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.

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.

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.