One of the most popular types of fencing amongst the homeowners, are the wood fences, not only because they are aesthetically pleasing but also because they are environment friendly. However, is that enough to justify the cost of setting up, not to mention the time and energy it takes? No, there are several solid reasons for installing wood fences and benefits just as there are different types of wood fences too. In this article you will know which is the best wood for making fence for your home, which is the best fence according to your needs, and reasons for installing the wooden fence.
The best types of wood fences:
Professional homebuilders suggest that a well-built wooden fence would ordinarily last for about 20 years with periodic maintenance. This can be compounded if you use good-quality wood. Here are some types of wood fences that will help you overcome any of the above-mentioned problems you might experience:
Western Red Cedar
Of all the different types of wood fences this wood is by far is the most beautiful with a rich grain and texture and it also works hard to keep garden pests at bay. It is resistant to all kinds of weather and does not warp or crack. It is highly durable and resists rot, moisture and insect attacks. No wonder it is popularly used to make decks, sheds, pickets and gazebos. This fence blends into the background.
Western red cedar fence
White Oak
This wood remains tough and sturdy even in the most adverse climate. Despite this, it warps, so this should be considered before selecting it.
Black Locust
Another tough wood, the black locust is a great choice for creating posts and fences. It can last for ages without any major maintenance requirements.
Black Locust Fence
Tropical hardwoods
South America is home to different types of wood, each more durable and beautiful than the other. You’ll find Ipe, Brazilian Cherry and Tigerwood. These woods are very tough, sturdy and dense, so they are best used for fences. They are available from good sources but are both expensive and not very environment-friendly.
Pine
When pressure-treated, pine is highly durable and resists moisture, garden pests, rot, decay and termites by chemically treating it. It is hardy and highly resistant to rot and insect infestation, but it is also expensive and not very eco-friendly.
What kind of fence are you looking for?
Privacy fence
A privacy fence is 6-ft high and comprises of closely spaced round logs or posts that are usually pointed at the top. As the name suggests this fence provides privacy and security. Having a privacy fence is a wonderful idea if you have a large yard, children and pets. Your children can play fearlessly without your worrying if they will wander off and your pets won’t escape either. They also make your home safe from access by criminals and keep the prying eyes of neighbors away from your home.
There are several types of wood that can be used for privacy fences, such as cedar, redwood, etc but the best wood for privacy fence both in aesthetics and usefulness is cedar. Cedar wood is aromatic and lightweight and is known for its innate beauty and sturdiness. It resists wood rot, is an all-weather wood and keeps garden pests at bay. Additionally, it swells up and shrinks by just 50% of what other woods would. It doesn’t warp, is long-lasting and is beautiful with a lavish red texture and grain, making it ideal for fences.
Privacy Fence
Picket
Picket fences are linked to happy middle-class homes. These fences keep pets and kids safe while giving an estate a complete and inviting appearance. They indicate domestic boundaries with their evenly spaced pickets, supported by horizontal rails.
Board on Board
This kind of fence looks pleasing on both sides of the fence because boards are placed on alternate slats of wood on both sides of the central rail. They eliminate any gaps except for breeze to waft through. Their main benefit is that they offer visual privacy. They also cut out strong winds from coming into your home by acting as a barrier.
Solid Dog Ear
This wood fence style is so made that there are no spaces between pickets. You can choose to go with either red cedar or treated pine to make a good solid dog-ear fence on your estate. It’s best to go with treated posts as your cedar posts might rot prematurely if untreated. This fence style is very economical, easy to install and cuts off some part of your home to the outside world.
Solid Dog Ear Fence
Snow Fence
Snow fences are made using spruce and aspen wood woven together with galvanized wire. They are painted with good red oxide stain that works well in all weather. The purpose of having them is to force drifting or windblown snow to accumulate in a chosen spot. Usually, farmers and ranchers use these fences to create drifts in water basins for a good supply of water in the spring. At ski resorts too, they are used to increase the depth of snow to control the devastation of avalanches.
By installing a snow fence, homeowners can prevent unnecessary snow from sliding onto homes, highways and roads. These fences can reduce the costs of maintaining property and improve an estate’s safety.
Snow fence
Stockade
A typical stockade fence has jagged tops that render it very safe and discourage any troublemaker or climber to enter your property. The security does come, somewhat, at the expense of the fence’s decorative qualities.
Types of fences for dogs:
There are many types of fences for dogs that help with protecting dogs from escaping. These include chain link fences, picket fences, split rail fences and invisible fencing. A dog owner will choose the dog fence depending on the size of his dog, its breed, his budget and any rules that govern the kind of fencing one should install. Though there are many styles of dog fences, yet the one that is erected should take the dog’s safety into consideration. Here are some leading choices of dog fences:
Chain link fences
The most popular of all fence types for dogs, this one is made of heavy and highly durable wire that’s woven to form a diamond-shape design. It is installed as a wire wall of fencing that is put between metal posts so that it’s sturdy. Chain link dog fences provide an open view of a yard, as well as allow dogs a view of the world beyond the fencing.
Picket fence
This is made of wooden planks nailed together. Some picket fences also have gaps in between for the dog to see through. Homeowners prefer these fences, as they are sturdy, practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Split rail dog fences
To make these fences, horizontal wooden railings are tied together at several spots in the fence using strong wooden posts. Once the fence is installed, a tough fabric is added to the fence or plants are grown to prevent the dog from running away.
Invisible dog fences
These prevent dogs from escaping effectively. Here, electric wires are placed underground in those parts of the borders where the owner does not want the dog to go. A special collar is fitted onto the dog so that it gives an alarm to the dog when he is close to the fence. Alternatively, he may get a minor electrical shock. This limits the dog’s movements by keeping him in a safe zone. However, we don’t recommend this kind of fencing for your pets.
Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for installing a wooden fence:
You can shut out the world: If you find the world looking into your home, especially if you have a large yard or open space, you definitely need a fence that acts like a screen. A typical wooden fence, six feet high, can give you just the kind of privacy you crave for from the eyes of prying neighbors and passersby.
You can enjoy safety for your home and family: If your home is a haven for yourself and your family, certainly your yard should be too. Whether you want some peace at home, or are entertaining in the garden, installing a wooden fence would be giving yourself an extra layer of safety to your home.
You can get away from traffic noise: If your home is near a busy street or bang on the highway, you can’t but hear the sound of traffic all day and night. But you can buy some peace by installing a wooden fence that will reduce the traffic noise to a great extent.
You find your neighbor’s weeds encroaching into your property: If you find this happening, a fence sounds like a good idea to keep any plant life from your neighbor’s garden entering your yard. By preventing them from entering your garden, your soil can remain fertile.
You won’t be bitten by bugs anymore: If you are bitten by garden pests in the summer, setting up a fence can help reduce their number due to wood’s natural repellent ability. For this, cedar seems like a good choice.
You have garden animals eating your veggies: You take the trouble to grow a wonderful vegetable garden but you find that squirrels and raccoons attack it in the dead of the night. Stop this menace with a fence that prevents them from entering your patch.
There are so many different types of wood fences, each with its distinctive appeal and advantages. So, it pays to research all that’s available before putting down your money on any one type.
