Western red cedat for fabulous fences

r r r ESTERN red cedar fence proUU jects offer a dealer an opportunity to merchandise and promote not only cedar, but other items such as nails, hardware and finishes.

Fencing designs and styles are virtually unlimited, thanks to the variety of western red cedar fencing products available. And, because of its natural phenol preservatives and cell structure, western red cedar will provide your customers with years of durability and good looks.

Story at a Glance

Ways to sell more fence mate rials.. various designs for display. benefits to point out to shoppers . . . cross merchandising's part.

You can recommend western red cedar fencing products in either clear or knotty grades. Clear cedar offers a fine appearance, with limited characteristics such as knots and other markings. Knotty cedar features the same durability and workability as the clear products, but at a lower cost. Knotty products provide a more rustic look.

Samples of various fence designs will help your customers determine the style they wish to build. Panels of various designs or photos should be located near the fence materials. Cross merchandising of nails, hardware and finishes will complete the project selling concept.

One of the more popular fence designs you can showcase is the traditional board fence. This fence uses standard dimension cedar lumber for framing, and one-inch boards placed vertically for slats. Since boards are available in widths ranging from four to 12 inches, the possibilities for the look your customers desire are greatly expanded.

For a variation, the boards can be installed horizontally. This design, which requires longer board lengths, provides an interesting look.

The addition of cedar lattice panels and decorative posts dresses up a fence. Pre-constructed framed lattice panels, placed at the top of the fence, are good suggestions for builders and do-it-yourselfers alike. Sheets of lattice can be cut and sized to individual needs. Or, your customer may have his own cedar lattice design in mind.

Ordinary posts can be modified to provide a professional look. The tops can be beveled, or cut at a 45-degree angle. Post caps can be created by attaching squares cut from cedar boards which are smaller or larger than the post.

In its natural state, western red cedar's color features warm brownred tones. If left to weather naturally, it will gradualiy turn to silver-grey. While western red cedar is naturally resistant to decay, application of stains or paints should be suggested to provide a longer service life and complement the color of the home exterior.

Western red cedar fences and other outdoor accessories, such as benches, planters and decks, offer profitable opportunities for additional sales and cross merchandising. Nails, hardware, cement, paints and finishes are essential to anv cedar outdoor project.