If you’re choosing between a chain link fence and a cedar fence for your residential or commercial fence installation in your Washington home or business, the right answer depends on what matters most to you: privacy, budget, upkeep, appearance, or long-term durability.
Why This Choice Matters in Washington
Washington homeowners are not just picking a fence style. They are selecting something that needs to hold up in a damp climate while still being practical for lifestyle in the yard.
A fence in this region often needs to deal with frequent moisture, changing temperatures, and plenty of moss-friendly conditions. Let’s look in depth at both options.
Cedar Fence: Pros and Cons
A cedar fence is usually chosen for looks first, but it offers practical benefits too. Western Red Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects, which helps explain why it remains a go-to fence material in the Pacific Northwest. It also offers the privacy that chain link cannot, especially with full panel styles that block views from neighbors and streets.
Appearance: Natural, Private, Finished
For most Washington homes, cedar is most traditional. It looks more natural, adds warmth to the yard, and can boost curb appeal in a way chain link usually does not.
Maintenance: Beauty Calls for Attention
Cedar is not maintenance-free. If you want to preserve the original color and extend its appearance, regular cleaning and sealing or staining are often part of the deal. Left untreated, cedar can still perform well outdoors, but it typically weathers to a silver-gray tone over time. The typical lifetime of a cedar fence will be around 15-30 years if attended to, but there is no denying that it is well worth it.
Cedar Vs Fence
Cost: Investing for Increased Curb Appeal
Most often homeowners opt for the cedar fence even though the cost is more than the chain link fence as it instantly gives a more expensive look to the landscaping, which will help in resale value, especially if a sale is in your future.
Chain Link Fence: Pros and Cons
For Washington homeowners, that low-maintenance factor is a big advantage. You do not need to stain it, paint it, or worry much about moisture the way you would with many wood products. Chain link also keeps sightlines open, which some homeowners like for security, pets, and preserving a more open feel in the yard. The tradeoff is privacy and appearance. Even vinyl-coated chain link can look more functional than decorative, so it may not be the first choice if curb appeal is high on your list.
Appearance: Humble and Practical Solution
A chain link fence can define your property and help contain kids or pets, but it does very little to block views. Cedar fencing creates a more enclosed backyard, which makes it especially appealing for homes with close neighbors or busy streets nearby.
Maintenance: Chain Link Is Easier
This is where chain link usually pulls ahead.
Galvanized chain link does not need to be painted, stained, or sealed. Routine washing is often enough to keep it in good shape. Cedar, while durable, needs more attention if you want to keep it looking fresh and help it age gracefully.
If your goal is a fence you can install and mostly forget about, chain link tends to be the simpler choice.
Cost: Chain Link Is Usually More Affordable
In most cases, chain link costs less than cedar, especially when fencing a larger area. Cedar typically comes with a higher material and installation cost, but many homeowners are willing to pay more for the privacy and appearance it offers.
The better value depends on what you care about most. If you are focused on budget and low upkeep, chain link often delivers more practical value. If you are thinking long term about privacy and curb appeal, cedar may feel worth the extra cost.
Final Thoughts
A simple way to think about it:
Choose chain link if you want affordability, low maintenance, and a functional backyard fence.
Choose cedar if you want privacy, a more attractive finish, and a fence that feels more tailored to your home.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best fence for your Washington home depends on how you use your yard, how much privacy you want, and how much maintenance you are comfortable with.
If you are fencing a side yard, dog run, or large boundary line, chain link may be the smart choice. If you want to create a more private, finished outdoor space, cedar is often the better fit.
For Pierce and Kitsap counties, both materials can work well. The key is choosing the one that matches your priorities instead of just going with the cheapest or most common option. The fence company Washington is always available to help you.
For your residential or commercial fence installation Washington, we would love to be your contractor for Pierce and Kitsap counties. Call us and we can talk you through your options!