Wood Fence Installation in Portland, OR
A cedar fence is still the most popular fence in the Portland metro, and the one most often built with cheap wood. We build every wood fence with Grade 1 or better western red cedar, stainless steel fasteners and posts set in concrete, in five styles, and we back the work with a written warranty.
- Grade 1 or better cedar on every fence, no upcharge
- Stainless steel fasteners, no rust streaks
- Limited 3-year workmanship warranty, 5 years on premium builds


Grade 1 Cedar on Every Fence
Cedar is sold in grades, and the grade decides how the fence looks in five years. Most fence companies build with Grade 2, often called builder grade. We build with Grade 1 or better on every fence, and we do not charge extra for it.
| Grade | What you get | Who uses it |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 2 (builder grade) | More knots and wood defects, uneven color and grain, and more warping, twisting and cracking in a wet climate | Most fence contractors |
| Grade 1 | Fewer knots, more consistent color, less warping, twisting and cracking | Our standard on every fence |
| Clear cedar | Almost knot-free, a smooth and uniform face, ages more evenly and lasts the longest | Our premium upgrade, ideal for horizontal and high-end builds |
Our cedar comes from trusted local suppliers. In Portland, where a fence soaks all winter and dries all summer, the difference between Grade 2 and Grade 1 is the difference between boards that stay flat and boards that cup and twist.
Five Cedar Fence Styles We Build
Every style is built with the same Grade 1 cedar, stainless fasteners and posts set in concrete. The style is about the look and how much privacy you want.
Vertical Cedar
The timeless privacy fence. Works with any house and follows a sloped yard well.
Horizontal Cedar
A modern look with long, clean lines. Pairs beautifully with clear cedar.
Good Neighbor (Shadowbox)
Boards alternate sides, so both yards get the finished face. Lets some air through while keeping privacy.
Board on Board
Overlapping boards leave no gaps, even after the cedar dries and shrinks. The most private wood fence we build.
Hog Wire
A cedar frame around welded wire panels. Marks the line and holds pets while keeping your view open.
Upgrades That Make a Cedar Fence Last
| Lifetime steel posts | Steel posts in place of wood posts. Pre-galvanized G90 steel that will not rot at the ground line, where wood posts fail first. Can be hidden behind cedar so the fence still looks all wood. Limited lifetime warranty. |
| Top rail cap | A cap board along the top that shields the end grain of every picket from rain. Cuts down on cupping and warping, and gives a clean finished edge. Our most popular upgrade. |
| Kick board | A board along the bottom that keeps the pickets off wet soil, stops dogs from digging under, and stiffens the whole fence. |
| Post caps | Shield the tops of the posts from water. A small add-on with a big effect on the look. Available in black metal, cedar and copper. |
| Post trim | Cedar trim that covers the exposed posts for a more finished, high-end look. |
Wondering whether steel posts are worth it under a wood fence? Our guide to a wood fence with metal posts explains why posts fail first in Portland soil.
Three Ways to Build It
Most homeowners pick one of three cedar packages. We price yours after we measure, and you can mix and match upgrades.
Standard
- Grade 1 premium cedar boards
- Heavy-duty pressure-treated posts set in concrete
- Stainless steel fasteners
- Limited 3-year workmanship warranty
Upgraded
- Everything in Standard
- Top rail cap
- Post caps
- Front post trim board
Premium
- Clear cedar boards
- Lifetime steel posts (limited lifetime warranty)
- Top rail cap, post caps, front and back post trim
- Limited 5-year workmanship warranty
How We Build a Wood Fence
Most wood fences fail in two places: the posts rot where they meet the ground, and cheap boards twist as they soak and dry. Everything about how we build is aimed at those two problems.
Posts. Heavy-duty pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact, set in concrete, or lifetime steel posts that cannot rot.
Fasteners. Stainless steel on every cedar fence. Ordinary nails react with the natural oils in cedar and leave black streaks.
Crew. Fence specialists, not handymen. Every installer has at least five years of fence experience and is background-checked.
Before we dig. We request utility locates through Oregon 811 at least two business days ahead, as state law requires for any digging, fence posts included.
A well-built cedar fence typically lasts 15 to 25 years. Grade 1 cedar, good posts and a fresh coat of stain every few years push it toward the long end. Our guide on how to stain a fence covers the upkeep.

Wood vs Other Fence Types
| Cedar | Vinyl | Chain link | Colorbond steel | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, natural, customizable | Clean and uniform | Simple and functional | Modern, sleek |
| Privacy | Excellent | Excellent | Low, unless slats are added | Excellent |
| Upkeep | Stain every few years (optional) | Rinse with a hose | Very little | Very little, nothing to stain |
| Starting cost | Medium | Higher than cedar | Lowest | Higher up front |
| Best for | Privacy and curb appeal | Privacy with no upkeep | Pets, big lots, budget | Privacy with a modern look |
See each one in detail: vinyl fence, chain link fence and Colorbond steel fence. For budget, read what a fence costs in Portland.
Ready for a Cedar Fence That Stays Straight?
Tell us about your yard. We will measure, walk you through styles, packages and upgrades, and check your city's height rules before anything is ordered. Free quotes, no pressure.
Get a Free QuoteTrusted by Families Across Portland & Vancouver
From clean installations to long-lasting quality, homeowners choose Gorilla Works because we do things the right way, with honesty, care, and craftsmanship that speaks for itself. Hereβs what people are saying about working with our team.
β β β β β Β Excellent 5.0 Β Β·Β 35 Google reviews
Excellent craftsmanship, professional, fast and very respectful of your property. The crew was awesome.
5 star experience! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fencing or window contractor. Love their lifetime window warranty program.
David was well informed and got us the best deal on our fence!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about materials, pricing, or installation? Here are the answers homeowners ask us most.
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