Choosing The Right Wood Fence For Your Home
When you look at the different types of fencing you will quickly see that wood fencing is one of the most popular types of material used in fence construction and there are a few main reasons for this.
The remainder of this comprehensive Fence Guides article will cover the advantages of wood fencing in general as well as the most common types of wood used and the reasons for using it.
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Examining The Types Of Wooden Fence
Wooden fences are available in a few main types, these are covered in more detail within the types section of our Fence Guides website. In general though, the most common types of fencing usually seen in wood include:
- The Split Rail Fence – Often provides a more traditional look to home, but it provides little to no privacy on it’s own
- The Privacy Fence – As the name suggests these offer the most amount of privacy from most wood fence types, however it’s strongly advised you speak with an AFA contractor on any state height restrictions before having a privacy fence installed
- The Wood Dip Fence – The wood dip fence is meant to add a more aesthetically pleasing twist to the standard board fence by adding a curve to the top of the fence
- The Picket Fence – The picket fence, like the split rail fence offers a more traditional look for your home, but just like the split rail it offers little or no privacy on it’s own
- The Board Fence – A board fence offers the most in the way of privacy, they are often high and imposing, great to keep prying eyes out but not the best aesthetically
Each of these types serve their own purpose, which you choose will be dependent upon your budget and any specific requirements you have. It’s always worth getting a set of free estimates from local AFA contractors, rather than relying on your own research.
Main Advantages Of A Wooden Made Fence
Wood is certainly one of the most popular fencing options for new construction and replacement projects, since wood provides both an attractive and practical way to create a boundary around your property. Several major advances in fence construction have meant that wooden fences now last a lot longer than they used to, they are less susceptible to rotting & warping and are extremely durable due to the fact that steel posts are often used in place of traditional wood.
Perhaps one of the biggest positives of using wood in fence construction though is that the overall look of the fence can be altered with a simple coat of paint or stain.
In short, the main advantages of a wooden fence include:
- A relatively low cost in comparison to other materials
- Can be customized and painted to match individuality needs and properties
- Is easy to repair and maintain over time
- Can provide the maximum amount of privacy
- Environmentally friendly in comparison to most fence materials
Main Disadvantages Of A Wooden Made Fence
Whilst wood fences are probably the most popular, they still have their own disadvantages associated with them, these include just some of the following:
- Lifespan of a wooden fence is usually limited to a maximum of 15 years before it needs replacing
- Ongoing maintenance is required to maintain the upkeep and integrity of your fence
- Wood is vulnerable to rot and insect damage
- Warranties are often shortened or non-existant with a wood fence
Kinds Of Wood Used In Wooden Fence Construction
At present the following kinds of wood are most commonly used in the construction of a wooden fence:
- Redwood
- Cedar Wood, including the northern and western varieties
- White wood, including pine, fir and spruce
Redwood is a naturally beautiful wood which makes a great fence. This type of wood lasts well over time due to the fact that it will undergo minimal warping and cracking, making it a great choice for the long term.
Cedar is commonly known as one of the worlds most durable woods, being insect resistant and good in al weather conditions makes it a good long lasting choice for fencing. One major benefit of cedar over other woods is that it exceeds the majority of safety specifications set out in the U.S, meaning it’s often used in fire prone areas.
White woods such as pine, fir and spruce are especially popular options in fence construction due to their overall aesthetically pleasing appearance. All three types of wood are durable and last well in all weather conditions. However, our comparison of pine vs cedar wood covers the main differences between the two.
Working Out The Cost Of Your Wooden Fence
Calculating the overall cost of your wooden fence can be a challenge without knowing the specific size of the area you want it installed, the area of the U.S you live within and any personalized work you want such as lattice work or post caps. For that reason we recommend you take a few seconds to visit our Fence cost comparison page or fill out our form and get 3-5 free estimates from a local contractor who will be able to help you determine the overall cost of your fencing project.