Fence Services

Cedar Wood Fence Installation in Everett, WA

Privacy fencing, boundary fences, and custom cedar installations for Everett and Snohomish County homeowners — built with straight posts, natural materials, and the kind of planning that keeps a cedar fence looking right after the first few Pacific Northwest winters.

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Board-on-board, horizontal, dog-ear, and custom cedar styles

We build around the actual property and the privacy level you want instead of forcing every yard into one default fence layout.

Concrete-set posts planned for Snohomish County soil conditions

Post depth, spacing, and footing decisions are made for the fence height, style, and soil on site so the line stays straight and the gates stay aligned.

Free on-site estimate with clear written scope

You get a real property walkthrough, style guidance, and a written estimate before making a decision.

About the Service

Why Cedar Is Still the Most Popular Fence Material in Everett

Cedar has been the default fence material in the Pacific Northwest for a long time, and it earns that position. Western red cedar is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects without chemical treatment — which matters when you're building something that will sit in the ground and deal with Everett rain for fifteen or twenty years.

The look of a cedar fence also fits most Northwest homes in a way that vinyl or metal fencing simply doesn't. It's warm, it ages naturally, and it reads as residential rather than industrial. A well-built cedar privacy fence along the back of an Everett yard looks like it belongs there.

At Northwood Renovation, we install cedar fences across Everett and Snohomish County — board-on-board privacy fences, horizontal cedar designs, dog-ear fencing, and custom layouts planned around the specific property. Every installation starts with understanding what the fence needs to do, not just what it needs to look like.

Fence Styles

Cedar Fence Styles We Build in Everett

Cedar fencing comes in several distinct styles and the choice affects appearance, privacy level, maintenance, and cost. Here's how the main options compare:

Board-on-Board Privacy Fence

Board-on-board is the most common privacy fence style in Snohomish County. Boards are installed on alternating sides of the rail, overlapping slightly, so there are no gaps between them. This gives full privacy from any angle — unlike a standard picket fence where gaps appear when you view it from the side.

Board-on-board also handles seasonal wood movement well. The overlapping boards can shift slightly with moisture changes without the fence developing obvious gaps or tight spots. It's a forgiving design that holds up well in a wet climate.

Dog-Ear Privacy Fence

Dog-ear fencing is the traditional style — boards installed side-by-side with the top corners clipped. It's a clean, classic residential look that works on most Everett home styles. Unlike board-on-board, dog-ear boards are installed flush to each other without overlap, which means gaps can appear between boards over time as wood dries and contracts.

For a fully enclosed backyard where complete privacy is the goal, board-on-board performs better in the long term. For a boundary fence or side yard where some visibility isn't a problem, dog-ear is a cost-effective and clean-looking option.

Horizontal Cedar Fence

Horizontal cedar fencing has become popular in Everett over the past several years, particularly on newer homes and modern exterior styles. Boards run horizontally rather than vertically, creating a contemporary look that suits craftsman and modern farmhouse homes well.

The installation requires more attention to post sizing and spacing than a vertical fence because horizontal boards put more lateral load on the posts. We use appropriate post dimensions and deeper footings on horizontal fencing to account for that load difference. A horizontal fence built with undersized posts will start to lean within a few years in Pacific Northwest soil — this is one of the most common failure modes we see on horizontal fences built by less experienced crews.

Shadowbox Fence

Shadowbox fencing is a variation on board-on-board where the board spacing is wider and the alternating pattern is more visible. It provides partial privacy — enough to define the yard clearly without fully enclosing it — while allowing air circulation through the fence.

It's a good option for front yard fencing where a full privacy fence would feel out of place, or for a property boundary where the neighbor relationship is friendly and full enclosure isn't needed.

Custom Cedar Layouts

Some projects don't fit neatly into a standard style. A yard that slopes across the fence run needs racked or stepped panels. A property with a decorative garden fence that transitions into a privacy fence at the back needs different heights and styles joined cleanly. A fence that needs to work around an existing tree or structure requires adjusted bay spacing.

We handle custom cedar layouts regularly across Everett and Snohomish County. The estimate visit is where those details get worked out — we look at the property, identify the constraints, and plan a layout that addresses them rather than ignoring them.

Materials

Cedar Fence Materials and Why the Details Matter

Western Red Cedar Boards

We use Western red cedar for fence boards — not hemlock, not pine, not whatever species is cheapest at the lumber yard that week. Western red cedar is specifically suited to outdoor exposure in wet climates. It has natural tannins that resist moisture and decay without treatment, a stable grain that handles seasonal movement better than many alternatives, and a warm reddish tone that develops character as it ages.

Cedar boards are available in several grades. Clear cedar has minimal knots and a cleaner appearance — it costs more but is worth considering for a fence that runs along the street or a visible side yard. Tight-knot cedar has more knot character and handles weather just as well — it's the standard choice for backyard privacy fencing where appearance from the neighbors' side matters less than performance.

Posts: Pressure-Treated or Cedar

Fence posts are the most critical structural element and the part most likely to fail first. We always use pressure-treated posts for cedar fencing in Everett — not cedar posts, despite what some homeowners expect.

Cedar is excellent for above-ground fence boards but is not rated for ground contact. Fence posts are buried in soil that holds moisture year-round in the Pacific Northwest. A cedar post in the ground will rot at the soil line within five to eight years in this climate. Pressure-treated posts are specifically manufactured for ground contact and direct soil exposure — they'll outlast cedar posts significantly in a wet climate.

We set posts in concrete to the appropriate depth for the soil conditions and fence height. A 6-foot privacy fence typically requires posts set at 24 to 36 inches depth. Horizontal fences and taller installations may require deeper footings.

Rails and Fasteners

Horizontal rails that connect the posts and support the boards are either pressure-treated lumber or cedar, depending on the fence style and exposure. Fasteners — screws, nails, and hardware — are always galvanized or stainless steel.

Standard fasteners rust quickly in Everett's wet climate, leave rust stains on the cedar boards around them, and eventually lose their grip. Corrosion-resistant hardware is not optional on outdoor cedar fencing in this climate — it's the difference between a fence that holds together for fifteen years and one that starts looking rough in five.

Gate Hardware

Gate hardware takes more abuse than any other part of the fence. Hinges, latches, and cane bolts need to be sized correctly for the gate weight, mounted on properly reinforced posts, and made from corrosion-resistant materials.

We use heavy-duty galvanized or powder-coated hardware on cedar gates — not the lightweight hardware that comes in a bag at the hardware store and will fail within a few years of daily use.

Ownership

Honest Expectations for a Cedar Fence in Everett

Cedar fencing doesn't require a complicated maintenance schedule, but it does require some. Here's what realistic cedar fence ownership looks like in the Pacific Northwest:

Sealing and staining: A cedar fence left completely untreated will gray out over time — some homeowners like the silver-gray patina, others prefer to hold the original warm tone. If you want to maintain the color, an application of cedar-specific sealer or semi-transparent stain every two to three years is the standard schedule. The fence should be cleaned first so the new coat bonds properly.

Mildew: Cedar fences in shaded Everett backyards, or on north-facing exposures, develop surface mildew during the wet season. This is a surface condition that washes off with a deck cleaner or light pressure rinse. It's not damaging the wood structurally — it's just a cosmetic condition that responds to basic cleaning.

Post bases and ground clearance: The most important maintenance check on a cedar fence is the bottom of the boards, not the surface. Boards that sit close to the soil or mulch retain moisture at the base and begin to rot from the bottom up. Keeping a few inches of clearance between board bottoms and the ground extends the life of the boards significantly.

Gate alignment: Gates are the hardest-working part of a fence. After a few seasons, check that hinges are still tight, the gate swings cleanly, and the latch aligns without forcing. A loose hinge caught early is a five-minute fix. A gate post that has shifted is a more involved repair.

Our Process

How a Cedar Fence Installation Works With Northwood Renovation

Step 1

Free On-Site Property Walkthrough

We come to your property and walk the full fence line. We look at the grade, note any slope transitions that affect panel layout, identify gate locations, check for tree roots or buried obstacles along the run, and measure the total fence length.

We also look at neighboring fences, setback requirements, and how the fence will connect to the house or any existing structures. These details affect both the design and the permit requirements — and it's better to know about them before work starts than during installation.

Step 2

Written Estimate and Style Discussion

After the walkthrough we put together a written estimate with the fence style, post specifications, gate locations, and total scope. We walk you through the board-on-board vs. dog-ear vs. horizontal decision in the context of your yard and goals — not as a general overview but as a specific recommendation for your property.

If the project requires a building permit — which cedar fences in Everett often do above a certain height — we confirm that during the estimate and handle the application as part of the project.

Step 3

Scheduling and Material Order

Once you approve the estimate we lock in the schedule and confirm material orders. Cedar availability and grade selection can affect lead time — we tell you honestly if there's a wait rather than booking a start date that depends on uncertain delivery.

Step 4

Post Setting

Post setting is the most important step in the entire installation. We set posts at correct spacing with concrete footings at the depth appropriate for the fence height and soil conditions. Posts are checked for plumb and alignment before the concrete sets.

This step takes more time than simply driving posts into the ground — and it's why our fence lines stay straight and our gates stay aligned. We allow concrete to cure before attaching rails and boards.

Step 5

Rails, Boards, and Gate Fitting

Once posts are set and cured, rails go on followed by cedar boards. Board spacing, height, and alignment are checked throughout the run. Gates are fitted with correct hinge placement, latch alignment, and hardware appropriate for the gate width and weight.

We check the full fence line from both sides before moving to the next section — not at the end when corrections are harder to make.

Step 6

Walkthrough and Cleanup

When the installation is complete we walk the full fence line with you. We check post stability, board alignment, top-line consistency, gate swing and latch, and hardware condition. If anything needs adjustment before we leave, we handle it.

We clean the site completely — no post hole debris, no lumber offcuts, no hardware packaging left in the yard.

Local Experience

Cedar Fence Installation Across Everett and Snohomish County

Most of our cedar fence work is in Everett and the surrounding Snohomish County communities — Marysville, Snohomish, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, and Edmonds. We also install cedar fences regularly in Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, Shoreline, Kirkland, and Redmond.

Working consistently in this area means we know the conditions that affect cedar fences here specifically. The soils near the Everett waterfront and along low-lying areas near the Snohomish River drainage hold moisture differently than the well-drained soils on the hillside neighborhoods above Highway 99. Post depth requirements and concrete mix decisions account for the specific soil conditions at the installation site.

We're also familiar with the setback requirements and permit processes across different Snohomish County jurisdictions. Cedar privacy fences above a certain height often require a permit in Everett, Marysville, and Mukilteo. Unincorporated Snohomish County has different thresholds. We know the local requirements and handle the permit process as part of the project.

Why Choose Us

Why Everett Homeowners Work With Northwood Renovation on Cedar Fences

We specialize in fences, decks, and outdoor structures — not a long list of general services. That focus means the situations that come up on cedar fence installations are ones we've worked through before: a sloped fence run that needs racked panels, a horizontal fence that needs properly sized posts, a gate that has to work reliably on soft soil, a fence that needs to connect cleanly to a neighbor's existing installation.

The crew that gives you the estimate builds the fence. The post spacing, grade transitions, and gate locations discussed during the planning visit make it to the installation because the same people are doing both.

What homeowners tend to mention after working with us

The estimate is written and specific — no verbal range that changes at the start date
Post setting and concrete footings are done correctly the first time
The permit process doesn't fall back on the homeowner to manage
The crew respects the property and cleans up completely
Gates work smoothly and stay aligned — not just on day one but after a few seasons

We'll also tell you honestly if a different fence type would serve you better. If the yard layout calls for chain link in one section and cedar in another, or if a repair makes more sense than a full replacement, we say so during the estimate. If you're weighing cedar against a lower-maintenance option, our chain link fence page covers how that comparison works for different yard situations.

FAQ

Common Questions About Cedar Fence Installation in Everett

How long does a cedar fence last in the Pacific Northwest?

A well-built cedar fence in the Everett area typically lasts fifteen to twenty-five years. The variables that affect lifespan most are post quality and depth, concrete footing strength, board clearance from the soil, and how consistently the fence is maintained. Fences that fail early in this climate almost always have one of those factors wrong from the start — undersized posts, posts without adequate concrete, or boards sitting in contact with soil or mulch.

What height cedar fence can I build in Everett without a permit?

In most Everett residential zones, fences up to six feet in the rear yard can be built without a permit. Front yard fences and fences within certain setbacks from the street typically have lower height limits. The specific rules depend on your zoning designation and property location. We check permit requirements during the estimate visit and handle the application if one is needed.

Board-on-board or dog-ear — which is better for privacy?

Board-on-board provides better privacy because boards overlap and there are no gaps visible from any angle. Dog-ear boards are installed flush to each other, which means small gaps appear between boards over time as cedar dries and moves with the seasons. For a fully enclosed backyard where complete visual privacy is the goal, board-on-board is the stronger choice. For a property boundary where some visibility isn't a concern, dog-ear is a cost-effective option.

Do cedar fence posts need to be cedar?

No — and we don't recommend cedar posts for ground contact. Western red cedar is excellent for fence boards above the ground but is not rated for soil contact. Posts buried in Everett's wet soil need to be pressure-treated lumber designed for ground contact. Cedar posts in the ground will rot at the soil line within five to eight years in this climate. We use pressure-treated posts as a standard on every cedar fence installation.

Can you build a cedar fence on a sloped yard?

Yes. Sloped yards require either racked panels — where the fence follows the grade and panels slope with the terrain — or stepped panels — where the fence drops in horizontal increments that follow the grade in steps. Which approach is right depends on the slope angle, the fence style, and what looks right alongside the house. We discuss the options during the estimate visit and recommend the approach that fits the property.

How much does a cedar fence cost in Everett?

Fence length, height, style, gate count, and site conditions all affect the price. A straightforward board-on-board fence along a flat rear yard costs less than a horizontal cedar fence on a sloped lot with two gates and custom post caps. The most accurate number comes from an on-site visit where we measure the run and look at what's actually there. The estimate is free and there's no obligation to proceed.

How soon can I stain or seal a new cedar fence?

New cedar needs time to dry and acclimate before a finish bonds properly — usually four to six weeks after installation, depending on the weather. Applying sealer too soon traps moisture in the wood and can cause the finish to peel. We advise on timing during the project walkthrough so you know when to apply the first coat and what products work well in the Pacific Northwest climate.

Get a Free Cedar Fence Estimate in Everett, WA

If you're planning a cedar privacy fence, boundary fence, or custom cedar installation for your Everett-area property, the first step is a free on-site visit. We walk the fence line, measure the run, discuss style options, and put together a clear written estimate with materials, scope, and timeline.

No phone guesses. No pressure to commit on the spot.

Call (425) 610-9477 or fill out the estimate request form and we'll get back to you within one business day.

We serve Everett, Marysville, Snohomish, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Kenmore, Woodinville, Shoreline, Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, and surrounding Snohomish County communities.