WRC vs. CRC: Choosing the Right Cedar Fence for Your Property in Colorado

Side-by-side image of WRC (Western Red Cedar) and CRC (Cryptomeria Cedar or Japanese Cedar) pickets

What Are WRC and CRC Fence Pickets?

When selecting cedar fencing, two terms you may see in your estimate or contract are

WRC and CRC:

• WRC stands for Western Red Cedar, a premium-grade material known for durability, insect resistance, and natural beauty.

• CRC refers to Cryptomeria Cedar, sometimes called Japanese Cedar, which offers a cost-effective alternative with solid performance when properly maintained.

Both are popular in the Colorado market, and both are available from First Rate Fence.

Key Differences Between WRC and CRC

Feature	Western Red Cedar (WRC)	Cryptomeria Cedar (CRC)
Botanical Name	Thuja plicata	Cryptomeria japonica
Region	Pacific Northwest, USA/Canada	Japan / Southeast USA
Color	Red to pinkish-brown	Light brown to tan
Grain	Tight, straight	Wider, sometimes varied
Weight	Lightweight	Slightly lighter
Rot Resistance	Excellent	Good to moderate
Insect Resistance	Very high	Fair to good
Durability	15–30 years untreated	10–20 years untreated
Cost	Higher	20–30% lower than WRC
Maintenance	Minimal if left to silver; can be stained	May need more finish to protect from weathering
Availability	Readily available	Increasingly common at big-box stores

 Which One Is Best for You?

We believe both WRC and CRC are excellent materials—with different strengths:

• Choose WRC if you want maximum longevity, minimal maintenance, and natural beauty.

• Choose CRC if you’re looking for a more budget-conscious option and don’t mind periodic maintenance.

In both cases, proper installation makes all the difference. We ensure that your fence—regardless of the material—is installed to perform in Colorado’s unique climate.

 Why We Offer Both (and Leave the Choice to You)

As a professional fence installer serving Colorado, we’re committed to transparency and customer education. We install both WRC and CRC because each has a place in the market—and only you can decide which is right for your goals, budget, and expectations.

By sharing this guide, we aim to protect our customers from confusion and make our process even more transparent. We're also protecting your investment by helping you understand what you're buying—and what you can expect over time.

 Summary: WRC vs. CRC Fence Pickets

• WRC = Premium performance, higher cost, great for long-term installs

• CRC = Cost-effective, good for short- to mid-term installs with periodic upkeep

• We install both—and we’re happy to help you decide.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to schedule your free site check and fence or gate estimate.