Wooden Fences: Low Maintenance and Easy to Fix
If you’re looking for a fence that keeps intruders out and your privacy intact, a solid-board wooden fence is a great option. They can be built to your specifications and are simple to install.
Wood does need regular maintenance, though. It may need to be treated, sealed, and stained.
Wooden fences are a beautiful option for those who want to give their property a classic, natural look. However, they can quickly degrade or become discolored if they aren’t well maintained. Unlike metal fencing, wooden fences require a significant amount of upkeep in order to keep them looking good. Even if they are painted or stained, the paint or stain may need to be reapplied in order to protect the wood from water and sunlight.
Depending on the type of wood used, a wooden fence can last for 20 or more years before it needs to be replaced. This makes it a good choice for those who want to add a decorative element to their yard or garden and are willing to do a bit of work. Wooden fences can be carved into unique designs and styles, and they are also available in a wide variety of colors and finishes. The type of wood chosen will influence how long the fence lasts and its appearance, so homeowners should consider this when choosing a material.
In addition to regular maintenance, homeowners should also take steps to prevent the wood from being damaged by pests or other environmental factors. For instance, termites and carpenter ants can damage wood structures, including fences. So, it’s important to have a good insect control plan in place when installing a new wooden fence.
Other potential problems with wooden fences include mold, fungus, and rot. Mold and fungus can cause the wood to lose its structural integrity. To help prevent this, a wooden fence should be regularly cleaned with a mild bleach solution or a non-toxic wood preservative. If a fungus infestation is discovered, it should be treated immediately with a fungicide.
When selecting wood for a fence, homeowners should choose the best quality they can afford. The better the quality of the wood, the longer it will last. In addition, it’s a good idea to select posts that are anchored in concrete, which helps prevent rot caused by contact with wet soil. Wood fences tend to rot first in the areas closest to the ground, so homeowners should regularly inspect their fence for signs of rotting. If the wood feels soft, splintered, or has a jagged edge, it is likely that rot has begun to set in.
Low Maintenance
Wooden fences have very low maintenance requirements compared to other types of fencing. Most of the time, they require only an occasional walk to clear accumulated leaves and growth, as well as a regular inspection for signs of wear and tear like loose boards or rusty hardware. In the event of a problem, such as a damaged section of the fence or an insect infestation, a wood fence is relatively easy to treat with normal pesticides and repellents.
Wood is also a very flexible material for the fence-building process. It can be painted with any color paint a homeowner desires, which provides immense flexibility in creating the look and feel of a garden or outdoor space. This ability to customize and add a personal touch is a significant advantage over other types of fencing, especially those that have pre-determined parameters, such as vinyl fences.
Moreover, a wooden fence can be stained to protect it from the elements and keep it looking new for a long period of time. Staining is a simple process that can be done by almost anyone with basic DIY skills and equipment. This staining can also be performed on a regularly scheduled basis, which not only helps to preserve the beauty of the fence but can also extend its lifespan by protecting it from moisture.
Additionally, a wood fence can be made to look like a natural part of the landscaping. This is another important aspect of a fencing project that must be carefully considered and planned. For instance, trees and bushes should be planted a minimum of one foot away from the fence to prevent rot. In addition, mulch should not be allowed to build up against the fence, which can cause excessive moisture and promote mold, mildew, and fungus.
A wood fence is a great choice for pet owners because it creates a safe, private environment for pets to play and exercise. This can be a significant benefit for parents who want their kids and pets to be able to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about their safety. It is also a good idea for those who want to give their home a natural look and feel and are not interested in a more modern or metallic-looking fence.
Easy Repair
Wooden fences are not indestructible, and they will eventually need repair work. However, the good news is that they’re pretty easy to fix. The main issues that can arise with a wooden fence are rotted posts, cracked panels, or broken pickets. These can occur due to weather or damage caused by other objects. If these items are left unattended, the entire fence structure could deteriorate rapidly. This is why it’s important to fix them as soon as possible.
If you notice a problem with your fence, the first thing to do is clear the area around it. This will allow you to get a better look at the problem and access it more easily. You may also need to remove any decorations that are leaning against the fence or pushing up on it.
After clearing the area, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials to perform the repair. Some of the most common repairs include tightening loose screws, filling holes, sanding down rough areas, adding extra support to posts, and applying wood preservatives.
Oftentimes, the fence will need to be sanded down before applying the preservative. This will help to keep it looking new and reduce the amount of time that you need to wait for it to dry.
Another common issue is sagging in the fence. This usually happens because the rail ends are beginning to weather and the fasteners securing them to the post have begun to loosen. This can be easily fixed by re-securing the rails to the posts and brushing a coat of wood preservative over the end grain to arrest any potential rot.
In some cases, a rotting post will need to be replaced entirely. This can be a bit of a challenge as the concrete footing is embedded in the ground and will need to be removed before the replacement post can be set. Using the wood post puller method can make this job much easier and ensure that your new post will be secure in its hole. Before putting in the replacement post, you should level it and use a spirit level to check that it is plumb. Adding a 2×4 underneath the new post will add extra support and make it less likely to rot.
Aesthetics
A wood fence can be built in a wide variety of styles and designs to suit the unique aesthetic of your property. Many homeowners choose a classic plank style with pickets that are placed close together, offering maximum privacy, or a more open louver style that lets in natural sunlight while still keeping people and animals off of private spaces. You can even customize the look of your wooden fence by adding or removing certain elements like finials and decorative caps.
The color and texture of a wood fence can also contribute to its aesthetic. A professional residential fencing company explains that many homebuilders choose pine because of its durability and low cost, but it’s also possible to opt for a more visually appealing redwood or cedar option. You can also get a fence made from recycled materials, which is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to traditional fencing.
Posts and rails do the spanning work in wooden fences, connecting one panel to the next. They can be built tall to provide a sense of security or shorter for more visibility, depending on your preferences. Some fences feature posts that stand only as high as the tops of infill panels, while others have them extend above the panels for a more dramatic effect.
If you want your wood fence to match the colors and textures of your house, you can opt for a stained or sealed finish. Cedar is an ideal choice, as it naturally resists moisture and stains well. Oakwood is another popular choice, as it has a light color with visible wavy grain notes and can become amber over time for a truly eye-catching look.
A reclaimed wood fence is an excellent option for homeowners who love the idea of preserving history or who need a fence that can be built quickly. The pieces of wood are reclaimed from other buildings, and they can be painted or treated with a protective coating to give your fence a unique look.
