When it comes to fencing, wood is often the preferred choice over aluminum or vinyl. This is primarily due to its aesthetic appeal. But not all types of wood are the same. Each has its unique characteristic and varies in terms of durability, appearance, and resistance to the elements and decay.
A wooden fence also gives a more natural, classic look to the exterior of your house. The right choice of wood for a fence and the proper finishing can give your home a whole new look. The best wood for fence can give you a long-lasting, sturdy fence, provided it’s installed properly.
Wood fences also serve practical purposes such as security, noise reduction, and increased privacy. Whichever style fence you choose, such as wood lattice, board fence, or picket, will give you an aesthetic lift. So, what is the best wood for a fence?
The 5 Best Woods for a Fence
There are a few wood types that serve the purpose. Let’s look at these categories below.
Cedar
If you’re on a budget, this is one of the best wood for fence you can use. This inexpensive wood variety also boasts a natural resistance to rot and repels insects. It reacts well to paint and stains and does not turn gray quickly.
The staining also helps preserve the wood’s natural beauty. If you use a quality protective sealant, you can also effectively protect the fence from moisture and the sun’s UV rays. When applying sealant, apply in a liberal quantity along the wood’s grain and let it thoroughly dry.
Redwood
More expensive than Cedar, Redwood is also a popular wood fencing option. It compensates for its price as it’s high in quality, durable, and aesthetically appealing. Redwood also naturally resists rot and insects.
However, there are chances of damage because of exposure to the elements. Both dry conditions and moisture can damage Redwood. Freezing and Thawing can also be a potent cause of injury.
To avoid these effects, stain your fence to add to its look and longevity. Redwood is also the most extensively used wood for fencing. It’s preferred despite its high cost due to its durable, sturdy, and reliable qualities.
Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is light brown with hints of yellow and red. It has aligned even grains with several knots around it. Fir also does display a certain degree of decay and rot resistance. A protective finish can further enhance these qualities.
Fences made from Fir usually display exceptional strength and are pretty stable. If using Firwood, remember painting, sealing, and staining can always help you achieve any desired look you want.
Many fence pickets crafted from Fir are usually available with an already factory-applied finish.
Cypress
Cypress wood is one of the best wood for fence due to the natural protection it offers against insects and rot.
However, this wood variety is often on the pricey side. The primary reason for this is because Cypress trees are usually native to the southern region of the United States; hence transporting them can be costly. Similar to other wood options, staining Cypress wood can also lengthen its lifespan.
You can also easily customize Cypress wood into any look you want through sealing, staining, and painting. Cypress wood is often used as an alternative to Cedar. It also has a pleasant aroma and some knots here and there.
Pine
Pinewood is usually a popular option for fencing as its economical price and longevity. Pinewood is also soft and hence easier to work with. Another excellent quality of Pinewood is its resistance to shrinkage.
Pine also displays a natural resistance to insects, making it suitable for outdoor fencing. However, Pinewood does need to be pressure treated. The chemicals inserted into the wood through this process makes it able to resist moisture and the elements.
Buying Wood for Fence
Premium Douglas Fir Board
This Douglas Fir Lumber is available by the brand Manufacturer Direct. Custom length Douglas Fir is available at preferably 4Ft. in size. This lumber can be used for various purposes such as decks, landscaping, and other outdoor projects.
This lumber is safe and environmentally friendly when used correctly. This lumber is affordable and also adds value to your home. It is easy to maintain and easily holds on to its beauty and structure.
Cedar Lumber Board – Solid Hardwood
This Cedar lumber board measures 6×7.25×0.75 inches. This section of cedarwood is finished on three sides which are the top and two sides. This wood section can be used for multiple purposes such as home improvement tasks, installation projects, and also furniture building.
This is a lightweight wooden piece that is low maintenance. It is easy to work with and naturally resists moisture and decay.
Premium Redwood Board
This premium Redwood board measure 2×6 inches and can reach a custom length of 5 ft. Not only is this piece of Redwood affordable it also ups the value of your home. It requires easy maintenance with which it can easily retain its structure and beauty.
This Redwood board can also be used for outdoor projects where it reacts well to the elements. The piece is derived from sustainable foresting practices. The forests are environmentally managed and renewable.
Our Final Thoughts
When choosing the best wood for a fence, consider several factors, such as the local weather, the look you want, and the budget. If you live in a climate where the temperature shifts nominally between the summer and winter seasons, durability might not be a big issue.
However, durability is a larger concern in areas that receive a dramatic change in temperature, from blazing hot summers to freezing winters. If you don’t want to spend a significant amount, Pinewood for fencing is a good option.
If you are willing to pay more and want to avoid maintenance costs in the future, Redwood or other similar opportunities may be better.
