Surrey Cedar FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Does Surrey Cedar deliver?

With over 30 years of experience in shipping & logistics, we can deliver anywhere in the world. We offer numerous shipping options within the Metro Vancouver/Fraser Valley regions including flat bed and crane truck delivery. Contact us for details.

Do you sell to the public?

Yes, we have two lumber yards in the Vancouver and Fraser Valley markets. Click here for locations

Do you make custom size fence panels?

Standard is 8-foot built on jig. Custom sizes are available, but are often time-consuming (and therefore pricey). It’s generally more cost-effective to buy a panel and trim it down.

How high can I build my fence?

We recommend verifying this information with your local city hall. The largest panels we carry in stock measure 6′ in height, as this complies with local building codes.

Is it best to cement my posts in the ground? If so, how much cement should I use?

We have found it is best to cement the fence posts in the ground. It is important that you tamp the ground firmly as you are replacing the dirt and rocks in order to make the post as structurally sound as possible. Normally, we recommend one 55lb bag of premixed cement per post hole.

How deep should I set my fence posts in the ground?

18 to 24-inches deep.

What is the difference between T&G Boards and S1S2E Boards?

T&G (Tongue and Groove) boards ‘lock’ into each other. S1S2E (Smooth 1 Side, 2 Edges) boards have flat edges and ‘butt’ up against one another. T&G is therefore stronger, prevents sagging and is more durable. All of our cedar panels are built with T&G boards. We also have thicker T&G boards for sound proofing.

What is the difference between pre-cut and pre-fab?

Pre-cut: all the components come in a bundle package ready to be built. Nothing is pre-“built” or put together – just pre-cut. Full assembly will require some additional materials. An instruction/building manual is included in the package.

Pre-fabricated: the walls come already built in the package. Essentially, the only steps required are to stand it up and put the roof on. While this option comes at an additional cost, it allows for a lot of customizability and is a much easier approach.

How do I protect my wood?

Staining your wood with a solid, semi-transparent, or translucent stain will prolong the life of your cedar structures. This should be done immediately after installation. It’s recommended to sand the surface before staining.

When is it safe to stain?

The weather is usually the deciding factor with staining. With most stains the drier the wood the better, however, there are some water-born stains that can be applied when the wood is wet. It is best to check the product specifications before applying any stain.

How often should I stain?

The life of each type of stain depends on the weather and its exposure (southern, northern). There are 3 basic types of stain:

• Solid stain – lasts approximately 5 to 7 years
• Semi-transparent stain – lasts 3 to 5 years
• Translucent stain – lasts 1 to 2 years

Can I stain my pressure treated posts right away?

No. There is too much preservative in the posts to allow any stain to penetrate into the wood. We advise waiting until the green color starts to fade before staining.

What types of payment do you accept?

Cash, cheque, Debit Card, Visa or MasterCard.

If I am having material delivered, can I pay once the material arrives?

All deliveries must be prepaid. We accept cash, E-Transfer, Debit Card, Visa/MasterCard

I’m from Washington state. What form of payment do you take?

Cash, Debit Card, Visa and MasterCard.