Cedar vs. Chain Link Fencing in Alaska

Cedar and chain link are the two most popular fence materials in Alaska — and for good reason. Both perform well in our extreme climate, but they serve very different needs. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide.

Quick Comparison

When Cedar Wins

Cedar fencing is the clear winner when you need:

• Privacy — a solid cedar fence blocks sight lines completely. Board-on-board styles eliminate even the gaps between boards.
• Aesthetics — cedar's warm, natural grain is objectively more attractive. It transforms a yard.
• Property value — real estate agents consistently say cedar fences add measurable value to Alaska homes.
• Sound reduction — cedar panels absorb and deflect noise from roads, neighbors, and wildlife.
• HOA compliance — most Wasilla HOAs and upscale Anchorage subdivisions specifically require or prefer cedar.

Western red cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects — it contains thujaplicin oils that act as natural preservatives. In Alaska, this means cedar holds up without chemical treatment, which matters for households with children and pets.

When Chain Link Wins

Chain link is the better choice when you need:

• Budget-friendly fencing — at $15-35/ft vs. $35-65/ft, chain link costs 50-60% less than cedar.
• Maximum durability — galvanized chain link lasts 25-40 years with essentially zero maintenance. No staining, no sealing, no board replacement.
• Snow performance — snow passes through the mesh instead of piling against it. This matters in Anchorage's 75+ inches of annual snowfall.
• Wind performance — wind passes through, reducing the sail effect that topples solid fences during Chinook wind events.
• Pet containment on a budget — the #1 reason homeowners choose chain link. Dogs can see out (less anxiety), and the fence keeps them in.
• Large properties — fencing an acre or more with cedar is extremely expensive. Chain link makes large perimeters affordable.

The Alaska Factor

Here's what most comparison articles miss — they're written for the Lower 48. In Alaska, these factors tip the scales:

• Staining window is short — cedar needs staining every 2-3 years, but you can only stain in June-August when it's warm and dry enough for proper cure. Miss the window and you wait another year.
• UV exposure is intense — Alaska's summer sun (18-22 hours/day) fades untreated cedar in a single season. Budget for stain when you budget for cedar.
• Frost heave affects both equally — posts must go 42-48" deep regardless of material. This is the biggest cost driver in Alaska fencing, and it's the same for both. Learn more in our frost heave guide.
• Board replacement is common — individual cedar boards crack and split from temperature cycling (-20F to +70F). Plan on replacing 2-5 boards per year on a typical fence. Chain link has no equivalent replacement need.

The Hybrid Approach

Many Alaska homeowners use both materials strategically:

• Cedar privacy fence in the backyard where you spend time
• Chain link on the sides and back where it borders undeveloped land or alleys
• Chain link perimeter on large properties with cedar accent around the house

This approach gives you privacy where it matters and budget-friendly security everywhere else. We install hybrid fence systems regularly — it's one of our most common project types in Eagle River where properties are larger.

Our Recommendation

After 30+ years of installing both in Alaska:

• Choose cedar if privacy, aesthetics, and property value are your priorities and you're willing to maintain it.
• Choose chain link if budget, durability, and low maintenance are your priorities.
• Choose both if you want the best of both worlds on a realistic budget.

Either way, the installation quality matters more than the material. A well-installed chain link fence will outperform a poorly installed cedar fence every time. Read our installation guide to understand what proper installation looks like in Alaska.