WHAT IS THE BEST WOOD FOR FENCING

Once you’ve made the decision to put a fence in your front or back yard you next need to decide on what kind of material you want to use. There are many different options when it comes to fence materials, but many home owners stick with the tried and true natural wood fence look to complete their home. If you decide on a wood fence there are many types of wood fences for your yard, so you’ll have to pick which style, and stain you want.

Types of Wood Fences for a Backyard

Fences have been a part of human civilization almost as long as its existed, and one of the oldest is the classic wooden fence. So with all this time and history there are quite a numberr of wooden fences that can be used for your yard.

Red Cedar Fences

The thing about red cedar fences is they are light and soft, with a low density, and all this causes increased insulation and an easier time when transporting the wood. Naturally a coating or finish with a stain or oil will increase the durability of this kind of fence.

The appearance of red cedar is striking with grains and uniform texture, and comes with a nice distinct scent. Though, if you are sensitive to any wood related smells you may want to choose a different type of wooden fence.

Pine Wood Fence

Pinewood is a variant of softwood found naturally in the US. It’s softer than hardwood, but is resistant to shock and has a natural stiffness. This material is one of the most popular for fences and makes a great quality fence. The soft texture is easy to work with, and pine has a light color with a creamy white shade.

Though pinewood colors can come in very white or more of a yellow tone. The light colors are easier to stain with a color of your choosing, and you won’t have to apply as many coats as with other wood fences.

Pinewood is also cheaper when compared to cedar, because pine trees grow quickly. The drawback is pinewood will gain scratches more easily than other woods, which lend to an aged look as it wears into your home.

Oak Fence

Oakwood is a hardwood native to the northern hemisphere and is known for it’s high strength and durability. It usually has a lighter color with visible grain knots, making it a more distinct style. Putting a natural oil on an oakwood fence gives the material a beautiful shine in a gradient of shades. Stains on an oak fence will only darken the wood, so many times homeowners opt to leave an oak fence the original natural wood color.

There is a range of color when it comes to oak, since there are over 600 species of oak tree. They can come in light beige to brown to red, and even the same species can have a wide color range. If you do want to stain oak though red oak or white oak are the best species to choose. Oak wood has a tendency to darken in the sun over time, so keep that in mind when picking a natural wood.

Cypress Wood Fence

Cypress fences have a lighter tone as compared to other woods, but with some pockets of dark wood. Cypress wood also has coarse texture and striking straight grains. It also has a stronger wood odor much like cedarwood, but is also rot and insect resistant. These types of resistances make it a great long lasting choice, though it can be more costly than fences like pinewood. Cypress trees are native to the southern United States, so it’s a nice option for local Georgia residents.

Redwood Fencing

Redwood is the most popular wood for fencing. It’s a little more costly than other fences, but it’s known for its high quality and beautiful visual appeal that make it worth the cost. This wood also has rot and pest resistant qualities, so it’s often considered the best wood for fences by many people. Staining is recommended for this type of wood to help protect your fence from weather, moisture, and snow that could damage your fence.

What’s the Strongest Fencing? Cedar vs Redwood Fence

Two of the most popular wooden fence types have much in common, so how can you decide which to pick? For one, redwood is a bit stronger by about 20%, so it’s more durable than cedar wood. As far as cleaning, finishing, and restoration they’re about the same and both have the insect and rot resistant quality. The cost, however, is usually between 10-15% more for redwood than cedarwood, so while you get that extra durability it comes with a higher price point. Which ever you choose, both are an excellent choice for a backyard fence or front yard fence and make your home look that much better.

Long Lasting Fence

Material is the first consideration when picking a wood fence, but you should also consider the treatment based on how the weather is in your area. UV protection preserves the natural color of the wood longer. Cleaning and refinishing the fence every other year helps maintain the integrity of wood over the years.

In order to ensure your fence lasts the longest you will want it installed correctly to limit wood to soil exposure and safeguard against rot. An average wooden fence lasts between 10 to 30 years dependent on how well it is installed, the type of wood and how well it’s maintained. A professional fence company can help install fences to make them last and determine the best wood for your house’s needs.

Different Wood Fence Styles

Wood Picket Fence

Everyone is familiar with the wood picket fence, usually about 3 or 4 feet high and with pointy topped pickets. The planks are spaced generously and these kinds of fences are most often found in a front yard, or for a garden.

Post and Rail Fences

A more inexpensive style of fence, they are most often used pen livestock or make a stylistic property line marker to indicate boundaries.

Wood Lattice Fences

This is one beautiful type of fence that allows light and air to pass through and If you have a climbing plant it’s just right. They are best for gardens, decks, patios and pools.

Louver Fences

These are vertically stacked wooden boards used for privacy while still allowing some airflow through the thin openings.

Vertical Board Fence

This kind of fence is one of the most common in a backyard to provide privacy, block the wind and in general secure your property.

Choosing the Best Wood Fence Material & Style

While redwood is the strongest wood on this wood fence materials list, it may not be the best suited for your home. It all comes down to the local climate, your personal taste, and what fits in your budget. If you don’t necessarily need the most durable fence in the world since the local climate is mild without huge shifts in temperature, pinewood may be the right choice. If there are frequent storms, freezing winters, and sizzling temperatures then you may look at durability as a requirement.

Cedarwood is a good middle of the road option for a decent price with decent durability that continues to be one of the mot popular selections. At the end of the day you’ll have to assess all these factors when picking your wood fence material. Chamblee Fence can assist you in your selection, and give you our advice on which fence may suit your home the best. We also offer free instant quotes and professional installation. You can contact us here today.