Types of Wood Fences: Which One is Right for You?

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Did you know that about half of all yards in America have fences? There are many benefits of having a fence for your yard. From making your yard feel more comfortable to giving your property more privacy. However, how should you choose the best type of wood for your fence? 

A fence is not just a physical barrier, it is also a statement of style and taste. A wooden fence, in particular, can add natural beauty and warmth to any property while providing privacy and security. However, with so many different types of wood available for fencing, choosing the right one for your needs can take time and effort. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular types of wood fences and help you determine which one is right for you.

How to Choose the Best Wood for Your Fence

Before you choose any species, you need to consider the quality of the wood first. The best wood for a fence must be sturdy enough to withstand elements and a bit of impact. 

Construction or premium-grade wood is the best kind of wood you can buy, though it is also some of the most expensive. If you’re asking yourself, “What wood is best for a fence?” there’s no doubt that high-quality wood is always on the list. 

You can quickly tell the difference between premium wood compared to standard wood. Premium wood is more durable and has a better look than standard wood. Even the strongest storm will have difficulty knocking over a premium wood fence. 

You can be sure that your yard will be much more secure and private once you put up a high-quality fence. If you have dogs or children, there’s no way they’ll be able to sneak through the fence. No stray dogs or anything else can slip through your fence and into your yard, either. 

This is especially true when professional fence installers like Texas Best Fence put up your fence for you. We pride ourselves in being one of the best fence providers in northern Texas and always providing high-quality results. We are professionals who know how to install fences so that they will stick around for a long time.

But what about the species of wood? How do different wood species differ when being used for fences?

How to Choose the Right Species of Wood for a Fence

As mentioned before, choosing the suitable wood species for a fence goes beyond aesthetics alone. But why might that be? What makes certain species of wood differ from others?

It all concerns what properties a specific wood species might have. For example, some fences might be affordable and look good while they’re still new, but once you buy them, you’ll see that problems will arise. The most common problems that cheap fences experience include mold, rot, and termite issues. 

Even though you’ve initially saved money when buying more affordable fences, you’ll spend more on maintenance. This is because you will either need to spend a lot of money on repairs for your fence or you might need to get a new fence completely. Many people make the mistake of buying pine or spruce for fences since these wood species are common and affordable.

However, these types of wood fences must be treated in various ways to repel water and insects. Otherwise, the elements would slowly eat away at them. Pine and spruce wood is less durable than more complex types of wood, so it might be more likely to sustain damage.

Wood Types

Western Red Cedar vs. Japanese Cedar

When choosing the best wood to install your new fence with, Western Red Cedar comes out on top. Another option on the market is Japanese Cedar if you’re looking for a price comparison.

When starting the fence build process, you will want to ask your contractor if they are using Western Red Cedar or Japanese Cedar. There are differences between the two cedars.

The Japanese Cedar was introduced in 2021 as a pandemic alternative to get fences installed immediately. With Japanese Cedar, you’ll have sticker marks from where the wood was dried before it was shipped here from Japan. Unfortunately, those marks stay away, impacting your fence’s look and curb appeal. So you have a price point, but there’s a reason why you have that price point where it is. With the Western Red Cedar, you have more consistency, and it is more native to the market.

Maintenance & Durability

When it comes to maintenance on a Western red cedar fence, you will restain it about every five years. If you do a transparent stain, you’ll restain every two to three years. A semi-transparent is every three to four years; you get a three-year warranty. You typically get a five-year warranty with a solid or semi-solid stain. Western Red Cedar Fence will last 20 years, and Japanese Cedar is unknown because it’s new to the market.

The Japanese Cedar is believed to have many of the same properties as the Western Red Cedar. This can be seen in the similar blondes, purples, and black color tones familiar in the western red Cedar. From our experience, if you get it off the ground and installed with a metal post, it could be possible to get 15-20 years out of it.

Spruce – Entry Level Fence

The last wood material is the builder-grade option, which is spruce. Spruce is typically a five to eight-year entry-level fence. When using this fence, you must put a solid stain on it because it’s more hardwood and doesn’t allow the other stain types to penetrate.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of wood for your fence can be a daunting task, but it is an important decision that can significantly impact the appearance and durability of your fence. By considering factors such as climate, location, style, durability, appearance, and cost, you can narrow your options and find the best wood for your fence.

Cedar is a popular choice for fencing due to its natural beauty, durability, and rot and insect damage resistance. Western and Japanese Cedar are popular fencing species, each with unique characteristics and advantages. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

At Texas Best Fence and Patio, we specialize in designing and installing high-quality wood fences tailored to our client’s needs. Whether you are looking for a classic picket fence or a more modern, sleek design, we can help you find the perfect wood and style. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.