Japanese Cedar
wood fence with a sunset
we build wood fences with glass panels in southern california
wood fence with a sunset
Wood Fencing
SERVING ORANGE COUNTY & NORTH SAN DIEGO
Residential, Commercial and Industrial Grade Wood Fencing
When it comes to fencing, a Japanese Cedar fence supported by steel posts stands out as a superior choice. The inherent beauty of Japanese Cedar, known for its fine grain and rich color, is elevated by the precision craftsmanship. Steel Posts ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the fence. Japanese Cedar boasts natural termite resistance, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option compared to pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is prone to warping over time and contains chemicals that classify it as hazardous waste. Opting for Japanese Cedar with steel posts is an investment in a beautiful and durable fencing solution.
Japanese Cedar (Sugi) is grown and milled in Japan before arriving at BeachYard. Naturally engineered to thrive in harsh, salt-heavy coastal environments, thanks to a unique cellular structure that acts as built-in insulation. This provides exceptional dimensional stability, preventing the wood from warping or twisting. Historically prized in Japanese shipbuilding for being waterproof, making it an elite choice for oceanfront construction. Sugi contains natural oils and tannins that preserve the wood, repels moisture and deters termites, and carpenter ants.
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Custom Wood Fencing
wood fence with glass
framing for a wood fence build
digging and removing vegetation. overgrowth.
wood fence with glass
Glass & Wood Fence
Are you in need of a fence but also have a wonderful view. Many new home owners / dog owners on the coast face this problem of preserving the view for a home that never had a fence. We can build a redwood fence that supports glass, maintaining the view and keeping the dogs from jumping the fence at the same time. Here we cut back the overgrowth from the bushes and framed the fence from the ground up. We came back a few days later with our tempered glass and finished adding the trim pieces.
Redwood fence on top of a cmu wall. with a mud board. fence retaining soil. pressure treated.
Redwood fence on top of a cmu wall.
Redwood fence on top of a cmu wall.
Redwood fence on top of a cmu wall. with a mud board. fence retaining soil. pressure treated.
Redwood Board on Board
Beautiful and traditional Redwood Board on Board build with a kicker board / mud board at the base of the fence. The neighbors have elevated soil and needed a solution for keeping the soil at bay, without losing square footage or breaking the bank, buying a retaining wall. The low cost alternative in this case we installed brown stain "ground contact" pressure treated lumber. Then built the fence right on top. This way the redwood stays dry & not in contact with the soil or moisture.
"Beach Yard Fence"
"Beach Yard Fence"
"Beach Yard Fence"
"Beach Yard Fence"
Custom Carpentry
Our customer had a wonderful idea that came to life. Our master carpenter lead this project and created a one of a kind fence. This is a must see if you're in San Clemente. Any idea you have, our skilled carpenters can make it a reality.
Carpentry is our specialty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I maintain a wood fence?
To maintain a wood fence, regularly clean it, apply a weatherproof sealant, and inspect for damage or rot. Proper maintenance can extend its lifespan.
Why is Japanese Cedar recommended over standard woods for a coastal fence?
We completely understand the timeless appeal of a natural wood fence, but the beach environment is notoriously tough on timber. Japanese Cedar (also known as Sugi) is a premium exception. It possesses natural oils, tannins, and a tight grain structure that make it inherently highly resistant to decay, moisture, and insect damage. Compared to standard pine or spruce, Japanese Cedar offers a much stronger, natural defense against aggressive salt air and coastal humidity.
Will my Japanese Cedar fence weather or turn gray in the salt air?
Yes, and for many homeowners, this is a highly desired feature! If left untreated, the intense coastal sun and salty air will naturally weather the cedar, transforming it into a beautiful, silvery-gray patina that perfectly complements a classic beach aesthetic. If you prefer to maintain its warm, original wood tones, you can absolutely do so, but it will require a proactive maintenance routine of applying a high-quality, UV-protectant stain or clear sealer.
How much maintenance does this wood realistically need on the coast?
To be completely candid, any natural wood fence in a marine environment requires more upkeep than vinyl or aluminum. While Japanese Cedar is exceptionally durable, continuous exposure to salt spray, wind, and moisture means it is not a "set-it-and-forget-it" product. To prevent long-term warping and maximize its lifespan, we recommend gently rinsing off abrasive salt buildup a few times a year.
Why do you strictly use Type 316 stainless steel nails and screws?
To put it simply, standard hardware doesn't stand a chance against the ocean. The coastal atmosphere is loaded with moisture and salt, which quickly eats away at regular galvanized or coated screws. Type 316 is a "marine-grade" stainless steel alloy that contains molybdenum—a specific element that drastically increases resistance to rust and corrosion from harsh chlorides (salt). It is the exact same grade of steel used on boats and deep-water docks, ensuring your fence stays structurally sound against the elements.
Will the screws leave dark rust streaks down my new cedar fence?
No, and this is exactly why we insist on Type 316 fasteners! Natural woods like Japanese Cedar contain high levels of tannins. When these tannins mix with coastal moisture and come into contact with lower-grade metals (like standard steel or galvanized nails), it causes a chemical reaction resulting in ugly black or rusty-brown "rust bleed" streaking down the wood. (It looks like crying mascara on the fence.) By using premium marine-grade stainless fasteners, we completely eliminate this reaction, keeping your beautiful wood fence looking pristine.
Are marine-grade fasteners really necessary, or is it just an upsell?
We want to be completely candid: Type 316 hardware is more expensive upfront, but it is an absolute necessity for a beachfront property, not an optional upsell. If an installer uses cheaper hardware near the ocean, the fence will inevitably suffer from early structural failure as the fasteners rust and snap from the inside out. Even standard Type 304 stainless steel will eventually pit and corrode in heavy salt spray. We build our fences to last, and using uncompromising marine-grade hardware is the only way to guarantee that longevity.
