Vent: Had to pick between cedar and composite for a big job in Austin

Just wrapped up a big backyard fence job in Austin where the client was stuck between cedar and composite. The cedar was cheaper up front, about $28 a linear foot for materials, but they were worried about the upkeep in that Texas sun. The composite quote was nearly double that. I pushed for cedar, telling them a good stain and seal job would make it last. We went with it, and I used a heavy oil-based stain I get from my local supplier. The job looked great, but now, six months later, they're already calling about some boards starting to warp and asking about re-staining. Makes me wonder if I gave the wrong advice for that climate. What do you guys tell clients when they're stuck on this pick?

2 comments

2 Comments

uma_webb2822h ago

Ugh, classic Austin. @the_elizabeth is right, wood just does that here, it's basically breathing.

the_elizabeth22h ago

Honestly, "wrong advice" seems a bit strong. It's Austin, wood moves. A few warped boards in six months is pretty normal, especially after a summer. A follow-up tighten and touch-up is just part of the cedar deal, not a failure.