Whether planning a wood fence replacement or a brand new installation altogether, many people don’t consider the quality of wood they choose for their fence.
Of course no wood fence installation is cheap; however, certain species of wood can be considerably more expensive than others.
There are valid reasons why wood fence services have to charge more for some types of wood than others, as quality, appearance, and long-term durability all differ depending on the type of wood used.
It is good to know what is available for wood fence repair and installation ahead of time so that the right choice can be made.
Understand Wood Quality
The trick to choosing a top quality and long-lasting option for any wood fence replacement or installation is knowing that there are different qualities of woods used for fencing.
Wood fence services typically find that of the species used in various types of fencing, lower-quality woods and rougher-cut lumber is less expensive than higher-quality woods and smoother-cut lumber.
In addition, the cost of said lumber generally correlates with supply as faster-growing, readily available domestic species costing less than slower-growing, more exotic versions that are not as easy to source.
As such, most wood fence installations are made with lesser-expensive, lower and mid-grade lumber.
Yet for those who desire it, any wood fence company can use a higher-quality, more appealing wood for any fence.
Know the Different Species Used for Wood Fence Installation
There are a number of wood species that get used for wood fence repair and installation depending on the type of fence, climate, and fence installation budget:
- Yellow Pine - Pine is the least expensive of all the woods used for fencing by any fence service as it is fast-growing, easy to work with, and available everywhere. Pine is used in various forms, from rough cut to expertly milled, depending on the type of fence going up. Even the highest quality pine will also decay more quickly than most other wood species, so the lower price comes with a cost. Yet high-quality, clear pine that has been smoothly milled and pressure treated is a worthwhile investment for use with fencing as it lasts as long as other more naturally resistant types.
- Cypress and Spruce - These woods are similar to pine in their availability and economical price but require more maintenance to slow them from aging, Generally considered lower-quality options, they both make good choices for lower-cost privacy fencing or other types when installed with pine posts.
- Cedar and Redwood - Both cedar and redwood are renowned for their natural ability to withstand the elements, even untreated. This makes them prime choices for wood fence companies to use when installing a higher-quality, longer-lasting fence, whether made with rougher-cut or more finely milled lumber. Redwood, western red cedar, and Japanese cedar are all species that are used to build just about any type of fence today, from boards to pickets to privacy panels. The main disadvantage is that with their natural beauty and moisture resistance, these types of fences can cost somewhat more than the same installation done with pine.
Understand Wood Type and Quality For A Great Wood Fence
There are countless types of fencing that a wood fence service can install and countless types of wood that can be used.
Ultimately, the right wood fence installation depends on choosing a type that will be more resilient in the local climate, offers the desired appearance, and fits the budget.
Finer woods like cedar and redwood do cost more than other, more economical species; however, they resist the need for wood fence repair better and last much longer, making them a more economical choice!