Wood fences integrate well into home exteriors because they come in a variety of colors, types, and styles. They offer a natural look and are incredibly versatile: wood can be customized to almost any specification. Wood can either afford the utmost in privacy or be more open. It is the most natural of all fencing options and is easy to dispose of when it’s outlived its useful life. Most types of wood are more economical to install than vinyl or metal. While wood fencing requires periodic maintenance to keep it looking its best, the versatility of it makes wood a popular option. Wood products are carbon neutral, which means they leave no carbon footprint when taken from healthy forests.
Fences are for marking lines, defining your yard from your neighbors, for creating privacy from prying eyes, and containing the yard so your dog doesn’t leave and get hit in the road. These are essential lines to draw, and the aesthetic of them is just as important as their strength and functionality, and it will change depending on what kind of line is being drawn.
One of the most common ways of defining the lines are fences, and a general favorite for the materials is wood. The classic white picket fence, the privacy fence, etc. are all made of wood.
These Are Some Of The Types Of Wood Fencing And Their Benefits:
- Pine
Pine is a perfect fence material; it’s durable, resistant to rot and bug infestations. It’s even better when it’s been treated, but in general, it’s highly affordable. - Fir/Spruce
These are a lower grade and are usually what’s used as the prefabricated picket fence sets that are set to install right away. - Cedar
Cedar is one of the most common woods used for fences. It’s naturally full of these oils that deter insects like ants, termites, and other swarming pests that will shorten the life of a fence and therefore cost money. On top of that, it’s incredibly resistant to rot, and even more so if it’s treated correctly. Cedar is an excellent material for your wood fence. - Cypress
Like Cedar, Cypress is resistant to insect infestations and rot. In Cypress trees, the resistance comes from a chemical called cypressene, which is a naturally occurring oil in the wood which helps preserve it. The downside to cypress is that it can be much more expensive than Cedar because Cypress will only grow in specific areas of the country. The shipping and storage increase the prices quite a bit. - Redwood
Speaking of expensive, the most expensive on the list is the Redwood. It's not often recommended for wide scale projects because of its expense. The initial cost is astronomical, and it’s very high maintenance. But, it’s also really durable, and if properly maintained it will last for a long time and is the most beautiful fence material listed. It should only be used in specialized applications where regular, ongoing maintenance is an option.
Wood Grades
There are seven grades concerning lumber quality, and only about four of them are good enough to withstand the elements well enough to be a good option for a fence.
- Standard
- Better
- Quality
- Construction
- Select
- Premium
- Clear
Standard through Quality aren’t suitable to being fence wood. They won’t have any durability against the elements and will quickly fall apart and rot. Select and up are much more durable, but if you’re looking for longevity in your wood fencing, aim for the fences and get the clear grade. Your wood fence installation will last much longer by using the best grade possible.
