Discover the Best Types of Wood Fences: A Comprehensive Guide
Popular Types of Wood Fences
As you contemplate ways to enhance your backyard and home, consider wood fences. With various styles available, you're guaranteed to find the best one that suits your aesthetic and functional needs. Let's explore some of the popular types enjoyed by homeowners.
Privacy Fences
A Privacy fence serves a functional role but also adds an aesthetic quality. Crafted mainly with pressure-treated wood or cedar, these fences are commonly observed in neighborhoods across the USA. They come in two primary styles - standard pressure-treated wood privacy fences and cedar privacy fences. A Privacy fence ensures your yard is secured, providing much-needed solace away from prying eyes.
Picket Fences
The quintessential American dream often features a Picket Fence. Unlike a stockade fence, Picket Fences are built with flat pickets, adding to their charm. When built for privacy, the pickets are arranged adjacent to each other, thus leaving no room for prying eyes. They come in various styles, from 110 through 117, as reflected in our Wood Fence Style Sheet.
Shadowbox Fences
Shadowbox Fences, also known as Board-on-Board Wood fences, offer a unique aesthetic. Unlike conventional fences, shadowbox fences have pickets attached to both the front and back, creating a fence that looks good from either side. With the right spacing, a Shadowbox Fence can provide a premium level of semi-privacy.
Board-on-Board Fences
A derivative of the Shadowbox Fence, the board-on-board version shares many similarities with Picket Fences. Constructed with pickets on both sides, it offers the same appealing aesthetics from all angles. Notably, the fence is designed to provide privacy when the boards are locked.
Horizontal Fences
Increasingly adored by homeowners, Horizontal Fences presents a modern twist on traditional fencing. Instead of a usual vertical arrangement, the horizontal pickets give these fences a unique appeal. However, they are only sometimes suitable, as uneven or hilly terrain can pose installation challenges.
Fence Toppers and Designs
Finally, customization tops off your fencing project. Inclusively broad, our Wood Fence Style Sheet showcases the breadth of customization opportunities available - from adding lattice or pickets to your fence's top to choosing styles 220 to 229. The key to an attractive, functional, and unique fence lies in the perfect blend of style and design guided by your unique needs and preferences.
Remember, the perfect fence doesn't just define your property. It brings your home's character to the fore while satisfying functional needs. Choose the right wood fence style that matches your home's spirit and elevates its attractiveness from privacy to aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Fence
Selecting the correct type of wood is crucial when creating the perfect fence. Different types of wood offer varied aesthetics, durability levels, and costs. Let's explore three popular choices that many homeowners consider: Cedar, Redwood, Pressure-treated Pine, and Tropical Hardwoods.
Cedar and Redwood
Both cedar and redwood are attractive and resilient. These woods rank high for their beauty and durability. Cedar, well-known for its beautiful hue and natural grains, is highly resistant to weather and insects, making it an outstanding choice. A coat of paint, stain, or sealant can keep it beautiful and durable for 20 years.
Redwood, with its rich reddish hue, is moisture-resistant and has a typical lifespan of about 20 years. It's an excellent choice for homeowners who love the look of natural wood, as a transparent stain or sealant can make the wood grains stand out.
Pressure-Treated Pine
Pressure-treated pine is a cost-effective option that still offers robust durability. Treated to withstand decay, rot, and insect attacks, this wood type can last nearly two decades when well-maintained. Though it lacks the aesthetic appeal of cedar and redwood, a good paint or stain can transform its look.
It's also worth noting that pressure-treated pine, while more affordable, does not have the same stability as redwood or cedar. Each piece varies in color, depending on the species and grade of wood. Still, proper treatment can mimic the appearance of the more expensive wood types.
Tropical Hardwoods
Albeit on the pricier side, tropical hardwoods offer a luxurious feel and a unique look. Woods such as teak or ipe are dense and tough, making them resistant to weather and insects. With an array of colors and a rich, natural grain pattern, these woods are excellent choices for the discerning homeowner seeking a statement-making fence.
Prioritizing the type of wood that aligns with your budget, aesthetic preference, and durability needs is critical to maximizing your investment in a wooden fence. Whether that's the natural allure of cedar and redwood, the economical practicality of pressure-treated pine, or the high-end appeal of tropical hardwoods, taking time to evaluate your options thoroughly will help ensure that your new fence not only enhances your property's curb appeal but also stands the test of time.
Pros and Cons of Different Wood Fences
Having explored various styles of wood fences and the popular types of wood for fencing, it's time to delve deeper into each wood type's characteristics. From durability to aesthetic appeal, all these factors interplay to determine your fence's quality, longevity, and visual charm.
Durability and Maintenance
When deciding on a wood fence, the durability of the wooden material is paramount. Certain woods, such as cypress, weather well in humid and rainy environments. Cypress, native to the Southern states, is an outstanding choice due to its natural resistance to twisting and warping, even in windy conditions.
Cedar wood is another high candidate, and besides its aesthetic appeal, it attracts homeowners with its natural resistance to bugs and rot. This attribute ensures maximum protection of your fence for years to come without calling for frequent maintenance sessions. However, note that all wood types, no matter how durably built, would relish an additional layer of painting, staining, or sealing to increase their resistance against external tarnishing agents.
Cost Considerations
Though cost is a crucial factor, it should not detrimentally impact your choice of wood. The budget should mirror the quality and characteristics you desire in a wood fence. For instance, cypress wood costs an average of $29 per linear foot, including fence installation. While the cost may seem steep, it provides guaranteed resistance against environmental agents along with an easy-to-stain surface, making it worth every penny.
A more affordable option is the charming picket fence, whose materials cost considerably less, given its shorter structure. Remember, balancing cost and function will yield practical and aesthetically pleasing results.
Aesthetic Appeal
Lastly, never overlook the aesthetic value the fences add to your property. A fence type like cedar wood possesses natural beauty with its vibrant cedar color and unique aesthetics. Thanks to the shadowbox style, a privacy fence built from cedar wood poses as an attractive exterior décor, outputting a finished look from both its inside and outside.
Although a picket fence might be short, having it in a natural wood color can modernize your property's look with simplicity and charm. Further customization can be made by adjusting the gap size between the pickets to maintain pet and child safety while sustaining the fence’s appeal.
By comprehensively considering these factors, you can choose a wood fence that complements your property's aesthetic appeal while meeting your durability and financial needs.
Enhancements and Accessories for Wood Fences
When installing or enhancing a wood fence, it's not only about choosing the right type of wood. It's also about the small details and enhancements that can really make a fence stand out. These add-ons not only improve the fence's aesthetic, but they can also enhance functionality and longevity. Let's delve into two popular options: lattice and louvered inserts and post caps and stain options.
Lattice and Louvered Inserts
A lattice is a network structure constituting a pattern of tiny strips. When added to the top of a wood fence, a lattice provides a distinct look and allows for more sunlight and airflow without sacrificing privacy. It also provides a great deal of visual appeal and is perfect for climbing plants.
On the other hand, louvered inserts are angled strips arranged in the same direction. The unique orientation of louvers yields an exciting feature - they provide total privacy when viewed from one side and visibility along with airflow from the other. Depending on your preference, the louvers can be oriented horizontally or vertically. They're a great addition to the design, particularly for areas like your pool deck, where airflow and privacy are paramount.
Post Caps and Stain Options
Postcaps serve more than just an aesthetic purpose. They protect the end grain of fence posts from elements like rain and snow that could lead to rot and decay. Caps come in all shapes and types, from classic wooden caps to ones made of metal or glass. Some even come with solar lights for added functionality.
Staining is another way to enhance your wood fence. It adds color to the wood while still showcasing its natural beauty. Aside from aesthetic appeal, stains also provide extra protection to the wood from weather elements. You can choose from colors and types, from transparent to solid stains, depending on the look you're aiming for and the level of protection needed.
From lattice to louvered inserts, post caps to stains, these enhancements and accessories can truly elevate the look and functionality of any wood fence. After all, your fence is more than just a boundary – it's an extension of your home deserving of attention and care.
Conclusion
So there you have it. With the correct type of wood, like Cedar or Redwood, and the perfect enhancements, you can create a functional fence and a beautiful home extension. It's all about choosing the suitable materials and accessories to suit your needs, tastes, and budget. Remember, it's not just about setting boundaries; it's about making a statement. A well-chosen wood fence can do just that while standing up to weather and pests. With the proper care and attention, your wood fence can be more than just a barrier; it can be a testament to your style and a lasting part of your home. So don't hold back. Explore your options, personalize your fence, and make it a worthy addition to your home.
If you find yourself needing help with an installation, give our team at Decatur Fencing Co. a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wood fence lasts the longest?
Cedar, Redwood, and Pressure-treated Pine are the longest-lasting wood fence types. Cedar can endure between 15 to 30 years; however, if treated, Cedar can last up to 40 years. On the other hand, pressure-treated Pine has a lifespan of approximately 20 years, irrespective of the fence design.
How long do wooden fences usually last?
The durability of a fence highly depends on its wood type. Typically, Cedar fences can last from 15 to 30 years, Spruce fences from 4 to 7 years, and Pine fences from 5 to 12 years.
What is the most expensive wood type for fences?
Redwood is the priciest wood type for fences. Its high cost can make it impractical for extended or large fences, yet its quality and aesthetic appeal make it a worthwhile choice for those who prioritize appearance.
Which fence type increases property value the most?
Wooden Picket Fences, Wrought Iron-Style Steel Fences, Vinyl Fences, and Live Fences are all excellent options for enhancing property value due to their aesthetic appeal and durability.
What are the best wood types for fencing?
Cedar, Redwood, Teak, Treated Wood, Cypress, and Oak are some of the best wood choices for fences due to their durability and strength. Pine and Tropical Hardwoods are also widely used for their aesthetic appeal.