The Pacific Northwest is beautiful, but it’s tough on fences. Rain, moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, moss, and the occasional windstorm all take their toll on wood. So how long can you realistically expect a wood fence to last here?
At New Ridge Fencing LLC, we’ve been building and repairing wood fences across Woodinville, Kirkland, Bothell, Bellevue, and the rest of King and Snohomish County for over 11 years. We’ve seen fences that lasted 25 years and fences that started failing in 5. Here’s what makes the difference.
Ready for a fence that lasts? We build fences designed for Pacific Northwest conditions. Call (425) 408-2460 or request your free estimate online.
Expected Lifespan by Wood Type
| Wood Type | Expected Lifespan (PNW) |
|---|---|
| Western red cedar | 15–25 years |
| Pressure-treated pine/fir | 10–15 years |
| Untreated pine/fir | 5–8 years |
Cedar is the clear winner in this climate. Its natural oils resist rot and insect damage without chemical treatment. That’s why it’s the most popular fence material in Western Washington. Learn more about our cedar fence options.
What Shortens a Wood Fence’s Life
Poor Post Installation
Posts are the first thing to fail on most fences. If they’re not set deep enough, not in concrete (where soil requires it), or not properly drained at the base, they’ll rot faster. Posts that sit in standing water at ground level can fail in just a few years. This is the most common problem we see on fence repairs.
Ground Contact Without Protection
Wood that touches wet soil rots. Boards that sit directly on the ground absorb moisture constantly. A well-built fence keeps boards slightly above grade or uses a gravel board at the bottom to prevent direct soil contact.
No Maintenance
Cedar can be left to weather naturally and will still last a long time. But periodic staining or sealing extends its life further by reducing moisture absorption. Pressure-treated wood needs regular sealing to perform well — without it, expect a shorter lifespan. See our cedar vs. pressure-treated comparison.
Improper Drainage
If water pools along your fence line — from downspouts, grading issues, or sprinklers hitting the fence — the constant moisture accelerates rot. Redirecting water away from the fence line is one of the easiest ways to extend its life.
Moss and Algae
In the Pacific Northwest, moss and algae love to grow on fences, especially on north-facing sections that stay damp. They hold moisture against the wood and accelerate decay. Occasional cleaning helps.
What Extends a Wood Fence’s Life
Use cedar. It’s naturally suited to this climate.
Set posts properly. Deep enough, in concrete where needed, with drainage at the base. This is where installation quality matters most.
Keep wood off the ground. Even a small gap between the bottom board and the soil makes a difference.
Stain or seal periodically. Every 3–5 years for best results. Not required with cedar, but it helps.
Fix problems early. A leaning post or a cracked board is easier and cheaper to fix now than to deal with after it brings down a whole section. Learn about our fence repair services.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
If your fence is 15+ years old and multiple posts are soft, the boards are splitting, and it leans when it’s windy, it’s probably time for a new fence rather than ongoing repairs. Cedar fencing starts at $37/LF — contact us for a quote on your property. Read our repair vs. replacement guide.
Get Your Free Fence Estimate
New Ridge Fencing LLC — Family-owned fence contractor serving King & Snohomish County for 11+ years.
Licensed & Bonded — WA State L&I | BBB Accredited
(425) 408-2460
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