Best Types of Wood for Building Fences
A wood fence that is regularly maintained can last for around 20 years.
But this life expectancy could be significantly increased if you use a high quality timber.
The following are some of the best types of wood species that are known to be of better quality than others, including some of their characteristics that can help you decide on what to use for your fencing project.
1.
Western Red Cedar Like most of the species on this article, the Western Red Cedar is resistant to many diseases that the average pine is most likely to yield to.
Its attractive appearance is valued by many people, and its natural ability to resist insect infestation, rot, and moisture make it an excellent pick for picket fences as well as fence posts.
This is one of the best materials for fencing, but this is not highly recommended for fence posts.
2.
White Oak White oak is a tough, solid timber.
It weathers well and stays robust even when exposed to natural elements.
Many people who have horses choose this wood because of its strength; and avoid pine because some horses chew on pine (which is a cheap type of wood).
But White Oak has a tendency to bow or warp, so you should consider this fact when you're planning your fence.
3.
Tropical Hardwoods South America produces some of the most beautiful and strong woods for fences, gates, and decks.
Woods like Tigerwood, Ipe, and the Brazilian Cherry are very heavy, hard, and dense.
In fact they require pre-drilling because a hammer and a nail just won't penetrate the wood very well.
Of course, these types of wood are more expensive compared to other species.
4.
Pressure Treated Pine Pressure treated pine gets its ability to resist moisture, rot, and borers not from Mother Nature but by physical processes and chemical treatments conducted by man.
It was once recognized as the best material for outdoor application.
But later on it lost its popularity with the many naturally durable and solid choices out there.
Pressure treated pine is a bit more expensive and resistant to insect infestation and rot compared to pine which is not treated.
However, the chemical used to make this wood tough (and also the energy utilized during the pressure treating process) have caught the attention of some environmentally focused contractors and homeowners.
But the practicality of this material must not be overlooked by any fence builders or homeowners.
But this life expectancy could be significantly increased if you use a high quality timber.
The following are some of the best types of wood species that are known to be of better quality than others, including some of their characteristics that can help you decide on what to use for your fencing project.
1.
Western Red Cedar Like most of the species on this article, the Western Red Cedar is resistant to many diseases that the average pine is most likely to yield to.
Its attractive appearance is valued by many people, and its natural ability to resist insect infestation, rot, and moisture make it an excellent pick for picket fences as well as fence posts.
This is one of the best materials for fencing, but this is not highly recommended for fence posts.
2.
White Oak White oak is a tough, solid timber.
It weathers well and stays robust even when exposed to natural elements.
Many people who have horses choose this wood because of its strength; and avoid pine because some horses chew on pine (which is a cheap type of wood).
But White Oak has a tendency to bow or warp, so you should consider this fact when you're planning your fence.
3.
Tropical Hardwoods South America produces some of the most beautiful and strong woods for fences, gates, and decks.
Woods like Tigerwood, Ipe, and the Brazilian Cherry are very heavy, hard, and dense.
In fact they require pre-drilling because a hammer and a nail just won't penetrate the wood very well.
Of course, these types of wood are more expensive compared to other species.
4.
Pressure Treated Pine Pressure treated pine gets its ability to resist moisture, rot, and borers not from Mother Nature but by physical processes and chemical treatments conducted by man.
It was once recognized as the best material for outdoor application.
But later on it lost its popularity with the many naturally durable and solid choices out there.
Pressure treated pine is a bit more expensive and resistant to insect infestation and rot compared to pine which is not treated.
However, the chemical used to make this wood tough (and also the energy utilized during the pressure treating process) have caught the attention of some environmentally focused contractors and homeowners.
But the practicality of this material must not be overlooked by any fence builders or homeowners.
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