What Is The Best Wood For Fencing?

For a home or a business, a wooden fence is a practical choice with a natural look. There are so many varieties of fencing to choose from, from the classic picket fence to more solid designs that give privacy and security. With all the choices of wood available, it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed. Here’s some advice on the best kinds of wood to use for your fencing project.

Cedar

Cedar is a very popular choice for fencing for a number of reasons. It’s a wood with a pretty red hue, few knots, and resistance to the warping or shrinking that other woods do. It’s also naturally resistant to decay and insect pests. But there are weaknesses. The red color is known to fade to gray after a few years, and when cedar is planted in moist soil it will probably rot after a few years. Fence manufacturers do favor cedar but tend to plant the posts into concrete or use treated wood for the posts. To preserve the wood’s reddish hue, be sure to use a proper wood seal right after construction, and once a year after that, if possible.

Redwood and Teak

Redwood and teak woods are soft, yet strong and durable. They’re also known for their luster, and resistance to shrinking, warping, insects and decay. Since they’re more expensive than other woods, they’re not often used for large fences. As with cedar, be sure to seal it after setup, and annually thereafter.

Treated Wood

Pressure-treated and chemically-treated woods are popular for their moderate cost, as well as its resistance to moisture and insects. One drawback is that they are more likely to twist or warp compared to cedar, redwood or teak woods. Instead of ordering a shipment of treated wood planks, it’s a better idea to pick each piece based on its condition and avoid misshapen, over-soft or greenish boards. This process does take more time and effort, but will avoid you having to get some planks replaced in the future.

Cypress

With its appealing grain and coarse texture, cypress is a distinctive wood native to the southern states, which makes it a pricey order for northern locations due to shipping costs. The benefits of cypress woods are their resistance to rot and insects.

Oak

There are dozens of varieties of oak wood in North America but they’re generally known for their strength and durability. They have a bit more knots than cedar woods. Oak woods come in a variety of colors but they typically have a lighter hue that darkens after years of exposure to sun and rain. Stains can darken the color quite a bit too so keep that in mind. Using a natural oil can add shine and preserve the wood’s natural color without darkening it too much.

Douglas Fir

Some people associate the conifer Douglas Fir with Christmas but they make for good fences too. This is mostly for their durability and strength. They also have respectable resistance to moisture. The color varies but it typically looks light brown with a touch of red and/or yellow. They’re very common in the pacific northwest.

Pine

Pine is known as a long-lasting wood despite its low to moderate cost. Its softness makes it easy to work with.

Tropical Hardwoods

Some buyers opt for tropical hardwoods for their durability, strength, density, and for their distinctive appearance. Of course, since they’re being shipped a long way (and they tend to be quite heavy) they can be very expensive. Another thing to consider is that some tropical woods may be logged from endangered rainforests, so be sure to investigate the woods’ origins before making your purchase.

Composite Fencing

Composite fencing material is made from wood by-products and recycled plastics which, along with its longevity, make it a very eco-friendly choice. It can be treated to resemble different varieties of wood, which makes it stylistically versatile as well.

Since 1900, the Mans family has served the lumber and building material needs of the Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor communities. Nicholas August Mans began selling coal and peat in the Downriver community of Trenton, Michigan. His business quickly expanded throughout Southeast Michigan, eventually including four lumberyards, two kitchen and bath design showrooms, floor coverings, kitchen flooring, a finished carpentry and millwork shop and an installed products division.

The Mans family continues to operate Mans Lumber and Millwork with the same customer-centered values on which N.A. Mans built his business. Mans employees undergo continuous education and training to ensure that customers have access to the latest product information and building techniques.