If you’re planning a new fence in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the first decision usually comes down to two materials: Western Red Cedar or pressure-treated pine. Both can build a solid fence, but they behave very differently in Texas conditions. Here’s how we help customers think through the choice at our Garland and Arlington yards.
Appearance and Aging
Cedar has a rich, warm color and tight grain that looks finished from day one. Left unsealed, it weathers to a silvery gray; sealed or stained, it holds its color for years. Pressure-treated pine typically arrives with a greenish tint from the treatment process and needs time to dry before it takes stain well.
Movement, Warping, and Texas Heat
North Texas summers are hard on fence material. Pressure-treated pine is often sold wet from the treatment process, and as it dries in the heat it can twist, cup, and check. Cedar is naturally more dimensionally stable, which means straighter pickets and fewer callbacks — one reason so many DFW fence contractors build with it.
Rot and Insect Resistance
Cedar contains natural oils that resist decay and insects without chemical treatment. Pressure-treated pine gets its rot resistance from the treatment itself, which works well for posts and ground-contact applications but doesn’t change how the wood moves as it dries.
Cost Considerations
Pine usually costs less up front. Cedar generally costs more per picket but tends to stay straighter and look better longer, which matters if you’re planning to stay in the home or care about curb appeal. Many of our customers land on a hybrid approach: treated pine posts and rails for structure, cedar pickets for the face of the fence.
Our Take
For most residential privacy fences in the metroplex, cedar pickets are the better long-term value. If budget is the driving factor, we can help you spec a hybrid build that keeps costs down without sacrificing the look. Either way, our team can walk your material list with you and make sure the grade and dimensions match the job.
Ready to get started? Visit Dallas Cedar at 4233 Forest Lane in Garland or 2110 W Division St in Arlington, or call us to talk through your material list. We deliver across the DFW metroplex.