Wood Fence Installation in Washington’s Lewis & Thurston County
Western Red Cedar. Metal posts standard. Built for PNW weather.
Custom-cut cedar—never box-store lumber
Metal posts on every install
2-year craftsmanship warranty
Wood Fence Installation from Lewis County to Tacoma, Washington
PNW Fence & Gate provides wood fence installation across Lewis County, Thurston County, and surrounding communities in Southwest Washington. We build board-on-board privacy fences, horizontal cedar fences, cedar picket fences, ranch-style fencing, and custom cedar gates — all from Western Red Cedar with metal posts set for wet Pacific Northwest soil.
Cedar is the most requested wood fence material in this region. Western Red Cedar’s natural oils resist rot and moisture without the additives used in pressure-treated wood. It holds stain evenly, stays straight through seasonal changes, and performs better in PNW conditions than most other wood species. We use custom-cut cedar, not commodity boards — and offer professional pre-staining and on-site staining on every project where finishing is requested.
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Cedar Fence Styles We Install
We build every cedar fence style suited to Pacific Northwest properties.
If you’re not sure which style fits your project, we’ll walk the property with you and help you decide.
Board-on-Board Cedar Privacy Fence
Board-on-board is the most popular cedar fence style in the Pacific Northwest — and the standard we build for homeowners who want full privacy and a clean, finished look on both sides of the fence.
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In a board-on-board installation, cedar boards overlap on alternating sides of the rail. The overlap provides complete privacy from every angle while also giving the fence structural strength and a natural tolerance for wood movement. There are no gaps. Both sides look finished.
Board-on-board cedar fences are typically built at 6 feet for residential privacy. We also install 8-foot heights for properties with grade changes, additional security requirements, or commercial uses. [VERIFY: 8-foot height option] Every board-on-board fence we build uses metal posts for long-term post stability and includes pre-stained or site-stained finish options.
Horizontal Cedar Fence
Horizontal cedar fencing is one of the most requested styles across the Pacific Northwest. The clean, modern look works well with contemporary and craftsman homes, and the horizontal grain showcases the natural character of Western Red Cedar.
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We build horizontal cedar fences with the same metal post system used on all our installs. Horizontal boards require precise installation to prevent warping and maintain consistent spacing — which is why this style especially benefits from custom-cut, higher-grade cedar rather than commodity boards that can bow over time.
Horizontal cedar fences are built to order: spacing, height, and cap details can be configured to match your home’s architecture.
Cedar Picket Fence
Cedar picket fencing defines a yard without closing it off. We build picket fences with pointed, flat, or dog-ear tops at standard heights, using the same Western Red Cedar and metal-post approach as our privacy builds.
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Picket fences work well for front yards, garden borders, and properties where visibility and airflow matter more than full privacy.
Cedar Ranch and Post-and-Rail Fence
For rural properties, farms, horse properties, and larger acreage, post-and-rail cedar fencing is the practical choice. We build two-rail and three-rail configurations suited to property lines, pastures, and sloped terrain.
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Our team has experience with larger rural fence runs across Lewis County — including properties with grade changes, drainage considerations, and agricultural requirements. We can also combine ranch fencing with a gated entry on the same project.
Custom Cedar Gate Integration
Every cedar fence project can include a custom in-house-built cedar gate. We fabricate gates to match the fence style, properly frame them to prevent sagging, and install hardware suited for long-term outdoor use in wet conditions.
We also build custom cedar gates in-house:
We also install automated gate systems as part of a cedar fence project. Ask about gate options when you request your estimate. See more of our custom gate builds — including automated entries.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Discover how homeowners have transformed their outdoor spaces with our expert fence building services and exceptional craftsmanship.
Why Western Red Cedar Is the Right Wood for Pacific Northwest Fences
Not all wood fences perform the same in the Pacific Northwest. Cedar’s durability in wet climates comes from the wood’s natural properties — not just a coat of stain.
Naturally Resists Moisture and Rot
Western Red Cedar contains natural oils and resins that resist moisture absorption and rot. In a climate with 40+ inches of annual rainfall, this matters significantly. Fences built from commodity pine or SPF lumber absorb moisture quickly, leading to post rot, board warping, and a shortened lifespan. Cedar holds up without the pressure-treating additives those species require.
Stays Straight in Changing Weather
Cedar is dimensionally stable — it expands and contracts less than many other wood species as temperatures and moisture levels change across Pacific Northwest seasons. A properly built board-on-board or horizontal cedar fence maintains consistent spacing and alignment through multiple winters.
Weathers Gracefully
Untreated cedar silvers naturally to a gray tone over time. With staining, it holds color and ages evenly. Either way, it doesn’t peel, blister, or degrade the way painted softwoods do. We offer professional pre-staining and on-site staining to protect cedar from the start.
Lifespan in the Pacific Northwest
A well-built cedar fence with metal posts and consistent maintenance can last 20–30+ years in Pacific Northwest conditions. Post rot is the most common cause of early fence failure, which is why we use metal posts as standard. Cedar boards can also be replaced individually without replacing the entire fence structure.
What Affects the Cost of Cedar Fence Installation?
Cedar fence installation cost varies by project. We provide free, itemized estimates — but here’s what drives pricing on most projects.
Linear Footage
The most direct cost factor. Longer runs require more material and more installation time.
Fence Height
Standard residential cedar privacy fences run 6 feet. Upgrading to 8 feet increases material costs and may require a permit review in some jurisdictions.
Style
Board-on-board uses more cedar per linear foot than picket or post-and-rail due to the overlapping board layout. Horizontal cedar fences require more precise installation labor.
Terrain and Site Conditions
Sloped lots, saturated soil, and drainage issues add complexity to any installation. We walk every property before estimating, so there are no surprises.
Staining
Pre-staining at our shop or on-site staining after installation adds cost but extends cedar lifespan and reduces long-term maintenance frequency. We can include staining in your estimate or bill it separately.
Gates
Adding a walk gate, driveway gate, or automated entry increases both material and labor cost. Gate pricing depends on width, hardware quality, and whether automation is included — we’ll scope this during your site walk and itemize it separately in your estimate.
For general per-foot pricing ranges across all our fence materials, see our fence installation cost guide.
Our Cedar Fence Installation Process
Site Walk and Layout
We start by walking the property with you. We review the fence line, confirm boundaries, check for grade changes, identify drainage or soil concerns, and confirm permit requirements for your jurisdiction. This step prevents most problems that show up mid-project.
Post Setting — Metal Posts for Wet PNW Soil
Every fence we build uses metal posts, not wood posts. In the Pacific Northwest, wooden fence posts — even cedar — are the most common point of early failure. Soil moisture, seasonal ground movement, and freeze-thaw cycles all accelerate wood post rot over time.
Our metal posts are set to the correct depth for fence height and soil conditions, with alignment confirmed before any cedar goes up. This is where most fence failures start, and where we spend the most care.
Cedar Installation and Finishing
Cedar boards are installed evenly, with spacing and alignment confirmed throughout the run. Gates are framed to prevent sag and fitted with quality outdoor hardware. Where staining is included, we apply it for consistent coverage — not a single-pass field brush-over.
We clean up the site when the job is complete.
Why Choose PNW Fence & Gate for Cedar Fence Installation
Custom-Cut Western Red Cedar
We source and cut our cedar to specification — not off a lumber yard shelf. Higher-grade boards mean straighter fences, cleaner lines, fewer knots, and better stain absorption. The difference is visible immediately on the install.
Metal Posts on Every Install
Wood posts rot. Metal posts don’t. We use metal posts as standard on all cedar fence installations — not as an upsell. In wet Pacific Northwest soil, this is the single biggest factor in long-term fence performance.
Pre-Staining and On-Site Staining
We offer professional staining before installation (shop pre-staining) or on-site finishing after the fence is built. Pre-staining ensures every surface — including hidden cuts and board ends — gets coverage, which extends cedar lifespan more effectively than surface-only field staining.
2-Year Craftsmanship Warranty
Every installation is backed by a 2-year craftsmanship warranty. If something’s wrong with how we built it, we fix it.
Pacific Northwest Experience
We’ve built fences on sloped Lewis County lots, rural acreage, horse farms, commercial sites, and suburban yards from Chehalis to Lacey. PNW soil, rainfall, and weather conditions aren’t theoretical for us — they’re what we build for every day. Read more about our crew and approach on our about page.
Wood Fence Installation Service Areas in Washington
Based in Chehalis, WA, PNW Fence & Gate provides wood fence installation throughout Southwest Washington, including:
- Lewis County: Chehalis, Centralia, Castle Rock, Winlock, Toledo, and surrounding rural areas
- Thurston County: Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, Tenino, Rochester, Yelm
- Pierce County: Select areas including Lakewood and parts of Tacoma
- Military Communities: JBLM and surrounding neighborhoods
- Rural Properties: Larger acreage, farm properties, and agricultural fencing projects
- Commercial Properties: Business and commercial cedar fence installation
Searching for a wood fence contractor near you in the South Sound? See our full list of communities we serve — if you’re just outside these areas, call (360) 996-4250 and we’ll confirm honestly whether we can take on the project.
Cedar vs. Other Fencing Options
| What Homeowners Like About Cedar | Things to Consider |
|---|---|
| Natural wood look that fits most properties | Requires periodic staining or sealing |
| Custom-built styles and layouts | Color will fade if left untreated |
| Performs well in wet PNW climates | More maintenance than vinyl or metal |
| Easier to repair or modify over time | Needs basic upkeep to reach full lifespan |
| Strong long-term value when properly built | Not a “set it and forget it” fence |
For homeowners who want zero maintenance, vinyl or aluminum fencing may be a better fit. For those who want a natural wood fence that performs well and looks good for 20–30 years in the Pacific Northwest, cedar is typically the best option.
Caring for Your Cedar Fence in the Pacific Northwest
Cedar fences don’t require constant attention, but consistent care significantly extends their lifespan.
Rinse annually.
A yearly rinse removes dirt, algae, and mildew buildup common in wet Pacific Northwest conditions. This slows surface degradation and keeps the wood looking its best.
Stain every 2–4 years.
Cedar stain protects against moisture absorption and UV exposure. How often depends on exposure — a fence in full sun needs staining more frequently than one in partial shade.
Keep soil away from fence bases.
Soil contact at the base of fence boards traps moisture and accelerates decay. Maintain a small gap between the ground level and the board ends where possible.
Check gates early.
Gates that begin to sag are easier to adjust before the movement becomes significant. A sagging cedar gate usually means a hinge issue or frame movement — both are simpler to fix early.
Address drainage.
Standing water near post bases — even with metal posts — shortens the lifespan of boards and rails. If drainage is a concern on your property, we’ll note it during the site walk and discuss options.
Start Your Cedar Fence Installation Project
PNW Fence & Gate serves Lewis County, Thurston County, Pierce County, and surrounding communities in Southwest Washington. Call (360) 996-4250 or fill out the form below for a free, no-obligation estimate.
We’ll walk your property, review your options, and provide a written quote.
Phone: (360) 996-4250 Email: pnwfenceandgate@gmail.com Address: 132 Pier rd, Chehalis, WA 98532
PNW Fence & Gate – Securing Your Pacific Northwest Paradise with Quality Wood Fence Installation Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Fence Installation
How long does cedar fence installation take?
Most residential cedar fence installations — a standard-sized yard, single style, no major grade challenges — take one to three days. Longer runs, complex terrain, multiple gates, or horizontal cedar fencing may take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate when we review your project.
What is board-on-board cedar fencing, and how is it different from a standard privacy fence?
Board-on-board cedar fencing uses overlapping boards alternated on each side of the rail, creating full privacy with no gaps. Unlike standard dog-ear privacy fencing — where boards are placed side by side with small gaps — board-on-board provides complete sightline privacy from any angle, and both sides of the fence look finished.
Board-on-board also handles Pacific Northwest moisture well because the overlapping boards allow the fence to flex naturally with wood movement. It’s our most commonly installed cedar fence style.
Do I need a permit for a cedar fence in Lewis County, WA?
Lewis County and the cities within it (Chehalis, Centralia, etc.) each have their own fence permit requirements. Generally, residential fences under a certain height don’t require a permit — but setback rules, corner lot requirements, and HOA covenants still apply. We review local permit requirements during every site walk and can help coordinate the permitting process when required.
How long will a cedar fence last in the Pacific Northwest?
Cedar holds up well here, especially with the right post system. Fences built with metal posts and kept up with routine care (see the maintenance section above) typically reach 20–30+ years in Pacific Northwest conditions. Most failures we see start at the post, not the boards, which is exactly why metal posts are standard on every job we do — not an upsell.
What does cedar fence installation cost?
Cost depends on the length of the run, fence height, style, site conditions, and whether staining and gates are included. We provide free, detailed written estimates with no obligation. Call (360) 996-4250 or fill out the form on this page to get your quote.
Can you match an existing fence or build on a slope?
Yes to both. We do tie-in work and can match existing cedar fence styles, heights, and stain colors when extending or replacing a section. Sloped properties are common throughout Lewis and Thurston County, and our team has experience building cedar fences on grade — we’ll confirm the approach and any additional framing needed during the site walk.
Do you install wood fences throughout Washington, or just Lewis and Thurston County?
Our core service area is Lewis County, Thurston County, and parts of Pierce County (including JBLM and Lakewood) in Southwest Washington — that’s where most of our wood fence installation and wood fence contractor work happens. If you’re searching for a wood fence installer near you outside that footprint, call (360) 996-4250 and we’ll tell you honestly whether your project is in range before you book an estimate.
