Clients ask us all the time, “What is the best type of wood to use for my fence?” So we thought we would take the time and write a blog post about it to help answer the all important question about wood.
Obviously when buying a fence you want your fence to look nice, so ascetics is important. However almost as important, if not more important is how long will the wood last? No one wants to pay top dollar for a fence that falls apart after a few years. Before we get into the different woods we use and suggest we want to make this disclaimer. The longevity of a fence depends on the type of wood but also the owner and how well they take care of the fence.
That said, let’s dig into the top two wood choices. Yes, I know there are more than two different types of wood. However, we want to focus on these two we recommend most in Southern California.
1. Redwood
Redwood is arguably the most extensively used type of wood for wood fencing and even though it comes at a high cost, redwood’s quality, durability, and aesthetic value make it among the best options. Although redwood is resistant to insects and rot, it still should be treated with a stain, preferably clear stain, to preserve its natural beauty, prevent it from turning grayish in color due to aging, and boost its resistance to insects and rot. Constant moisture, freezing, thawing, and dry conditions can damage redwood, so make sure you are aware of surroundings such as sprinkler systems.
2. Cedar
Cedar is an excellent choice of wood for fencing since it contains natural oils which are a deterrent to insects. Cedar wood is a middle-of-the-road option that might better fit a limited budget, and is also rot-resistant, giving it a longer lifespan compared to other types of wood. Treating cedar with a finish such as paint and wood stain prevents it from turning gray, like redwood. Although some people recommend painting cedar with acrylic to protect it from the elements, you won’t have to worry too much about that being that Southern California has very little temperature fluctuations.