The benefits of wooden fences
A wooden fence is probably the most loved fence in America. Who can forget the little cottages with the picket fence around them? The wooden fences symbolize our heritage as farmers and settlers who have to live off the land using wood for houses, barns and fences!
There are many advantages to a wooden fence! They are an excellent option to establish a natural environment for your home or garden. They can be used to establish a private setting, a farm setting, or simply a picket fence around your garden. I have seen them around swimming pools, private ponds, and patios. Depending on the configuration you want to configure? They are definitely worth considering.
There are also many different styles of privacy pickets. I’ve seen a lot of custom fences where a designer comes in and designs a fence for a contractor to build a fence that no other fence looks like. With wood there is not much limitation on what you can do. Table top, cove, arched, French Gothic, picket, shadow box, lattice top, and deck rail top are just a few of the popular choices in wood fences. There is also a wide range of caps that can be purchased for the post, from the standard wooden cap to a copper cap that has a solar light for the night.
Also, cost-wise, they are a better option than aluminum, steel, or PVC fences, which is definitely a plus!
In many neighboring neighborhoods, an HOA will require a wood fence and will only allow a light stain for that rustic look.
They last a long time, up to 20 or 30 years, if properly maintained. They may need a pick or post replaced here and there, but they should last a long time.
It is important to hire a professional to build your fence and not use pre-made panels from your local DIY stores. If a fence is not built correctly, it will not stand the test of time and weather. The post should be 18 to 24 inches deep, construction screws or ring-shank nails should be used to prevent nails from pulling out, and the fence should be stained annually or every other year, depending on where you live.
Some disadvantages of wooden fences are that they can sometimes warp or rot. For the best fence, you should use pine posts and cedar rails and stakes. Cedar post is prone to rot and pine railings and pickets will warp more than cedar.
Also a downside is the maintenance that is required to maintain wood fences as opposed to an aluminum fence which requires almost no maintenance. Always remember to do your research on the fence and the materials being used and the person installing it.
