Wood remains one of the most popular materials for fencing. It’s affordable and can be
installed in an array of vertical and horizontal designs. However, wood fencing is prone to
warping.

Moisture Content
Wood absorbs moisture from humidity and rain, both of which abound in South Florida’s
subtropical environment. When the sun comes out and boards begin to dry, they do so at an
uneven rate. Warping occurs over time when one part of a board dries faster than another. The
portion that dries fastest will experience shrinkage. The process places stress on the boards and
changes their shape.

EMC
Wooden fence boards expand and shrink until the board’s moisture content is equal to the
relative humidity. It’s known as equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Even though fence board
undergo a process to cure them prior to sale, different species of wood have a natural moisture
content unique to them. All wood fencing boards will eventually attain EMC, but the process
can take days, weeks or months, depending on the wood.

Variables
Thicker pieces of wood will take longer to release or absorb moisture and the end grains
require less time to reach EMC. Painting or staining the wood extends the time to achieve EMC,
but warm temperatures accelerate the process.

Wood Types
Some wood species are more resistant to warping than others – cedar, redwood and fir. Cedar
is very dense and resists cracking. Redwood contains a natural chemical compound that
prevents it from absorbing moisture. Fir is extremely stable once it reaches EMC.
The straighter the grain pattern, the less likely wood is to warp, no matter what species it is.
Boards that come from a tree’s center are also less likely to warp. The way a board is cut, dried,
processed, stacked, and stored will also have an impact on the likelihood of warping, but
consumers have no control over those variables. It can help to seal the ends of the boards to
reduce shrinking and warping, as can staining or painting the wood once it has attained EMC.

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Choosing a fencing material is an important decision. Every material has its own benefits and
disadvantages. There are multiple types of materials from which to choose, with wood and vinyl
being the most popular. Wood and vinyl, also known as PVC, each have their own set of
considerations to factor in.
Before choosing a material for a fence, it’s important for individuals to know what they want
their fence to do, their budget, and how much time they’re willing to spend on maintenance.
That will help determine the best option for individual needs.
Cost
The cost of fencing is dependent on variables encompassing material, fence height, and size of
the area to be enclosed. The cost of wood fencing will depend largely on the type of wood
chosen. Redwood can run an average of $48 per linear foot, while pine will be about $28 per
linear foot. Vinyl fencing can run from $15 to $40 per linear foot. That doesn’t include labor or
posts for either type.
Longevity
Individuals can expect their wood fence to last between 10 and 20 years when properly cared
for and maintained.
A vinyl fence has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. It’s fire resistant and manufactured with
a 10 percent titanium oxide coating that’s a UV inhibitor. The tensile strength of vinyl is 5 times
that of wood. The material can withstand winds of 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph.
Low Maintenance
A wood fence will typically require more maintenance than other types in the form of stain,
paint and preservatives. The material is attractive to termites and boring insects. Wood will
eventually develop rot and mold from rain and humidity. It also cracks, warps, splinters and
becomes discolored over time.
Vinyl fences don’t require painting, staining or preservatives to keep it looking great. It’s
unattractive to boring insects and termites, so there’s no need for insecticide applications. It
doesn’t fade, rot or warp.

Fences for privacy are outstripping those chosen for purely decorative purposes. In an age where street cameras are common and the potential for nosy neighbors never abates, privacy fencing is a popular way for individuals to gain some privacy and control in their own yards.

Stockade

Highly cost-effective, it can be painted or stained and completely blocks the view from others. It can be constructed of multiple types of wood and be installed vertically or horizontally. The fencing is offered in varying heights to accommodate multiple needs.

Board On Board

This is a style of fencing that utilizes alternating boards on the inside and outside of the fence framework. It’s sometimes referred to as offset or shadow box fencing. Each boar overlaps the next board in the design. The spacing of each board will determine if the fence completely blocks the view from outside or if individuals would have to be at just the right angle to glimpse the fenced-in area. It’s a popular option for HOAs, commercial properties and high-end neighborhoods.

Picket Fencing

This isn’t the low level, white picket fencing popularized in old films. Modern picket fencing for privacy is offered in heights up to 6 ft. and is solid with no gaps between boards. The style retains the traditional sharp and pointed caps on the pickets that have been used since the earliest times to deter trespassers. Individuals can also choose pointed caps in Gothic or French Gothic styles to personalize their fence.

Disadvantages of Wood

The disadvantage of stockade fencing is that the “pretty” side will need to face outward. Stockade fencing can block air flow, isn’t conducive to yard ventilation, and can cause heating of the yard. Board on board fencing is an alternative that allows for more air flow. Wood in general has a shorter lifespan compared to other materials. It will require regular maintenance to prevent mold, rotting, and depredations by insects.

People often dream of a white picket fence in front of their home, epitomizing the American dream. Others envision white board fences for their equine friends, reminiscent of those of Kentucky thoroughbreds. Before deciding to erect a wooden fence for any application, there are some things that individuals should know about the material.

Pros

Wood fencing serves a variety of purposes. It can keep children and pets from wandering, deter human and wildlife incursions, provide privacy and beautify properties. The initial cost is typically less than other materials and there’s a multitude of wood types from which to choose ranging from pine and cedar to cypress and redwood.

There’s a wealth of different styles of wood fencing from which to choose and the fencing can be customized in multiple ways. Depending on the application, it can be installed in vertical or horizontal styles. If a board or post deteriorates, it’s a relatively simple matter to replace a single defective part of the fence.

Cons

Fencing constructed from any type of wood is going to require more maintenance than other materials. Wood is subject to the growth of moss, mold and algae, especially in Florida where humidity levels are high and significant amounts of rainfall is present. Rot is a prevalent problem. Wood also attracts termites and other types of insects. Individuals will need to pay particular attention to the hardware used to join the fence together.

Over time, wood fencing will begin to dull and take on a gray, washed out appearance. It will need to be primed and painted or stained. Wood is also prone to cracking and splitting. It will shrink slightly after installation as it dries, which can leave gaps where its joined together. Fencing and gates can swell after a heavy rain, making gates harder to open.

Many individuals envision their homes surrounded by a traditional white picket fence, while other homeowners opt for a tall wooden privacy fence to hide away from the world. No matter which option individuals choose, there’s painting or staining to consider. Wood fencing left unpainted or unstained will weather.

Painting

One of the best attributes of paint is that it creates a thicker barrier than stain and it comes in multiple colors. A simple pine fence can be painted to give it the appearance of hickory or high-end mahogany. Individuals aren’t limited to wood tones – they can choose pastels or bright, bold colors. The outdoor latex paint available for fencing will dry in 4 to 8 hours, depending upon the weather and humidity level.

The disadvantages are that it peels and chips over time, leaving the fence looking old, worn and neglected. Individuals will need to sand or scrape off the old paint before applying a new coat. A primer should also be applied before painting. The process will need to be repeated more often than staining. Paint prevents wood from breathing and can hasten the end of its lifespan.

Stain

Staining also enables individuals to choose whatever color they’d like for their wood fence. Using stain is a less time-consuming process and will cost less than painting. Individuals won’t have to sand or scrape away the old stain, they can just apply a new coat, provided they’re not changing to a different color, in which case they’ll need to remove the top finish.

Stain enhances a wood’s natural grain, will slow the aging process, and acts as a barrier against UV rays. It can also aid in deterring termites and makes wood less susceptible to rot, cracking and warping. Wood with smaller pores and uneven grain patterns, such as maple and birch, are more resistant to stain.

The color in stained fences will fade over time and a new coat will need to be applied. It doesn’t have to be replaced as often as paint, but stain requires two full days to dry. Some types of wood are better suited to staining than painting.

In reality, either option can be a good choice for wood fencing. It’s primarily an aesthetic decision based on your personal preferences and how much time you want to invest. Painting or staining can extend the lifespan of your wood fencing and provide a level of protection against insects, rot and the weather.

Stain

However, there’s definitely some advantages to staining over painting. If you choose to stain, you won’t need to apply a coat of primer first. It can enhance the beauty, texture and natural grain of the wood. You also won’t have to be so concerned about leaving brush strokes or roller marks. The range of stain colors is exceptional and you’ll only need to apply one coat.

Stain won’t crack, peel or blister, but it does have some requirements for application. The outdoor temperature should be at least 50 degrees for best results and make sure it’s not going to rain for at least 2 days to give the stain ample time to soak into the wood. Just keep in mind that stain will fade over time and while it lasts longer than paint, it will need to be reapplied periodically.

Paint

One of the most attractive elements of pain is the wide range of colors from which to choose. It’s also available in multiple sheens – the reflective ability of the paint. When using latex paint on your fence, the good news is that it dries fairly quickly. It’s usually dry to the touch in an hour and fully dry in 4 to 8 hours, depending on the brand.

The downside of paint is that it’s more expensive and you’ll need to apply primer before you can actually start to paint, which requires more time. Getting the right coverage and uniform color without leaving brush or roller marks can require extra time and effort. It can also begin to crack and peel as it ages.

A wooden fence can last for up to 20 years when taken care of properly and regular maintenance is performed. However, there will come a time when you may want to replace your fence to update its look or because its at the end of its lifespan. Professionals in the field recommend that you plan on replacing wood fencing every 10 years.

Even though wood is treated to mitigate many common problems, the material is also subject to a variety of detrimental factors in South Florida. They encompass flooding, salt water, chipping, cracking and splitting. Fencing can rot, sustain damage from mold, and a variety of insect pests. Over time it can begin to sag, become discolored, warp, and begin to splinter. The following are some things to consider when deciding to replace your wooden fence.

Easy Solutions

Wooden fencing can be painted and insects can be eradicated. Loose hardware can be tightened and missing hardware can be replaced. Small cracks and holes can be filled with putty or wood filler to prevent more serious damage.

Replacing fence posts will be more expensive and difficult since the old supports will have to be dug out of the soil and they’re typically encased in cement when the fence is installed. You can also replace missing rails or boards. The downside is that a new board or rail will look different than the rest of the fence unless its painted.

Time to Replace

If you need to replace more than 20 percent of the fencing, it’s time to replace the entire structure. Another good reason to replace your fence is if it no longer meets your needs. You may desire more privacy or security than the existing fence provides. It may not be sufficient to keep children and pets contained or unwanted wildlife out.

You may simply want to update the look of your fence or transition to another material or style. No matter what your motivation happens to be, a careful examination of your wood fence is essential before you make a decision.

The vision of a white picket fence from a bygone era continues to stick in the collective mind of America, fueling the desire for a wooden fence. Innovation has resulted in a myriad of wood types, vertical and horizontal installations, along with classic to thoroughly modern designs.

Your wooden fence will typically last about 15 years, but with proper care and maintenance, its lifespan can be extended up to 20 years. When it’s time to say so-long to the fence, there are an extensive number of ways that the wood can be recycled and repurposed. The wood is highly prized by crafters for custom, handmade projects.

Regular Cleaning

A wooden fence can collect dirt, dust, vegetative debris and mold. The fence can be cleaned effectively with a power wash that should be performed at least once a year. Twice a year is even better.

Stain, Paint and Seal

Wooden fences make an aesthetically appealing frame for properties. They will also require some care to keep them looking great. Give them a new coat of stain or paint every few years, followed by a coat of sealant. It may seem like a lot of effort, but caring for your fence from the beginning will increase its longevity, maintain its appearance, and save you thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.

Inspect and Repair

Nails can rust, screws can pull out and old metal bracing can allow corners to sag. All those situations can lead to boards and posts that break, sag and rot. Wood fences are also subject to insects and mold damage that requires prompt attention. Failure to keep up with regular maintenance and simple tasks such as tightening screws reduces the fence’s lifespan.

Pressure-treated wood is typically utilized for fencing for longer life and resistance to insects and weather, but that doesn’t make the wood invincible. It’s an easy matter to hire a contractor to perform inspections and make repairs when needed if you don’t have the time to perform the job.

Wood remains a popular fencing material in multiple environments. Anyone thinking of installing wooden fencing as a DIY project may be tempted to save some money by purchasing lumber that hasn’t been pressure treated. Don’t do it – there are a number of very good reasons why professional fencing companies use pressure treated wood. Some building codes even require pressure treated lumber for projects.

Lumber that’s been pressured treated undergoes a process to make it more durable and less likely to succumb to a variety of elements that can shorten its lifespan. The process removes air from the lumber’s cell structure and chemicals are forced into the pores. The wood is then cured and dried. In some instances, a fire retardant is infused into the lumber’s structure using a pressure system.

Extended Lifespan

Pressure treated lumber resists the ravages of weather, UV rays and ocean salt much better and far longer than untreated wood. Building supplies that are pressure treated are more durable and has a longer lifespan than untreated wood. The life expectancy will depend on the chemicals used and the type of wood.

Fungi

When lumber is pressure treated, it’s more resistant to multiple species of rot-causing fungi. Wet rot occurs when the wood is exposed to an excessive amount of water and is most obvious closer to the ground. Dry rot is often mistaken for insect damage. White rot is the result of fungi that breaks down the cellular structure of the wood.

Insects

Wood that’s pressure treated has an increased resistance to the depredations of insect pests that include termites, carpenter bees, wood-boring beetles, horntail wasps, and carpenter ants.

Weathering

Using pressure treated wood aids in minimizing the potential of the fencing getting a weathered look. Stains and sealants can be applied for an extra level of protection.

Wooden fences have an especially aesthetic appeal for many people, whether it’s a traditional white picket fence or stockade fencing for privacy. Before deciding on a wood fence, there are some things you need to know about caring for it. The following are things to consider before deciding on the installation of a wooden fence.

Painting and Staining

One of the easiest ways to add a layer of protection from the elements is by painting or staining your wood fence. However, it’s a process that must be periodically repeated. That’s not a problem if you have the time to perform the necessary task or the funds to hire it done. Even if you do paint or stain your fence, you’ll still need a sealant.

Sealants

Wood designed for exposure to the elements is typically treated with preservatives. Even if your fence has been treated, you’ll need to apply a sealant. That can take the form of latex epoxy enamel, latex, shellac, urethane or varnish.

Rot and Insects

Wood fences are subject to rotting and insects. An infestation of termites, ants and a variety of beetles will create wounds in the wood that enables moisture to enter. That will accelerate rot. The good news is that there are insecticides specifically designed for wood fences, but they’ll also need to be reapplied from time to time.

Hardware Checks

Metal hardware is used to secure wood fences and those fittings can rust and loosen. If the fencing is extensive, it can be tiring and take a significant amount of time to inspect the hardware and replace it if necessary.

Cleaning

Wooden fences absorb moisture when it rains, when humidity is high, or when sprinklers accidently “water” them. That can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. You’ll need to use a power washer and a brightening agent to lighten and reduce the look of weathering. Work it into the fencing using a bristle brush, then rinse the fence down and let it thoroughly dry before applying stains or paint.