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Wood Fencing Materials: What is the Best Option for Fencing?

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What type of lumber is best for fencing materials?

There are plenty of materials to choose from when building a new fence. However, many homeowners continue to favor the wood’s classic, natural beauty. Wood makes an excellent choice for fencing since it is easy to work with and holds up well against external elements.

With several wood fencing materials available on the market, you need to be selective about what to use for your project. Of course, each type comes with pros and cons, so there is no one best choice. To determine this, you should consider your needs and requirements. Check out this guide below to learn about the types of fencing materials made of wood so you can make the best decision.

Why is Wood a Good Material for Fencing?

There are so many fencing material options. Some admire the minimalistic design of steel. Others prefer PVC because of its inexpensive cost and ease of use. However, many always go back to the classic and timeless look of wood.

Wood is the oldest fence material, but it has remained a popular choice even through time. Thanks to the variety of wood fencing materials, you get to choose from so many shapes and sizes. Wood is simple to deal with and, when properly treated, can withstand the environment quite well.

If you prefer a traditional aesthetic for your backyard, wood is a perfect choice. It can be treated with a clear finish, painted, or stained to bring out its natural beauty. You can even leave your fence untreated to achieve the faded gray look.

Best Options for Wood Fencing Materials

Again, it is hard to say which wood fencing material is the best choice since it depends in every case. However, here are some popular options that homeowners use to give you some idea.

Cypress Wood

If you live in the South, you can consider using durable cypress since the cypress tree is native to this area. One of its best qualities, which quickly makes it a top choice for wood fencing, is its rot resistance. As a result, it can last for years without being sealed or painted, even in rainy situations. Of course, regular sealing and painting will extend its life further, but it will hold up well even without these procedures.

Aside from this, cypress wood also has cypretine, a chemical acting as a natural insect repellant that helps extend its lifespan. This makes it more durable and long-lasting compared to other wood species.

Pine Wood

Pine is another excellent choice for wood fencing since it is soft, easy to work with, and one of the most affordable solutions available. Pine has some natural insect resistance, but it needs to be pressure treated to stand against the elements if you use it for outdoor fencing.

Pressure-treated wood essentially means that chemical gases are injected into the wood under high pressure. These added compounds help increase the wood’s resistance against dampness, insects, and decay.

Given this, treated pine is resistant to rot and grows well in the ground, making it a good choice for fence posts. Builders may sometimes suggest pine posts, even if you use a different material for your pickets.

Redwood

Out of all the fencing materials, redwood is one of the most expensive, though it is cheaper than tropical woods. However, it is highly resilient, insect-resistant, and holds up well against the elements. It also has a distinct appearance that many homeowners appreciate, especially if they prioritize aesthetics.

Unfortunately, redwood distribution is more limited. Recently, more efforts have been made to sustainably grow wood species in different parts of the US to prevent them from being endangered. However, they still come in lower supplies than other types of wood.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood is a solid mid-priced option that is also rot-resistant, giving it a longer lifespan than other types of fencing wood. Moreover, it has natural oils that can resist insects, making it a good choice among wood fencing materials.

As a bonus, cedar is also visually appealing. You can easily apply a finish like a paint or wood stain to keep the wood from graying and extend its life. Though some may recommend you paint cedar wood with acrylic for stronger protection from outdoor elements, most woodworkers prefer staining it to maintain the wood’s inherent beauty.

Composite Wood

Composite fencing is one of the most environmentally friendly wood fencing options since it is made of wood fibers and recycled plastic. It may not be the cheapest option out there, but it is undoubtedly one of the most durable.

Contrary to genuine wood, composite wood does not experience the same aging process due to its plastic composition. Warranties also back many composite and prefabricated wood fences. The great thing about composite fences is that they can imitate the appearance of many different types of fencing wood, making them a great alternative to traditional wood variants.

Find Quality Wood for Your Fencing Project Today

Finding the right type of wood for your fencing project can be overwhelming, so allow us to help you out. Peninsular Lumber is your go-to lumber company in Tampa. As your one-stop shop for lumber, we can help you narrow down your options and determine the best wood fencing materials for your home. Call us today at 813-875-8805 to chat with our team!