Standard Types of Wood for Fence Posts

If you have decided to build a wooden fence, it makes sense to investigate the type of lumber you want to use for your wood fencing. The most common types of wood used for fencing are pine, cedar, redwood, cypress, and spruce. Before making any purchases, you have many things to consider like climate (weathering and the posts coming in contact with the soil), the scope of your project, the budget, the type of fence, and what you can afford.

Look at the factors to consider as you develop your fence project and review several types of wood for the fence here.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing Fencing Lumber

Climate

Choose the wood that will stand up to your home's environment. You need the fence to deter decay and be long-lasting. When selecting a type of lumber for your wall, consider weather factors like rain, snow, heat, sun, and humidity. For example, damp, shady spots can lead to mold, mildew, and decay.

Places with wintery weather can expect moisture damage from rain and snow, wildly swinging temperatures cause cracks, and heavy snowdrifts can break or topple a fence entirely.

Regardless of your type of fence, treat your fence with a weatherproofing sealant to protect against moisture and extremely low or high temperatures. Also, ensure that the finish has UV protection to preserve the natural color of the wood longer. Clean and refinish the fence every other year to maintain its look and integrity.

Size of Fence

Wooden posts are typically 4 x 4 lumber and at least 8 feet long (remember, some of that length will be underground). Panels generally are 1 1/4 inches thick by 6 inches wide, with a length to match the height of the wood fencing. Lumber dimensions for the rails vary according to the style of wood fencing that you choose (in some cases, you will be able to use the same lumber for the rails as you used for the panels).

Budget

When considering the amount of money you intend to spend on a wooden fence, you must consider whether you plan to stay in your house for a long time. The real question is, do you want to get another fence in the next 10 years, 20 years, or more?

Don't skimp on the installation costs if this fence is an investment. Durable wood will cost more, but if it can last 30 years and need minimal repairs, the investment makes it worth it over the long term. Getting a high-quality fence company with a long-standing reputation for good work is worth it.

Types of Wooden Fences

How you envision your fence should also determine if it is visible to others. Is it for a secluded backyard, or how will it match your house?

• Privacy fence: Quality wooden privacy fences are great for security, and higher fences double as a privacy screen.
• Ornate fence: You don't have to go with the standard vertical paneling. Panel orientation can also be horizontal or diagonal. But a vertical orientation is cheaper since the longer boards required for other styles cost more. These fences can be capped off with lattice, finials, or adornments, such as hanging pots.
• Semi-private fence: Semi-private fences have spaces in between panels to give a looser, airer feel. Also, these fences can be short or tall depending on your preference.
• Picket fence: Classic picket fences give a cottage feel; they look best when plants are grown in front, behind, or both.
• Lattice fence: Lattice fencing is an open framework made of strips of wood overlapped or overlaid at a diagonal for a crisscross look or straight up and down for a checkerboard pattern. The individual strips of lumber used for lattice typically measure 1/4 inch by 1 1/2 inches, come in various lengths, and are pressure-treated so the wood will last a long time. Lattice is often used in trellises, porches, decks, gazebos, privacy screens, and for vining plant gardens.
  

Popular Types of Wood for Fences

Fencing wood comes most commonly in pine and cedar, though cypress, redwood, and spruce are good options, depending on your needs.