The Different Types of Wood Fencing, Explained

Do you want to be able to enjoy your yard without your nosy neighbors peeking in? If they can’t see what you’re doing, that means burglars won’t be able either. The best way to get this level of security is by investing in one of the types of wood fencing, such as Dallas fence rental, which provides both privacy and peace of mind.

There are many different materials and styles on the market that you have to consider. You can go with the classic picket fence that everyone strives to have or pick something a little less traditional.

Before you get on the phone with a fence contractor, check out this guide to learn more about what your choices are and weigh the pros and cons of each.

Materials

First things first, let’s talk about the best wood fencing materials that you can buy. Cedar, red cedar, white cedar, pinewood, and oak all come at different levels of durability and beauty.

Cedar

Cedar is softwood, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a durable material to use. With the right installation, a cedar fence will stand strong in your yard for thirty years or more. This might have something to do with the fact that the material repels insects, and it doesn’t decay.

It’s important to note that having a cedar fence installed won’t come cheap. So, if you’re on a budget, you may want to go with one of the other options listed below.

Cedar also isn’t a good choice if you’re planning on painting your fence. The color is so bright that it will take several coats of paint to cover it up.

Red Cedar

Red cedar is easy to work with because of how lightweight it is. It also has a lot to offer in terms of beauty and insulation. Redwood is durable, but you’ll need to apply a protective coating for it to be.

The other benefit is its affordability and its amazing natural odor. We say this is a benefit but can also be a drawback. Some people are allergic to the scent.

White Cedar

Like regular cedar, white cedar repels harmful insects such as termites. You’ll also never have to worry about decay or rot. The material cuts pretty smoothly.

You can work with it without having to deal with splits and cracks. We will warn you that white cedar isn’t too durable. It’s a softwood in every definition of the word.

It’s hard for screws to stick into the material, so you’ll have to use glue instead. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The glue will try quickly enough.

White cedar has a distinct odor that, while smells good to some, can trigger allergies in others.

Pinewood

Pinewood is stiff and shock-resistant. That’s what makes it one of the best wood fencing options you can buy.

It comes in a variety of colors from white to light yellow. You can stain or paint it whatever color you would like, however. The material takes to paint quite well due to the light shade.

Pinewood is a great choice for homeowners on a budget. It’s much cheaper than cedar. Dents and scratches aren’t uncommon with pine.

The scratches can add some rustic charm, but if you don’t want to deal with them, you’ll have to stay on top of maintenance. Repair damages as soon as possible.

Oak

Oak has a beautiful, distinct look. You can bring out the best in the different colors and the wavy grain by applying wood oil to the fence. It will make it shine like no other material you can get.

You can stain the wood, but you’d be better off leaving it be. Staining will throw the colors off, making certain sections look a little darker than others.

Styles

Now that you’ve chosen your wood, it’s time to pick out a style. You can go with the classic picket fence or pick something more ornate like lattice.

Lattice

Lattice fences are eye-catching due to their unique criss-cross pattern. Due to the spaces in the wood, you would think that this style wouldn’t do wonders for your security, but you would be wrong. It allows for quite a bit of privacy.

It will let some sunlight enter your yard while still providing a bit of shade. The spaces in the fence will let in plenty of air circulation. Most lattice fences come in cedar or redwood.

Picket

Since the dawn of time, picket fences have been sort of an American standard. When you think of them, you think of having a beautiful yard, a loving family, and a large house.

They’re more than this, however. They’re a great way to block people from looking into your yard, and they can prevent your children and pets from getting out.

You can visit https://www.buttefence.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-fence-pickets-and-wood-fence-panels/ to learn more about this style. For now, let’s move on to rail fences.

Rail Fence

Out of all the different wood fence styles, rail fences involve the most maintenance. You’ll have to paint them often and perform repairs if you want them to last.

Even if you practice diligence, rail fences still come with a limited lifespan. This doesn’t mean that they’re a bad choice. They’re affordable and perfect for homeowners with large yards.

Types of Wood Fencing You Have to Choose From

In terms of material and style, there are many different types of wood fencing that you can choose from. You can go with something durable like cedar or unique like oak.

You can choose a classic picket fence or go for an ornate lattice one. Either way, picking the right fence for your yard will keep prying eyes out and increase your home value.

Are you looking for more ways to upgrade your yard? Visit the Home Improvement section of our blog for all the latest tips and tricks.