Choosing Cedar Fence Board Grade: A Complete Guide
Learn about the different cedar fence board grades MyFence.com offers and how to choose the right grade for your fence project.
1x6x6 #1 & Better Cedar
1x4x6 #1 - 2 Face Cedar
1x4x6 Clear Cedar
1x4x8 Clear Cedar
1x6x6 Clear Cedar
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When planning your cedar fence installation, one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right board grade. At MyFence.com, we offer several cedar fence board options, each with distinct characteristics, benefits, and price points. This guide will help you understand the differences and choose the best option for your project.
Understanding Cedar Board Dimensions
Before diving into grades, it's important to understand board dimensions. At MyFence.com, we primarily work with two widths:
- 1x4 boards: A true 4 inches wide
- 1x6 boards: A true 6 inches wide
The width you choose affects both the aesthetic and structural characteristics of your fence.
1x6x6 #1 & Better Cedar Fence Boards
What is #1 & Better Grade?
The #1 & Better grade represents a premium cedar option that balances quality with value. This grade allows for some natural characteristics like small knots and minor color variation, while maintaining excellent structural integrity and appearance.
Key Features:
Best For:
- • Standard privacy fences
- • Picture frame style fences
- • Properties where natural wood character is desired
- • Budget-conscious projects requiring quality materials
Advantages of 6-inch Width: The wider boards naturally provide more structural integrity and require fewer boards to complete your fence, potentially reducing labor costs. The substantial feel of 6-inch boards creates a solid, premium appearance.
1x4x6 #1 - 2 Face Cedar Fence Boards
What is #1 - 2 Face Grade?
This grade designation means the boards have at least one face (side) that meets #1 grade standards, with the second face potentially having more natural characteristics. These narrower boards are specifically chosen for their application in pattern-based fence designs.
Key Features:
Best For:
- • Horizontal lattice fences
- • Craftsman style fences
- • Decorative pattern work
- • Projects emphasizing design over solid privacy
The Shrinkage Advantage:
One often-overlooked benefit of 4-inch boards is their dimensional stability. Since there is less material width to shrink, the gaps between boards remain more consistent over time compared to 6-inch boards, ensuring a more uniform appearance throughout the fence's lifespan.
1x4x6 Clear Cedar Fence Boards
What Makes Clear Cedar Special?
Clear cedar represents the premium end of cedar grading. These boards are carefully selected to be virtually knot-free, offering the most uniform appearance and longest lifespan.
Key Features:
Benefits of Going Clear:
Longevity: Without knots, there are no weak points where moisture can penetrate or pieces can fall out over time. Your fence maintains its integrity longer.
Uniform Appearance: Clear cedar boards age more consistently, maintaining a uniform look as they weather naturally.
Long-term Value: While the initial cost is higher, the extended lifespan and reduced maintenance often make clear cedar more cost-effective over the fence's lifetime.
Ideal Applications:
- • Premium horizontal lattice installations
- • High-visibility fence sections
- • Properties where appearance is paramount
- • Homeowners planning to stain or finish their fence
1x4x8 Clear Cedar Fence Boards
Extended Length Clear Cedar
The 8-foot length option in clear cedar offers the same premium, knot-free quality with the added benefit of extended board length for taller fence installations or specific design requirements.
Key Features:
Best Uses:
- • Tall privacy fences (7-8 feet)
- • Lattice topper installations
- • Decorative top sections
- • Architectural detail work
Design Flexibility: The 8-foot length allows for creative applications like continuous lattice patterns that span greater heights without seams, or decorative top sections that maintain their clean appearance.
1x6x6 Clear Cedar Fence Boards
The Ultimate Premium Option
Combining the structural benefits of 6-inch width with the superior quality of clear cedar, these boards represent the top tier of fence materials available.
Key Features:
Premium Performance: This combination delivers both the structural advantages of wider boards and the longevity benefits of clear cedar. These boards are our top recommendation for customers who want the absolute best in both appearance and performance.
Perfect For:
- • Luxury home installations
- • High-end picture frame fences
- • Properties with strict aesthetic standards
- • Long-term investment fences (20+ years)
- • Featured fence sections visible from the street
Making Your Choice
Consider These Factors:
Budget
Clear cedar costs more upfront but may offer better long-term value. Standard grades provide excellent quality at a lower initial cost.
Aesthetic Goals
If a uniform, premium appearance is crucial, clear cedar is worth the investment. If you appreciate natural wood character, #1 & Better grades are beautiful.
Fence Style
Pattern-based designs like craftsman style and horizontal lattice often benefit from narrower 1x4 boards.
Longevity Plans
Planning to stay in your home for decades? Clear cedar's extended lifespan becomes more valuable.
Maintenance Commitment
All cedar requires maintenance, but clear cedar maintains its appearance more consistently with less intervention.
Our Recommendation
For standard privacy fences: 1x6x6 #1 & Better offers excellent value and performance
For pattern-based designs: 1x4x6 #1 - 2 Face provides the right combination of quality and dimension
For premium installations: Clear cedar in either width delivers unmatched longevity and appearance
For tall or decorative sections: 1x4x8 Clear Cedar provides the perfect combination of length and quality
Ready to Choose Your Cedar Grade?
Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision that balances your aesthetic goals, budget, and long-term plans. Our team at MyFence.com can help you select the perfect board grade for your specific project.
Each cedar grade we offer has been carefully selected for quality and performance. Whether you choose our value-oriented #1 & Better grade or invest in premium clear cedar, you're getting professionally installed, beautiful cedar fencing backed by our 3-year workmanship warranty.