you a straight‑forward quote.

Request your estimate