A wooden fence is probably the most beloved fence in America. Who can forget the cottages surrounded by fences? Wooden fences symbolize our heritage in that farmers and settlers have to live off the land using wood for houses, barns and fences!
There are many benefits to a wooden fence! They are an excellent option to create a natural environment for your home or garden. They can be used to establish a private setting, a farm, or just a picket fence around your garden. I’ve seen them around swimming pools, private ponds, and patios. Depending on the configuration you want to set? They are definitely worth considering.
There are also many different styles, from privacy to pickets. I have seen many custom fences where a designer comes in and designs a fence for a contractor to build a fence that does not have another fence that looks like it. With wood there is not much limitation on what you can do. Tabletop, Concave, Arched, French Gothic, Picket, Shade Box, Lattice Board, and Deck Rail Board are just a few of the popular choices in wood fencing. There is also a wide range of caps that can be purchased for the post, from a standard wooden cap to a copper cap that has a solar light for the night.
Also, cost-wise, they are a better option than aluminum, steel, or PVC fences, which is definitely a bonus.
In many neighboring neighborhoods, an HOA will require a wooden fence and will only allow a transparent stain for that rustic look.
They last a long time up to 20 even 30 years if properly maintained. They may need a picket or pole replaced here and there, but they should last a long time.
It is important to hire a professional to build your fence and do not use pre-made panels from your local stores. If a fence is not built properly, it will not stand the test of time and weather. The post should be 18-24 inches deep, ring shank screws or nails should be used for construction to prevent the nails from kicking back, and the fence should be stained annually or every two years depending on the area you live in.
Some disadvantages of the wooden fence is that sometimes they can warp or rot to get the best fence; you should use pine poles and cedar rails and stakes. Cedar posts tend to rot and pine rails and pickets will warp more than a cedar.
Also a disadvantage is the maintenance that is required to maintain wooden fences as opposed to an aluminum fence that requires almost no maintenance. Always remember to do your research on the fence and the materials that are used and the person who installs it.