Wooden fences are a great way to add beauty, privacy, and security to your home. They come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, and can be customized to fit almost any budget. But how long can you expect your fence to last? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of wood used for fences, factors that affect the lifespan of a wood fence, how to care for a wood fence, signs that your fence is deteriorating, and how long different types of wood fences last. We’ll also discuss how to extend the life of your wooden fence.
Why choose a wood fence?
Having a wooden fence is not only more cost-effective than any other type of fencing there is, but it also gives off the most natural look.
Another reason to go with a wooden fence is that you can do anything you want with it. You can play with the way you install it. You can do it vertically, for a more traditional look, or horizontally for a more minimal look. You can even put it in a crisscross pattern for a quirky look.
As for the color, you can paint your fence whichever color you think will represent you best, or stain it the way you want. Paint it white, or gray, or use natural-stain wood if you want to look conventional. We recommend blue or black paint if you want to be trendy. Try a more eye-catching color, like yellow, if you enjoy catching the attention of various passers-by.
Types of wood used for fences
Choosing the right fence for your property should be easy. You simply need to decide which wood type is suitable for your dream outdoor space.
Cedar
Cedar is the most popular type of wood used for fencing because it is naturally resistant to rot, insect damage, and weathering. Cedar is also relatively easy to work with and install. The downside to cedar is that it is more expensive than other types of wood. A custom cedar fence can run you $12-$30 per linear foot, but you can use different lumber on your property and make just cedar driveway gates.
Pine
Pine is right in the middle in the spruce pine cedar comparison. It is a softwood that is relatively inexpensive and easy installation. However, it is also naturally resistant to rot, insect damage, and weathering, but it is not as durable as other types of wood. You can paint it to try to prolong its life, and make a treated iron gate from all the money you saved.
Spruce
Similarly to pine, spruce is also a softwood that is relatively inexpensive, but less resilient than other types of wood. However, it is not as weather-resistant as other kinds of wood. It is highly resistant to decay and insect damage.
Factors that affect how many years wooden fencing lasts
Several factors affect the lifespan of a wooden fence, including the type of wood used, the climate in your area, and how well you take care of your fence.
The type of wood used for your fence can have a major impact on its lifespan. Different types of wood have different levels of resistance to rot, insect damage, and weathering. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated wood are more resistant to these elements than pine and spruce, for example.
The climate in your area can also affect the lifespan of your wooden fence. Extreme temperatures, high humidity and moisture, and heavy rainfall can cause the wood to warp and rot more quickly, so make sure you choose a wood fence that matches your area.
Finally, how well you take care of your fence can have a major impact on its lifespan. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and staining, can help protect your fence from the elements and extend its lifespan.
How to make your wooden fence last longer?
When installing wood fences, you need to be prepared so that the wood won’t last forever, so you need to learn a few tips and tricks to help it last as long as it can.
First of all, clean your fence regularly. If you need to, you can use a mild detergent and a soft brush to remove built-up dirt and debris. While you do that, inspect the fence for damage. Look for signs of rot, insect damage, or warping, and react immediately.
You can prevent warping and rot (to some extent) by sealing the fence. Sealing it can extend the fence’s lifespan, and so can staining the wood.
Another way to care for your wood fence is to repair any damage as soon as possible. Replace broken or damaged boards and repair loose nails or screws, when you notice them. Also, make sure you remove any debris or weeds that are growing near the fence.
Following these tips can help keep your fence looking its best and extend its lifespan.
Is vinyl fencing better than wooden?
Trying to compare vinyl fencing with a wood fence is not fair to either of them. First, the two types of fence give a completely different look and feel to your backyard. The wooden fence gives a much more natural and neutral look. The vinyl fence has an aluminum feel, and it will not look the same as wood. However, if you need to do a comparison, you should start with comparable traits, like cost, maintenance, and lifespan.
Cost
Vinyl fencing is initially more expensive than wood. Since there are no ongoing maintenance expenses like painting or staining every few years, vinyl proves to be more cost-effective than wood over time. It is worthwhile if you want a low-maintenance product and you intend to live in your house for a long time.
On the other hand, the wood fence’s cost can be as low as $5 per linear foot, or go up to as high as $30.
Maintenance
Vinyl fencing requires very minimum upkeep. You may want to power wash it every once in a while to keep it clean, but if you choose a darker shade for it, cleaning may not even be necessary. On the other side, wood needs a lot of effort but it will last for many years to come and seem neat and attractive.
Lifespan
Most people are aware that vinyl is a durable material, but did you know that vinyl fences have one of the longest product lifespans? Vinyl fences have a long lifespan, making them ideal for a front yard, pool, and privacy fences. A privacy fence made of vinyl typically lasts 50 years on average. And, a wooden fence should last for around 20 years, if cared for properly.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to install a new wooden fence, it’s important to do your research and select a type of wood that is best suited to your climate and budget. With proper care and maintenance, your fence will last for many years to come.
Take action today and start caring for your wooden fence to ensure it lasts for many years. If you need a quality wooden fence installed on your property, Texas fence experts like True Built Fencing will provide you with the service of free price quotes and make the experience much more pleasurable.