Installing a fence around your property serves multiple functions. For those living in urban settings or homes with close proximity to neighbors, a wooden fence provides a sense of privacy and relaxation. A well-designed wood fence not only adds to the safety of your home—keeping children and pets inside while keeping potential intruders out—but it can also significantly improve the curb appeal of your property. Wood fences look great with both historic homes and more modern designs, and a fence that aligns with the architecture of your home and neighborhood can offer eye-catching curb appeal.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Fence
Wood remains a popular fence choice due to its natural beauty, adaptability and array of design possibilities. However, the type of material you choose for your wood fence plays a critical role in how long it will last and how it will weather over time. Since not all woods perform the same under all conditions, it's essential to match the characteristics of the wood you choose to your needs and budget.
Cedar
Cedar is one of the most popular wood options for balancing both cost and quality. It's naturally resistant to rot and insects, thanks to its oil content. Cedar can last up to 30 years if properly maintained and comes in both western red and white cedar hues. If you plan to stain your cedar fence, you’ll need to consider the tone of red cedar and how the stain and wood will work together.
Pine
For those on a budget, pine is an affordable and versatile option. This softwood is suitable for vertical boards or picket fences, but it can be prone to dents and warping. A well-designed pine fence usually lasts between 10 and 15 years, but to reach its full potential, it requires regular treatments to help it resist water damage and rot.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Another option that makes affordability a top priority is pressure-treated wood. Unlike pine, pressure-treated wood is treated to resist rot, insects, and decay, reducing the amount of maintenance you’ll need to perform. Pressure-treated wood fences can last about 20 years or more, but the nature of its chemical treatment may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as other wood types.
Redwood
Redwood is a high-end option known for its natural beauty and durability. It is naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it a great choice for moist climates, including those where it snows. Its defining feature is its beautiful reddish hue, which can be further enhanced with staining. With proper installation and maintenance, a redwood fence can last up to 25 years. However, redwood’s beauty comes with a hefty price tag and it’s usually on the highest end of most fence budgets.
The Value of Wood Fences
When considering adding a fence to your property, there are various factors to keep in mind beyond privacy. When choosing wood for your fence you should consider how it will age, how much maintenance you are willing to perform, and how the appearance of your fence will affect your property value. While there is no doubt a beautiful fence increases both curb appeal and value, a poorly installed or deteriorating fence can project the wrong message. A professionally designed and installed fence will be a beautiful addition to your home.
Contact the experts at Renaissance Development to learn more about wooden fencing. We'll be happy to provide you with a complimentary consultation to assess which wood will work best to create a beautiful fence for your historic home, and help you achieve both privacy and curb appeal.
