Wood vs. Aluminum Fence in Lewis County
PNW Fence & Gate | 132 Pier Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532 | (360) 996-4250
Aluminum doesn’t provide privacy. Cedar doesn’t give you a maintenance-free yard. Most comparisons treat these materials as if they serve the same purpose—and that’s where confusion starts.
In Lewis County, the decision usually comes down to one question: Are you fencing for privacy or for appearance?
Once you answer that, the material choice becomes much clearer.
The Choice Most Lewis County Homeowners Are Actually Making
Most people search “wood vs aluminum fence,” thinking it’s a budget decision. In practice, it’s about function.
Cedar fencing is built for privacy. Boards run tight from the ground to the top, typically at six feet, creating a solid visual barrier between your yard and the surrounding area. Whether you’re blocking a road, a neighbor, or an open field, that’s what cedar is designed to do.
Aluminum fencing serves a different purpose. It’s open-picket by design, meant to define boundaries without closing off the space. You’ll see it on front yards, along driveways, and around pools—places where visibility matters just as much as structure.
If your goal is privacy, aluminum isn’t the right material. If your goal is a clean, finished boundary with minimal maintenance, cedar may not be the most practical option.
Once the use case is clear, the comparison becomes straightforward.
Cedar vs. Aluminum: Lifespan, Maintenance, and What Each Material Actually Costs You
Here’s the side-by-side that actually matters for a Lewis County homeowner:
| Western Red Cedar | Powder-Coated Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 15–20 years (maintained) | 30–50 years |
| Maintenance | Stain every 2–3 years | Nearly none |
| Privacy | Full | None |
| Installed cost | Lower | Higher |
| Aesthetic | Natural wood grain | Clean, ornamental |
Cedar’s trade-offs center on maintenance. In Lewis County’s wet climate, unstained cedar will begin to gray within a single season. Over time, that exposure leads to surface wear, deeper moisture penetration, and eventual structural decline. Staining every 2–3 years keeps the fence performing throughout its full lifespan.
Aluminum’s trade-offs are mostly upfront. It costs more to install and doesn’t offer the natural texture of wood. For homeowners who want that warm, organic look, aluminum won’t fully replicate it. The benefit is that once it’s installed, ongoing maintenance is minimal.
Material quality matters for aluminum as well. A proper residential aluminum fence should meet AAMA 2604 powder-coating standards and use a minimum thickness of 0.060 inches. These specifications help ensure the finish withstands weathering, color fade, and long-term exposure.
How Lewis County’s Climate Affects Both Materials
The Pacific Northwest climate plays a major role in how these materials perform.
Lewis County sees roughly 50–60 inches of rain.
Lewis County sees roughly 50–60 inches of rain annually, with long, steady wet seasons rather than short bursts. For cedar, that means repeated moisture absorption cycles throughout the year. Without consistent sealing, water seeps into the wood, accelerating wear over time.
For aluminum, moisture is largely a non-issue.
For aluminum, moisture is largely a non-issue. The powder-coated finish protects the surface, and the material itself doesn’t absorb water or rust. This makes it well-suited to the region’s extended wet periods.
Where climate does matter for both materials is at the post level.
Where climate does matter for both materials is at the post level. Wood posts set directly in saturated soil are prone to rot over time, regardless of what’s attached above. That’s why post selection and installation method are just as important as the material itself, and why we never install aluminum or cedar in wood posts.
How We Install Cedar and Aluminum Fences
We install both cedar and aluminum throughout Lewis County and Thurston County, and our installation methods are designed specifically for this environment.
All installations are backed by a 2-year workmanship warranty covering labor and craftsmanship.
Cedar Built to Last
For cedar, we use custom-cut Western Red Cedar in “two and better” grade. This provides tighter grain, fewer defects, and better natural resistance than standard big-box lumber. Boards are cut to a true 5/8-inch thickness for better long-term stability.
No Rot. No Shortcuts.
All cedar fences are built using steel posts rather than wood-in-ground. In Lewis County’s wet soil conditions, this eliminates the most common failure point—rot at the base of the post. We also offer pre-staining before installation, which ensures full coverage on all sides of each board and helps extend the time before the first maintenance cycle.
AAMA 2604 Aluminum, Built to Hold
For aluminum, we install systems that meet AAMA 2604 coating standards and proper thickness requirements. Panels are set with secure posts in concrete to maintain alignment and stability over time. The result is a fence that holds its shape and finish with minimal upkeep.
Where We Install Wood and Aluminum Fences in Lewis County
Chehalis and Centralia: These are our primary service areas. Cedar is common in tighter residential neighborhoods where privacy is the priority, while aluminum is often used for front-facing boundaries and driveway entrances.
Napavine and Toledo: Here you will find larger rural lots with minimal restrictions. Many properties use a combination of materials—cedar for backyard privacy and aluminum for road-facing sections or entry points.
Tumwater and Lacey (Thurston County): Higher HOA presence, with some communities requiring ornamental aluminum fencing in front yards or along visible boundaries. We’re familiar with these requirements and can help guide material selection.
Rochester and Oakville: Open rural terrain, often with no HOA and larger parcels. Cedar is common for privacy and animal enclosures, while aluminum is often used for gates and defined entry areas.
Yelm: Growing fast, with a mix of newer developments and established rural properties. HOA guidelines may apply in subdivisions, while larger properties allow full flexibility. We install both materials throughout the area.
Get the Right Fence for Your Property, Not Just the Lowest Bid
In Lewis County, a fence has to handle months of sustained moisture every year. Cedar and aluminum both perform well—but only when they’re used for the right purpose and installed correctly.
The key is matching the material to your property, your priorities, and how you plan to use the space.
Call (360) 996-4250 or schedule online. We’ll walk your property, clearly explain your options, and recommend a fence that makes sense for your layout and long-term plans.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wood vs. Aluminum Fencing
Can I get privacy with an aluminum fence?
No—aluminum is open-picket by design. If privacy is your primary goal, cedar, vinyl, or steel panel fencing is the right material. Aluminum is the better choice when you want a defined boundary, a clean, finished look, or HOA-compliant front-yard fencing without the maintenance demands of wood.
How long does a cedar fence last in Lewis County’s climate?
A well-maintained cedar fence typically lasts 15–20 years. Staining every 2–3 years is what keeps that lifespan intact. Without it, Lewis County’s 58 inches of annual rainfall accelerates graying, board checking, and structural deterioration—cutting the lifespan to 8–12 years.
What does it cost to stain a cedar fence?
Professional staining for a 150-linear-foot fence runs approximately $300–$800 per cycle, depending on prep and finish type. DIY costs significantly less in materials, but factor in pressure washing, drying time, and application labor. Our pre-staining service—applied before installation—is typically more competitive than hiring a painter after the fence is up.
Does an aluminum fence rust?
No. Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer, and powder coating adds a second layer of protection against moisture, UV, and abrasion. Touch up any chips or scratches to prevent oxidation in those spots, but a correctly installed fence won’t develop rust. Look for the AAMA 2604 specification, which sets the minimum performance standard for exterior aluminum finishes.
Is an aluminum fence HOA-approved?
It’s one of the most commonly approved materials in Thurston County communities—many HOAs explicitly require aluminum or ornamental iron for front-yard and road-facing boundaries. Style restrictions on picket shape, color, and height vary by community, so check your CC&Rs. We can advise based on what we’ve seen in your area.
What aluminum gauge should I specify?
Look for panels no thinner than 0.060 inches. Some lower-cost products sold online fall below this threshold. When comparing quotes, ask for the panel thickness, not just the product tier label.