Cedar Fence Board Sizes: Thickness, Width and What to Order

Ordering cedar fence boards sounds simple until the quote asks for thickness, width, length, grade and surface. A board described as “1x6” is a nominal size—not a promise that the finished piece measures exactly 1 inch by 6 inches. The safest order is the one that states both the product name and the dimensions your layout actually needs.

Nominal size and actual size are not the same thing

“1x6” is the trade name for a board size. Surfacing, drying and milling can reduce the final dimensions, while full-sawn or rough products may finish closer to the nominal size. That means two products sold under a similar nominal name can produce different coverage or require different fasteners and trim details.

Before you finalize spacing, ask for the actual thickness and width of the exact product being quoted. This is especially important when you are matching an existing fence, sliding boards into a routed post, building board-on-board panels or working with prefabricated hardware.

Common fence-board choices

Our cedar fencing range includes 1x6 Western Red Cedar boards in multiple lengths and grades, along with other nominal board widths. A wider board covers more area with fewer pieces, while a narrower board can make it easier to create a tighter rhythm around corners, gates or decorative sections.

• Nominal width — Why it matters: Affects the visual rhythm and board count; What to confirm: Actual face width of the quoted product

• Thickness — Why it matters: Affects stiffness, fastener selection and trim details; What to confirm: Actual finished thickness

• Length — Why it matters: Controls fence height, trimming and waste; What to confirm: Available lengths and whether ends need trimming

• Grade — Why it matters: Controls the amount and character of knots; What to confirm: Clear, knotty or another stated grade

• Surface — Why it matters: Changes texture, dimensions and finish behaviour; What to confirm: Rough, S4S, S1S2E or another milling description

Choose the surface you want to see

Surface terminology is part of the specification. The Western Red Cedar Lumber Association describes surfaced-four-sides (S4S) material as smooth and uniformly sized. It also describes S1S2E fence material as a useful option when you want a surfaced face on one side and a rough face on the other. Rough-sawn or rougher-headed cedar creates a more rustic texture.

Texture also affects finishing. A textured surface generally gives a penetrating or film-forming finish more surface to grip, while a smooth face may benefit from the preparation recommended for cedar finishes. Decide which face will be visible before the order is picked, and follow the finish manufacturer’s instructions.

Calculate board quantity from actual coverage

For a simple vertical fence, calculate the number of boards from the installed module: the actual board width plus the intended gap. Divide the total fence length in inches by that module, round up, and then add an allowance for cuts, defects and future repairs.

A board-on-board fence requires a layer-by-layer count because the back course establishes the gaps and the face course covers them. Calculate each course from the actual board width, planned gap or overlap, and panel layout; do not use a single generic coverage module. Count gates, stepped grades, corners and decorative caps separately.

Match grade to the part of the fence

Clear cedar limits visible natural characteristics and creates a refined, consistent appearance. Knotty cedar keeps more of the wood’s natural character and can be an excellent fit for a warm, casual fence. The right choice is often a design and budget decision, not a universal ranking; our guide to choosing the best cedar for a fence explains the trade-offs in more detail.

Ask whether the quoted grade applies to every board and whether one face is intended to be the appearance face. If both sides of the fence will be prominent, say so. That detail helps the supplier understand the standard you are trying to achieve.

Do not order boards without the rest of the system

Fence boards are only one part of the material list. Confirm the post size and finish, rail size and count, gate framing, cap or trim, and the hardware that will contact the cedar. For exterior cedar, corrosion-resistant fasteners such as stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized or aluminum are preferred; incompatible metals can react with cedar extractives and leave stains.

• Total fence length and finished height

• Board orientation and pattern

• Actual board thickness and width

• Gap or overlap at installation

• Surface texture and visible face

• Grade and acceptable knot character

• Length mix, gate dimensions and trim details

• Post, rail and hardware requirements

• Delivery address, access and desired timing

What to send with your quote request

A simple sketch is often more useful than a paragraph. Mark the overall runs, fence height, number and width of gates, corners, grade changes and any board-on-board sections. Our guide to planning and building a cedar fence can help organize the layout. Then list your preferred cedar grade and surface so we can confirm availability and the actual dimensions of the product being quoted.

When your sketch and cut list are ready, request a cedar quote.