What is the best wood for fencing?
The best wood for fencing can vary depending on local climate, budget, and visual appeal. A homeowner can select cedar or pressure-treated pine by evaluating the visual appeal and practical benefits they want to achieve. Various wooden fence types function as solutions for privacy needs as well as noise reduction and security protection. Wood fences provide multiple benefits when it comes to their design and construction methods. Pickett fences, ranch rail fences, and wood lattice, and privacy fences along with horizontal board fences represent the five most common design options.
There is a fencing design to suit your individual household needs. The selection of fencing wood depends on what would serve your home best. Summit Fence has developed this guide to assist you in selecting the right wood type based on your particular requirements and personal tastes.
Which wood species represent the top choices for fencing construction?
Fences made with cedar posts provide natural beauty along with being fairly resistant to moisture and humidity
Cedar wood possesses outstanding moisture and rot resistance while its natural oils serve to keep insects away. In fact, the natural oil in Western red cedar protects fence posts from weather damage and termite attacks as well as decay. The fencing industry considers this particular cedar variety as the top choice for fence posts as they last longer than pressure-treated pine. We typically use this option when installing driveway gates with steel frames.
Several attractive characteristics of cedar fences exist which people commonly appreciate:
- Applying stains or paint to cedar protects it from gray discoloration while extending its lifespan.
- The application of stain acts as a protective layer to maintain wood’s original appearance.
- A sealant layer serves as protection against ultraviolet light and dampness.
Lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Ideal Climate: Wet, humid, hot, and dry climates
Maintenance Requirements: Low
Cost: Moderate to high
The use of pressure-treated wood provides an inexpensive fencing solution with durable protection
Pressure-treated pine wood represents an outstanding selection for constructing wooden fences. Different grades and species of this material display colors that range from yellow to light green. You may select color-treated wood which resembles either cedar or redwood in its appearance. Wood fence posts made from pressure-treated materials allow for painting and staining and sealing to achieve personalized finishes.
The following are the main elements that stand out in this section:
- Pressure-treated wood is durable.
- The material underwent treatment for enhancing protection against rot and termite attacks and decay resistance.
- Pressure-treated fences typically develop small amounts of shrinkage along with movement during the first installation period.
When selecting this fence wood type you will encounter moderate stability issues in comparison to redwood and western red cedar. This wood variety represents a cost-effective fencing solution that provides multiple uses.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Ideal Climate: Suited for all climates
Maintenance Requirements: Moderate
Cost: Low to moderate
At Summit Fence, we use pressure-treated pine as it is a more budget-friendly option and will withstand our Georgia climate. We always suggest painting or staining your fence 6 to 8 weeks after installation to protect it from UV rays and keep moisture out.
Which Elements Need to Be Assessed When Selecting The Ideal Wood Type For Fencing?
The selection of fence wood depends on various elements which you should understand before learning about the most common fence wood materials.
1. Local Weather
When evaluating what is the best wood for fencing, we need to look at local weather conditions. These are essential considerations to determine which wood will withstand the obstacles.
- Â Which type of weather pattern, between rain and dryness, does your region experience?
- Are your temperatures hitting freezing points or going beyond 100 degrees?
- Does the weather in your region remain steady or does it experience wide fluctuations?
- Get in touch with Summit Fence experts to determine which wood type suits your project needs. With 35 years of expertise, our team of professional estimators will guide you toward the best selection.
2. Wood Species & Vulnerability to Insects
Termites can damage different types of wood. You should be aware of the different wood species that are vulnerable to insect infestation while choosing the best wood for fencing. Avoid choosing wood that has not undergone pressure treatment or has not natural repellent properties. Pressure-treated wood is highly-resistant to termites but it is not immune.
3. Budget
Everyone has a budget. And your budget is going to affect which type of fence you can afford. If you have a limited budget, it is highly likely that you may not want to choose the longest-lasting and sturdiest option, such as a fence made out of all cedar or cypress wood.
Contact one of our pros at Summit Fence to discuss which is the best wood for fencing and for your project. We will help you make the right choice. We have 35 years of experience providing custom fence installation to our clients.
Want to see examples of the wood fences we have installed? Check out our Facebook or Instagram pages!
