What Is The Best Wood Type For Fencing?
By the end of the article, you will know exactly what wood type to use for your fence based on your location, budget and style preferences. Guaranteed!
We've installed over 15,000 fences across the country and the question that always comes up first when someone contacts us is "what wood type should I choose for my fence?"
If you have never looked into wood fences before this question can seem daunting, because there are many different types of wood fencing materials that can be used and all of them have their pros and cons. In order to make the correct choice for your needs, you first need to learn about each type of wood. Then, you will match the characteristics of that wood to your preferences and budget!
It’s simple. To choose the best wood type for your fence installation, you need to look at the following:
By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose a wood type that fits your needs, making your fence durable, low-maintenance, and perfect for your home’s style.
Cedar and Redwood are the most popular wood types used for fencing as they are durable and require little maintenance. Pine and Pressure-Treated Wood are also a popular option with their lower budget requirements, but they don’t work well in all climates.
In our experience, Redwood is a top choice for wooden fences, offering unmatched durability and natural beauty. While it’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s a solid investment if your budget permits. Naturally resistant to rot and insects, Redwood thrives in wetter climates like the Pacific Northwest and can last 20-25 years with minimal maintenance. Though it’s a strong wood, staining your Redwood fence helps extend its lifespan and enhance its rich reddish-brown color. Higher-grade Redwood offers a deeper color and fewer knots. On average, Redwood costs around $48 per linear foot, including installation.
Pine is an affordable and versatile wood choice for fences, particularly for vertical boards or picket styles. As a softwood, it’s prone to dents and warping in high winds, and it won’t last as long as other woods. Typically, a Pine fence lasts 10-15 years. Its light yellow or white tone is easy to paint, often requiring just one coat. However, Pine is not naturally water-resistant, so it requires treatment to improve its durability and prevent rot. Pine is best suited for areas with mild climates. The average cost, including installation, is around $28 per linear foot.
Oak is highly durable, with untreated oak fences lasting up to 20 years—longer than pressure-treated pine. It offers a variety of colors and a beautiful natural grain pattern. However, unlike cedar and redwood, oak is not naturally insect-resistant, making it less ideal for rainy climates. Oak is best suited for dry regions like the Southwest, though treatment can enhance its durability in wetter areas. On average, oak costs around $35 per linear foot, including installation.
Cedar is a durable softwood known for its natural resistance to rot, making it ideal for wetter regions. Its natural oils also repel insects, making it a solid choice in areas with termite issues. Cedar is budget-friendly and can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance, which is why it’s one of the most popular fencing materials. There are two main types: Western Red Cedar and White Cedar. If you plan to paint your fence, White Cedar is a better option as its lighter color is easier to cover. Keep in mind that cedar will eventually turn gray with age, and its distinctive scent may or may not be to your liking. On average, cedar costs around $33 per linear foot, including installation.
Cypress, native to the southern United States, is a durable wood that offers many of the same benefits as redwood. While it may be more expensive in states where it needs to be imported, its natural resistance to rot and insects—thanks to cypretine—makes it a worthy investment. Cypress can last up to 30 years and is available in a range of colors, including creamy white, yellow, and brown. Its light color makes it easy to stain and an excellent choice if you plan to paint your fence. Cypress is also ideal for windy areas, as it resists twisting and warping, and it’s more scratch-resistant than woods like cedar. Perfect for humid and rainy climates, cypress costs around $29 per linear foot, including installation.
Douglas Fir is known for its strength and high-quality appearance, featuring a straight, even grain with occasional knots, depending on the grade. Its natural light brown color, with hints of red or yellow, fades to gray over time, but sealing the wood can help delay this process. It can also be painted or stained to achieve the desired color. While Douglas Fir has some natural resistance to rot and decay, treating it with a protective finish enhances its durability. It’s more expensive than pressure-treated wood but less costly than redwood. On average, a Douglas Fir fence costs around $32 per linear foot, including installation.
Spruce is a budget-friendly wood choice, particularly popular for DIY fencing projects due to its lightweight and ease of workability. Its pale, smooth appearance offers a clean and natural look. However, it’s less durable than woods like cedar or redwood and can be prone to rot and insect damage without proper treatment. It’s best suited for drier climates, but in wetter regions, additional maintenance or a more durable wood may be necessary. Overall, spruce offers value for those seeking a cost-effective, short-term fencing solution. The average cost of a spruce fence, including installation, is around $25 per linear foot.
Pressure treated wood is durable and already treated to make it more resistant to rot, insects and other types of decay. It is less stable than types of wood like redwood or cedar, however, it is one of the most affordable types of wood to use in fencing. Wood that is pressure treated varies in coloring depending on what species and grade of wood it is. Along with having the wood pressure treated, you can also choose to have the wood color treated to make it appear more like redwood or cedar. Once you have your fence installed, it is easy to paint or stain. A pressure treated pine fence costs between $10 and $25 per linear foot including fence installation.
Even after you have decided you would like to use wood in your new fence as opposed to other types of materials like vinyl or aluminum, there are still many options to consider. It is important to consider these factors as they can have a big impact on the lifespan on your fence. There is also a pretty wide range in terms of pricing depending on what type of wood you want to use for your fence.
Local weather is one of the most important factors you should think about when you are making the decision on what type of wood you want to use in your fence. Do you live in a wetter climate, or a drier climate? Wood types like redwood, cedar and cypress are great choices for wetter regions. On the other hand, pine and oak are better for drier climates.
Before choosing a fence material, it's important to check your local regulations, as some areas may have specific rules about what materials are permitted. Zoning laws and homeowner association guidelines can dictate the type of wood or materials you can use, especially in certain residential or historical areas. Ensuring your fence complies with these regulations can help avoid fines or the need for costly adjustments later on.
Once you've selected wood types suited for your climate, the next consideration is your budget for a fence. Higher-quality woods like redwood are more expensive upfront but offer long-term durability, saving you money in the long run. If your budget is tighter or you're not planning to stay in your home for decades, a more affordable, less durable wood may be the better choice.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing which type of wood to use in your fence project is whether your region or local climate is known for having insect infestations. If you live in an area that has termites, for example, you will want to choose a wood that has natural oils in it that repel termites. One example of a type of wood that would naturally repel termites is redwood. Another option is to choose a wood that is more affordable but getting it treated to prevent termites from eating your fence.
Fence Guides
Fence Guides
Fence Guides
