Fencing is available in so many materials, styles and colors it’s often difficult to make a choice. Composite Fencing is a popular option for fencing and decks. It comes with a number of advantages.

Like every material, there are also some things that individuals should know to weigh against the benefits when choosing a fencing option. A fence is a significant investment in a home or business and its important to obtain the best value for the money.

Pros

Depending on the manufacturer, it can be constructed with a combination of plastic and wood fibers that are recyclable at the end of the fence’s lifespan. It’s considered an eco-friendly option since fewer trees must be cut for new fencing.

Composite fencing is available in panels and boards to accommodate multiple vertical and horizontal designs. It’s often chosen for privacy fencing due to its durability. Multiple colors and textures are offered and it can emulate the appearance of wood and stone.

The fencing is far less likely to rot than wood. It’s a good idea to give composite fencing a cleaning with hot water, soap and a soft bristled brush in the spring and autumn to maintain its appearance.

The South Florida climate can present a number of challenges to fencing materials that includes salt spray, heat, humidity and exposure to strong UV rays. Composite fencing is low maintenance and holds up well in high heat. It’s also less likely than many other materials to develop mold and mildew. It comes with a warranty of 20 years or more.

Cons

Despite its many attributes, individuals should be aware that composite fencing comes in on the high end of the price range. Colors may fade and while it’s resistant to mold, that doesn’t mean it’s completely mold free. Algae may also be a problem and it can stain from sources such as grass clippings, hard water and chemicals.

Individuals planning on installing a fence will typically find two types of wood – pine or cedar – as the most common choices. Individuals should know that they have a wide variety of wood species from which to choose when installing an outdoor fence. The best wood for a fence isn’t necessarily the optimal choice for every situation. The following are the best wood choices for an outdoor fence.

Cedar

The wood has excellent resistance to rot and natural oils that act as a deterrent to insects. It doesn’t become gray over time and is a cost-effective choice. Sealants and stains can be applied to provide moisture protection against salt spray and humidity in the South Florida climate.

Redwood

A redwood fence is approximately 23 percent stronger and more durable than cedar, but its also a more expensive option. Naturally resistant to insects and rot, it provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Once the fence has weathered a bit, it’s a good idea to stain it to extend the life of the wood.

Douglas Fir

A wood with strength, stability and an even grain, it has hints of red and yellow that make it unique in appearance. It will have some knots that add interest and character. Graying can be a problem if its not sealed or stained. It has a measure of resistance to rot and decay.

Cypress

The wood contains a naturally produced compound that’s a deterrent to insects and its naturally resistant to rot. Cypress is on the higher end of the cost scale due to its durability. Sealants and staining increase its natural properties.

Pressure Treated

Pressure treated wood undergoes a special process that infuses it with chemicals to make it resistant to decay, rot and insects, particularly termites. The color will depend on the species and grade of the wood, but it’s also available in color treated options to make it appear as redwood or cedar.

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.

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.