How Long Should A Fence Last In Ohio?
Cedar Fence installed by Mae Fence in Ohio withstanding snow in the winter.
In Ohio, how long a fence survives depends almost entirely on how it was built and what materials were used. With the right construction, a fence can last decades. With the wrong one, it can start failing in just a few years.
Ohio Is Tough on Fences
Between heavy rain, humid summers, freezing winters, and shifting soil, Ohio puts constant stress on fence posts and panels. The freeze-thaw cycle moves the ground. Moisture works its way into the wood. And wind pushes against long fence runs.
All of that adds up.
Why Some Fences Only Last 5–10 Years
Most early fence failures come down to three things:
Posts that aren’t set deep enough
Soft or low-grade wood
Materials that twist, rot, or weaken underground
Once the posts start to move or decay, gates sag, sections lean, and the fence starts to lose its shape.
What a Quality Fence Should Do
A well-built fence doesn’t just look good — it stays straight. The posts stay solid. The gates still close years later. And the panels don’t wave or sag.
That only happens when the structure below ground is built right.
How Mae Fence Builds for Long Life
At Mae Fence, we install posts deeper than the frost line and use materials designed for Ohio’s climate. Our heart-center cedar posts don’t twist or bow, and our commercial-grade vinyl framing stays rigid instead of flexing.
Cedar boards also take stain better and hold it longer, so the fence keeps its appearance as well as its strength.
That’s why our fences aren’t built to be replaced — they’re built to last.
What You Should Expect
In Ohio, a properly built cedar or vinyl fence should last 20 years or more with normal care. If a fence is failing after 5 or 7 years, something was done wrong from the start.
A fence isn’t just a project — it’s part of your home. When it’s built correctly, it should stand there doing its job for decades.