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Make The Best Decision: Purchasing a Quality Wood Fence

Purchasing a quality wood fence is the most crucial part you will need to decide on. Wood has always been the most popular choice for durable fencing all across the country. Wood is a classic and timeless choice and looks great no matter what house design you already have. There are a lot of types of designs that you would not find from other fence materials.

Different Types of Fences Made From Wood

There are different types of wood fences, and they vary depending on the function of your fence.

Wood Picket Fences

Wood picket fences are best for front yards, gardens, or pool enclosures. You can put them up to be between three and four feet high for privacy and security.

Post and Rail Fences

You can install these for setting boundaries and enclosing properties. This can remind you of farms or other rural areas. Post and Rail fences are inexpensive since their traditional use was for holding livestock.

Wood Lattice Fences

Lattice wooden fences are great for decks, patios, pools, or gardens. The crisscross design sets this fencing apart from other patterns. It also allows enough light and air to pass through, making it perfect for privacy fences.

Louver Fences

Vertical louvers or staggered boards are one of the best options for pools, patios, decks, and parking pads. It also provides privacy, while letting enough ventilation to go through the fences.

Vertical Board Fences

Do you live in a noisy neighborhood? Say goodbye to hearing your noisy neighbors. Vertical board fences work best against wind and noise projection. The overlapped design can block winds during the summer.

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Popular Types of Wood

  • Cypress – Cypress is a wood that grows in southern swamps. It is like cedar when it comes to its affordable price and ability to resist insects. There are many cypress pickets available that are around $17 in price.
  • Pine – The Southern Yellow Pine used for fences can be at least $3.70 per linear foot. It is very popular for its affordable price and sturdy qualities. It is a very good kind of wood that is easy to use for fences. You can expect that it resists shrinkage.
  • Cedar – If you are looking for low maintenance wood, you can bet on Cedar. This wood works great against pests and insects. It also has a pleasant smell that suits its cost and price. There are two common types of cedar: the Eastern White or the Western Red Cedars. You can buy cedar for about 6.50 dollars to 27.50 dollars.
  • Redwood – Is arguably the most extensively used type of wood for wood fencing and even though it comes at a high cost, redwood’s quality, durability, and aesthetic value make it among the best options. This kind of redwood is a great stable and sap free source of wood for fencing. You can buy a picket made from cypress to be around $17.50 per linear foot. If you really want a cypress

Cost-Effective Fencing Options: Engineered Wood Fences

  • Vinyl Fences – These fences are made from hollow PVC posts and rails that are strengthened on the inside by metal or wood. One of the things you are sure to enjoy is that their warranties last for 20 years to forever. You would also need minimal maintenance, with just an occasional bath to clean the posts and rails. You can acquire uninstalled panels for %12 to $50 per linear foot.
  • Composite Wood Fence – These engineered wood fences are made from sawdust and plastic blend. You can also expect a long warranty for the fences; 20 to 25 years. Like common wood fences, you also need to set in concrete every 6 feet. Get the materials for between $15 to $50 per linear foot.

Other Questions To Ask Before Buying Wood

Your number one concern about wood fences is that it should last you a long time. There are a lot of factors that can affect the longevity of your wood fence: from weather, climate, insects, to rotting.

What Should I Remember About Choosing The Right Wood For My Fence?

Make your best decision about which wood to use based on the climate in your area.
The wood that is best suited for our climate would be a pressure-treated southern pine according to This Old House Ventures, LLC. Cypress is also suitable, but it can be costly to get this wood as most supply comes up north.

Make sure to also avoid using wood imported from other countries.

You may find that many kinds of woods sold by home improvement stores are actually from other countries. These kinds of wood will not be suitable for our climate and can lead to faster rotting and warping of your fence.

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Consider your personal budget for both the materials and the labor for setting up the wooden fence that you want.

If you are planning to stay in your house for the longest time possible, invest more for the most durable wood. Quality wood fence will help you save on repairs and maintenance.

You are sure to enjoy your wooden fence within ten to thirty years of installation.

You can also decide if you would value aesthetics more than durability.

You can coordinate with professional fence contractors for the best-looking wood. Once you have your fence set up, you coordinate your landscaping with your new wooden fencing.

How Thick Should The Wood Be For Different Parts Of Fences?

  • Pickets: Make sure that your pickets are at least 5/8″ thick.
  • Runners: The common 2″ by 3″ by 8″ available does not give the best horizontal support because they arch and sag.
  • Gate Posts: These should be at least 2″ by 3″ by 8′ because if you choose something less, your gates can sag. You will prevent any problems with sagging with the right kind of wood.
  • Posts: Your fence posts need to be the right 4″ by 4″ by 10′ instead of the 3″ by 3″ by 8′ landscape timbers. Investing in your fence posts will help you in the long run.

When purchasing and installing quality wood fences, you should look for expert fencing contractors that can help you. Their work is invaluable to ensuring your wood fencing will last.

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