If you’re thinking about getting a cedar fence installed, you might be wondering: “How long until it turns grey?” It’s a common question for homeowners and business owners in Ladue, MO, looking for a fence builder who can create a long-lasting, beautiful fence.
Cedar fences are loved for their natural beauty, rich color, and durability. However, they don’t stay that warm, reddish-brown forever. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause cedar to fade and turn grey. But don’t worry—there are ways to slow down the process and keep your fence looking fresh for years.
Cedar Wood Fencing Challenges
Cedar is a fantastic choice for fencing because it’s naturally resistant to insects and rot. However, like all wood, it reacts to its environment. Sun, rain, and even snow play a huge role in changing the color of your fence.
If left untreated, cedar will start losing its vibrant hue and slowly fade to a silvery-grey. While some homeowners love this weathered look, others want to maintain the original color. The best way to do that? Protection from the elements. That’s when staining and sealing become important.
What Causes Cedar Wood Fences to Turn Grey?
The greying process is completely natural. Here’s what happens:
- Water Exposure: When cedar absorbs water, it damages the outermost layer of the wood. This process affects the living cells and breaks down the natural oils that give cedar its color and signature scent.
- Sun Damage: The sun dries out the wood’s oils, causing the color to fade.
- Rot and Mold: Once the wood’s natural defenses are weakened, moisture gets trapped in the dead cell tissues, leading to rot and mold growth. These speeds up the discoloration process.
The combination of these factors slowly turns your once-vibrant cedar fence into a grey
How Long Does It Take for a Cedar Fence to Turn Grey?
This transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but you may be surprised at how quickly it starts. Generally, within about two weeks, you’ll begin to notice a shift from its rich red-brown color to a duller tone. Over time, it will continue to fade and eventually become a uniform silvery-grey.
However, this timeline depends on several factors:
- Sun Exposure: A fence in full sunlight will fade faster than one in a shaded area.
- Rain & Humidity: A fence that regularly gets soaked will grey faster.
- Dry vs. Moist Conditions: If your fence stays dry most of the time, it will hold its color longer.
If you love the grey look, you can leave your fence as is. But if you want to maintain that fresh cedar appearance, you’ll need to take action.
How Can I Preserve My Cedar Fence?
The best way to keep your fence looking great is by protecting it early. If your fence is brand new, the smartest move is to stain and seal it right away. But what if it’s already starting to turn grey? Don’t worry—there’s still hope!
Here’s what you need to do:
- Pressure Wash the Fence – This removes dirt, grime, and the top layer of dead wood cells, bringing back some of the original color.
- Apply a Wood Brightener – This helps restore the natural tone of the wood before sealing it.
- Use a High-Quality Stain and Sealer – This is the key to long-term protection. Choose a stain that has UV blockers to prevent sun damage and a sealer to lock out moisture.
- Reapply Every Two Years – To keep your fence in top condition, restain and reseal it every couple of years.
A well-maintained cedar fence can last 15-20 years, so taking the time to care for it is well worth it!
Looking for a Reliable Fence Builder in Ladue, MO?
If you’re looking for a fence builder Ladue MO, who knows how to protect and extend the life of your cedar fence, Faster Fence is here to help. We specialize in high-quality wood fencing and can help you choose the best options to keep your fence looking amazing for years.
Whether you need a brand-new cedar fence or maintenance for an existing one, give Faster Fence a call today. We’ll make sure your fence is built to last and stays beautiful no matter what Mother Nature throws at it!
