What kind of lumber is best for building a standing wood fence on your property?

Gone are the days when the white picket fence was the go-to choice for homeowners who wanted to install fencing on their property. Now, times have changed, and the horizontal wood fence has quickly become the standard for homes.

While the horizontal fence design has been around for a while now, it has only gained popularity recently due to its sleek and modern look. They also help elongate your yard and make it look bigger, making this type of fence great for highlighting your outdoor space.

If you plan to build a horizontal wood fence, you need to consider what material to use. Generally, many types of wood are suitable for horizontal fencing, so the right type will depend on different factors.

Check out our guide to learn more about what kind of wood you should use for your project or how you can choose it.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Lumber for Horizontal Fences

Durability

Like other outdoor projects, fences are exposed to external conditions, so they need to be strong and durable to hold up to constant wear and tear. Hardwoods are naturally more durable and resilient, but some softwood, like redwood and cedar, can also withstand harsh elements.

Cost

Price should be another important consideration in choosing your lumber. While you want to keep your costs down as much as possible, you should also consider quality. Ultimately, the best lumber will last a long time while still staying within your budget. It helps to do your research and compare wood prices and their features closely before deciding.

If price is your main priority, you can consider using pressure-treated wood since it is affordable and likely the least expensive option of all fencing materials.

Maintenance Requirements

Some woods require heavier maintenance than others, so you should also consider how much effort you can put into maintaining your fence gate.

While pressure-treated lumber is significantly more affordable than other woods, it also has high maintenance requirements. Pressure treated lumber tends to be prone to warping, cracking, and splintering when exposed to the elements, so you need to stay on top of maintenance to keep your fence strong.

Appearance

This factor is highly subjective since what counts as beautiful for one may not be the same for another. Different wood species come in varying colors and grain patterns, so you should look for one that matches your home’s design theme or personal preference.

Not everyone puts the same emphasis on aesthetics. While understandable, it is still worth thinking about since your fence will have a huge impact on your curb appeal, which effectively affects your property value.

Best Types of Lumber for a Horizontal Wood Fence

As you have seen in the factors above, no one lumber can be considered the best. Generally, hardwoods are the best choice since they are extremely durable. However, they are also more expensive, so softwoods and pressure-treated wood can be good alternatives.

For inspiration on what lumber you should use, here are some popular choices that surely make for a beautiful and strong horizontal wood fence.

Ipe

Ipe is one of the best types of wood to build your horizontal fence since its grain pattern creates a high-end look for such fences. This exotic hardwood is extremely strong since its high density and natural oils make it resistant to rot, insects, and scratches. It can also stand up to all climates, working well in areas prone to harsh weather conditions.

Ipe is so durable that it can last up to 70 years, making it a great investment for fencing. But, of course, all these advantages come with a higher price tag, with Ipe wood ranging from $3 to $20 per square foot. You also need to be more active with yearly maintenance to keep your fence in its best condition.

Redwood

Redwood is another great option for horizontal fencing, but it is one of the more expensive softwoods. However, it is naturally resistant to rot and decay, is 23% stronger than cedar based on its Janka hardness rating and has a distinctive red color that makes a beautiful fence.

Redwood is more of a high-end option due to its price. Redwood fencing installation costs range from $15 to $40 per linear foot, so it is not the most economical option for large and long fences.

Cedar

Cedar is close-grained softwood, durable and rot-resistant but more forgiving in price. It is a great choice for people with a more limited budget, with installation costs for horizontal wood fences ranging from $7 to $12 per linear foot.

Source Authentic and Top-Quality Lumber from a Trusted Supplier

Choosing the right lumber for your horizontal wood fence is just one step. But once you figure this out, you need to source your materials from the right lumber company in Tampa Bay.

Here at Peninsular Lumber, we offer the largest selection of high-quality lumber and building materials to help you find everything you need. So, call us today at 813-875-8805 to let us know what you are looking for and stop by our lumber yard to get all the materials you need to build your fence!