Wood Fence Types and Materials
In spite of the modern technology and materials we are surrounded by, natural wood is still a favorite option for a fence. But technology still has a role to play in the improved range of materials, designs and treatment options available in wood fence types.
Cedar continues to be among the most highly popular wood fence types. It’s beautiful in appearance and resists insects and decay. It’s also available in a range of colors, such as Northern White Cedar, which is actually a pale yellow, and Western Red Cedar, a reddish color. Cedar will last for many years without any maintenance at all. But to get the maximum lifespan from it and enhance its appearance, treat it with oil or stain. Oil is a particularly good choice for cedar. It helps to repel moisture and gives a rich appearance to the wood. It’s also possible to use stain, which has the added advantage of providing protection from UV rays.
Redwood is another favorite option among wood fence types. It’s not only attractive, it repels insects because it contains natural compounds that are lethal or repugnant to these pests. It has other natural properties that help to prevent deterioration due to mold and fungi. Not many people stain redwood, because its natural color is very attractive, and one of the major reasons for its purchase. But it still needs a certain amount of treatment to maintain its color and appearance for years to come. Oil or shellac will add significantly to its standard lifespan.
Composite products have long been used for building decks and now they’re becoming more popular as a fencing option. Manufactured from a composite of resin and wood shavings, they look surprisingly similar to real wood. But they have the advantage of a much longer life than most natural woods. They also need considerably less upkeep and almost never have to be treated, and they’ll keep looking like new with just some basic cleaning.
You can paint composites if you so desire, and some products will even take stain. But you don’t really need to, because composites are available in a wide range of colors. An advantage of this is that they end up being less expensive in the long term because of their minimal upkeep requirements and longer life.
There are other choices to be made when considering wood fence types, and one of these is the design. As you plan your design, you’ll need to take into account the skills required to build it and the cost of materials. Even so, the possibilities are practically limitless.
The traditional picket fence continues to be a favorite choice among wood fence types. Another time-honored style is the slat-butt fence whereby the fence boards are arranged shoulder to shoulder. This remains a practical and attractive choice. Or you could choose the offset style. The boards are still arranged side by side, but offset a few inches forward or backward from each other. While it might not keep out small animals, it does give you privacy and a pleasing appearance.
There are many variations on these basic styles that can give your residential fence an individual look. For example, you could top the fence with lattice or add decorative fence post caps for a stylish appearance.
There is more choice these days than ever when it comes to wood fence types. Your imagination is the only limit.
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