Fence Panel Construction Matters

Fence panels are not all created equally. Doing your research when choosing your fence panels is a wise decision. Carefully assess the construction, product quality, and overall value. The wood used and the construction of the panels play a major role in how long your fence will last. You want your investment in a new fence to last a long time! See our comparison below, between Big Red Cedar’s and a well-known competitor’s fence panels.

Large US company with orange logo.

• These fence panels are only 2 years old
• Note the orange stained 2×4’s. These are not cedar, but cheaper wood that is far inferior to cedar for outdoor use.
• Note the low quality stain already coming off. This stain is applied for cosmetic purposes.
• The fence panel frames are nailed together, not screwed together. This is a cost-saving effort, to reduce manufacturing time, but it results in a weaker panel.
• The 2×4’s have a groove notched down the middle to fit the fence boards. This construction method is used to make the panels faster, but sacrifices durability. It reduces the structural strength of the 2×4’s, making them more susceptible to warping and bowing (see top left corner).
• The top 2×4’s are already sagging in the middle, which means the bottom rail 2×4 and kickboard 2×4 are also sagging.
• The bottom 2×4 kickboard is also not cedar or pressure treated wood. For a 6’ solid fence panel, the kickboard should be a 2×6 that is pressure treated.
• Not visible in the photos, but the fence boards are extremely thin and will not last long.

100% Canadian owned and operated Company.

• Full western red cedar 2×4 frame.
• No grooves cut out of 2×4’s, reducing warping and sagging potential.
• Thick cedar tongue and groove fence boards that are built to last.
• 6’ solid cedar fence panels have a 2×6 pressure-treated kickboard, which provides a strong, long-lasting foundation for the panel.
• Panel frames are screwed together with 3” outdoor-rated screws.
• 1×1 cedar nailing strips at the top and bottom of the fence boards, on both sides, keep the fence boards secure.