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Wooden fences can benefit any property by establishing boundaries, adding security and privacy, keeping pets and livestock safe and increasing property value. When deciding which wood fencing materials are right for your project, consider your budget, the qualities of the wood, the type of fence you’re building and its purpose.
Choosing the best lumber for a fence isn’t as simple as choosing the cheapest deal or your preferred color. Consider the following criteria before you make a decision:
Wood Fence Installation
?Find ProsWhen it comes to fencing material options, there are seven popular hardwoods, softwoods and composites options. Opt for termite-resistant softwoods like redwood if this pest is prevalent in your area, or go for dense hardwoods like ipe if weather extremes and rot resistance are your biggest concerns.
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Pine is an inexpensive softwood that’s a popular garden fencing option. It takes stains well but looks just as rustically charming when left unstained.
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Cedar is an attractive, close-grained softwood with distinctive knots. Moderately priced, cedar has a more refined appearance than pine.
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Cypress is another low-budget wooden fence material if the wood is young. The older the cypress, the more costly it becomes. It’s pale and easy to stain to any hue and has an interesting, less-uniform grain pattern than cedar and pine with fewer knots.
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Redwood is costly but attractive. It’s sound, distinctive and doesn’t require staining.
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Ipe is a strong, extremely sturdy hardwood that comes in a wide variety of colors. It has many natural properties that protect against pests and exposure, making it a popular fencing material.
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Balau, also known as batu, is a tropical Taiwanese hardwood that’s prized for its longevity; deep, rich color; and uniform, knot-free appearance.
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Composite is an amalgamation of plastic, paper pulp and wood fiber. Often made from recycled materials, it’s a popular, environmentally friendly option.
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Wood Fence Installation
?Find ProsIf you can’t decide which wood is best for your project, or you’re stuck between two options, such as cedar vs. pine, hire a fencing professional or talk to a local fencing installer to discuss your options.
Ipe is a great choice for any fence but outlasts most other common woods as horizontal fences because it can withstand exposure to the elements and is resistant to twisting and warping. This tropical hardwood works well in harsh climates and, when used in horizontal installations, brings a particularly high-end look with its close, uniform grain.
Redwood is a popular choice for vertical fences as it has a long lifespan and is resistant to rot, fungus and pests, including termites. It’s also high in natural oils, so it repels moisture, even if it’s not sealed. This sturdy, durable wood is dense and unlikely to twist, warp or splinter, so the long, straight lengths necessary for tall vertical fencing remain strong and rigid for years with minimal maintenance.
Softwoods such as pressure-treated pine are solid options for fence posts. Pine is comparatively cheap and is resistant to termites and other pests. Additionally, the third of the post buried below the ground doesn’t rot as quickly as other woods. Tropical hardwoods such as ipe and balau also do well as fence posts, resisting below-ground rot and withstanding high winds and storms. However, they are so hard that they require special drill bits and saw blades. For best results, all drilling and cutting needs to be finished before the post is in the ground.
Cedar is a smart choice for privacy fences. It’s long-lasting, has a tight, uniform grain with few knots, and doesn’t warp or shrink. It’s reasonably lightweight and DIY friendly, helping you save on the cost of fence repair or installation. This affordable, budget-friendly softwood can last up to 30 years.
Redwood performs well for fence rails. It’s resistant to insects and rot. Plus, it’s strong enough that it won’t sag and can withstand being pulled at or climbed on. Redwood doesn’t shrink or warp and requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for a boundary fence that will receive little attention.
Cedar is popular for picket fencing because it’s affordable, DIY friendly and naturally insect repellant. It’s durable but still requires cleaning and yearly maintenance to keep it in the best possible condition. You can seal, stain or paint it to get the classic white picket fence or go for a more natural look.
Pine or cedar are the top choices for horse fences. These softwoods are resistant to insects and have a reasonable life expectancy. If you’re building horse fencing, you’ll likely need a considerable amount of material, so it makes sense to minimize costs, and both of these woods are budget-friendly and strong.
Wood Fence Installation
?Find ProsEach type of wood has a different lifespan. Cedar is the longest-lasting softwood, with a lifespan of 30+ years, if properly maintained. Ipe is the longest-lasting hardwood, with a life expectancy of up to 75 years in the right conditions.
Cedar, redwood, and pine are popular softwood fencing materials. The best hardwoods for fencing are ipe and balau.
Installing a wooden fence can range between $1,600 and $4,000, depending on the materials and cost of labor. Use the fencing cost estimator to find out how much your home improvement project costs.
Wood Fence Installation
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