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September 2nd, 2026

9/2/2026

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why we use genuine western red cedar blog
When you're investing in a privacy fence, the wood you choose isn't just a cosmetic decision — it's the difference between a fence that looks great for a couple of years and one that stands strong for decades. At Mike Downs Fencing, we build every custom privacy fence with genuine western red cedar, and we don't cut corners on that choice. Here's why.

What Makes Western Red Cedar Different
Not all "cedar" at the lumber yard is created equal. Genuine western red cedar is prized for a reason: it's naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage thanks to the oils found in the wood itself. That means you're not relying on a chemical treatment to hold up over time — the durability is baked into the material.
It's also naturally more stable than many other softwoods, which matters a lot here in North Texas. Wood that swells, warps, or twists with our seasonal humidity swings will eventually pull away from fasteners, leaving you with gaps, leaning boards, and a fence that looks tired well before its time. Genuine western red cedar resists that movement far better.

And then there's the way it looks. Western red cedar has a warm, rich grain and color that ages into a beautiful natural silver-gray if left unstained, or holds a deep, vibrant tone when stained and sealed. Either way, it's a fence you'll actually want people to see.

Why It Matters in North Texas
Our clay-heavy soil already puts extra strain on fences — it's part of why we set every post in steel rather than wood. But the soil isn't the only challenge. North Texas summers are brutal on lumber, and cheaper wood options can dry out, crack, and split under that kind of heat. Genuine western red cedar handles the heat and the humidity swings better than the lower-grade woods often substituted in cheaper builds.
Pairing genuine cedar boards with our deep-set steel posts means you're not just getting a fence that looks good on install day — you're getting one built to actually last in this soil and this climate.

It's Your Fence, But Our Name

We've been building fences in North Texas for 25 years, and fence building runs in our family for three generations. When we say we build every fence like it's our own, the materials are where that starts. We don't sub out labor, and we don't sub in cheaper wood to save a few dollars on a bid. If we're putting our name on it, it's genuine western red cedar — every time.
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Ready for a Fence Built to Last?
If you're in Grayson County, Fannin County, Bryan County, North Collin County, Cooke County, or the surrounding areas and you're ready to talk about a custom wood privacy fence, give us a call at 903-814-8118 or visit fencingplusmore.com. We'll walk you through your options and give you an honest, straightforward quote — no corners cut, no surprises.
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    Mike Downs

    At Mike Downs Fencing, we've been building custom fences across North Texas for more than 25 years. We use Genuine Western Red Cedar and quality construction ​

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Proudly serving homeowners in Sherman, Denison, Howe, Whitesboro, Van Alstyne, Pottsboro, Gunter, Celina, Gainesville, Bonham, Durant, and surrounding North Texas and Southern Oklahoma communities.
We Service The Following Areas:
  • Sherman, Texas
  • Denison, Texas
  • Whitesboro, Texas
  • Gainesville, Texas
  • Van Alstyne, texas
  • Trenton, Texas
  • Howe, Texas
  • Gunter, Texas
  • Celina, Texas
  • Leonard, Texas
  • Pottsboro, Texas
  • Bonham, Texas
  • Durant, Oklahoma

  • Lake Texoma
  • Austin College (Sherman)
  • Texoma Medical Center
  • Highway 75 corridor
  • Grayson County
  • Fannin County
  • Cooke County


282 Gant Rd Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 814-8118

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Mike Downs Fencing has proudly provided custom fence installation throughout Sherman, Denison, Van Alstyne, Gainesville, Bonham, and North Texas since 2002. We specialize in wood privacy fences, ornamental iron, chain-link, farm and ranch fencing, and professional fence staining.
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