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The Popularity of Wood Fencing: A Timeless Choice

Oct 3, 2024

11 min read

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Wooden fences have long been one of the most popular choices for both residential and commercial properties. Their natural beauty, versatility, and functionality have made them a go-to option for those looking to secure their property while also enhancing its appearance. From classic picket fences to tall privacy screens, wood fencing offers a variety of styles to fit any need.


Why Wood?

The appeal of wood fencing lies in its ability to provide both security and aesthetic value. Wood is a natural material that blends seamlessly into outdoor spaces, offering a timeless and rustic look that complements almost any landscape. Furthermore, it allows for customization—different wood types, stains, and styles can transform the look and feel of the fence, allowing homeowners and business owners alike to choose what works best for them.


Popular Types of Wood Used for Fencing


  • Cedar: Known for its resistance to insects and rot, cedar is a premium option for fencing, providing durability and a rich, attractive appearance.

  • Pine (Pressure-Treated): A more budget-friendly option, pine is often pressure-treated to enhance its durability against weather and insects.

  • Japanese Cedar: A lighter, more refined type of cedar that offers a similar durability with a unique visual appeal, often with fewer knots and a beautiful reddish-brown hue.

  • Aromatic Cedar (Eastern Red Cedar): Highly prized for its distinct aroma and natural resistance to pests and rot, Aromatic Cedar is one of the most long-lasting and visually striking wood types for fencing.


Each type of wood has its unique benefits, and choosing the right one largely depends on factors like budget, desired lifespan, and aesthetic preference.


A Short History of Privacy Fencing


Privacy fencing is more than just a modern-day solution for seclusion and security—its origins date back centuries. The concept of using barriers to mark property boundaries and create private spaces can be traced back to ancient times. From the Romans who built wooden palisades to enclose their cities and fortresses to the settlers of early America who used split-rail fences to define their homesteads, wood has always played a significant role in creating borders and providing a sense of security.


In the 19th and early 20th centuries, as suburban neighborhoods began to develop, privacy fences became more prominent. Wooden fences were constructed not only for practical purposes, like keeping livestock contained, but also for enhancing the visual appeal of homes and yards. The rise of the "American Dream" in the mid-20th century, characterized by owning a home with a well-kept yard, further popularized the use of wood fencing as a symbol of privacy, comfort, and personal space.


Today, privacy fences continue to be a staple for many property owners, with wood being the preferred material due to its blend of durability, affordability, and classic appeal. Whether used to block out noise, define property lines, or simply add a touch of elegance to a yard, wooden privacy fences have stood the test of time as a beloved choice for outdoor living.





Pine Wood Fence With Base Board and Metal Posts

Pine Fencing – A Local, Budget-Friendly Option


Southern Yellow Pine: Local and Abundant Pine is one of the most common and budget-friendly options for fencing, with the majority of pine fences made from Southern Yellow Pine. This type of pine is native to Texas and other Southern states, making it a readily available and local choice for many homeowners. The benefit of using locally-sourced wood is that it reduces transportation costs and environmental impact, often leading to lower prices for the consumer.


Budget-Friendly with a Tradeoff Pine is known for being an affordable fencing material, making it attractive for those looking to build or replace a fence without a hefty upfront investment. However, it’s important to weigh the initial cost against the long-term realities. While pine is cheaper to purchase and install compared to more premium woods like cedar, its overall lifespan is shorter. A well-maintained pine fence can last approximately 7-10 years with proper care, but it requires regular upkeep to reach that potential lifespan.


Upkeep and Maintenance Considerations The longevity and appearance of a pine fence largely depend on how well it is maintained. Unlike cedar, which is naturally resistant to rot and insects, pine needs additional protection to ensure durability:


  • Painting and Sealing: One of the best ways to prolong the life of a pine fence is to paint or stain it. Regularly applying a quality sealant or stain helps protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and pests. Without this, pine is prone to warping, cracking, and rotting, which can significantly shorten its lifespan.

  • Proper Spacing and Installation: Proper spacing between fence boards is critical when installing a pine fence. Pine tends to expand and contract with moisture and temperature changes, so leaving enough space allows for natural movement without causing damage.

  • Fasteners and Hardware: Not all fasteners are created equal, and using the wrong type can lead to issues down the road. For pine fences, it’s crucial to use fasteners that are rated for treated wood (often stainless steel or coated screws/nails). These fasteners help prevent corrosion, which can occur when non-rated hardware reacts with the chemicals used to treat the pine.


Balancing Cost and Quality Pine is a great choice for those who need a cost-effective fence solution and don’t mind the upkeep. Its lower upfront cost makes it appealing, especially for larger fencing projects or temporary boundaries. However, it’s important to be aware that the lower initial expense comes with the need for regular maintenance and a shorter lifespan compared to more durable woods. If you’re willing to put in the effort to properly paint, seal, and care for the fence, a pine fence can provide a functional and attractive solution for many years.


Horizontal Japanese Cedar Fence

Japanese Cedar – A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Cedar


Not a True Cedar, But Close Japanese Cedar, while commonly referred to as "cedar," is technically not a cedar at all. However, it shares many similar properties that make it a strong and appealing option for fencing. These similarities include natural resistance to pests and decay, giving it a durability and weather-resistance that closely resembles traditional cedar fences.


Durability and Lifespan Japanese Cedar offers a good lifespan of around 10-15 years with proper maintenance, slightly shorter than its Western Red Cedar counterpart. This reduced longevity is balanced by its cost-effectiveness and natural durability, making it a practical option for those who want the look and benefits of cedar without the premium price tag.


Natural Pest Resistance and Advantages Like other cedar species, Japanese Cedar naturally resists insects, rot, and decay due to the natural oils in the wood. This makes it a great option for areas where termites and other wood-boring insects are prevalent. It also holds up well against the elements, offering a more resilient and lower-maintenance fence compared to softer woods like pine.


Drying Process and Lightweight Nature One key characteristic of Japanese Cedar is the process in which it’s dried before being shipped. This drying process makes the wood lightweight and easy to handle, simplifying transportation and installation. Due to its lightweight nature and the ability to be shipped in bulk, Japanese Cedar tends to be more cost-effective than Western Red Cedar while still providing many of the same benefits.


The Importance of Proper Spacing and Staining Because Japanese Cedar is dried extensively before shipping, it's vital to account for natural swelling once the wood is exposed to the elements. Here are some tips for proper installation and care:


  • Spacing: When installing a Japanese Cedar fence, it is crucial to allow for some spacing between the boards to account for natural expansion when the wood absorbs moisture. This prevents the boards from warping or splitting over time as they swell.

  • Staining and Sealing: Japanese Cedar requires proper staining and sealing to enhance its durability and maintain its attractive appearance. Staining not only helps preserve the wood’s rich color and grain but also provides additional protection against moisture and UV damage. Regular maintenance, such as staining every couple of years, will significantly extend the life of the fence and keep it looking fresh.


A Cost-Effective and Attractive Fencing Solution Japanese Cedar serves as a middle ground between the affordability of pine and the premium quality of Western Red Cedar. Its natural pest resistance, attractive grain, and cost-effectiveness make it a strong choice for those who want a durable and visually pleasing fence without the higher cost of Western Red Cedar. When properly installed and maintained, it can provide a long-lasting and beautiful fence that enhances any property.


Vertical Cedar Fence with Cap and Trim

Aromatic Cedar – A Fragrant and Durable Choice for Fencing


A Distinctive Cedar with Many Names Aromatic Cedar, while commonly called "Red Cedar," is actually from the species Juniperus Virginiana. It’s also known by a variety of other names, such as Eastern Red Cedar, Virginia Pencil Cedar, and Red Juniper. Despite the common use of "cedar" in its name, Aromatic Cedar is different from true cedar trees. One of its defining features is its distinct aroma, which not only gives it its name but also contributes to its pest-resistant properties.


Natural Properties and Benefits Aromatic Cedar boasts several natural benefits that make it an appealing option for fencing. Its fine grain and attractive reddish-brown color give it a refined, rustic look that stands out. But the real star of the show is its natural oils, which produce a pleasing scent while providing natural resistance to pests, rot, and decay. These properties make it a strong and long-lasting material for outdoor use.


Durability and Lifespan Aromatic Cedar fences have an impressive lifespan of 15-20 years when properly maintained, making them one of the more durable wood fencing options available. This long life, combined with its natural pest and rot resistance, makes it a low-maintenance choice compared to other woods like pine. It holds up well in a variety of climates and can withstand moisture and insect exposure better than many other types of wood.


Differences Between Aromatic Cedar and White Cedar It's also worth noting that Aromatic Cedar is often compared to White Cedar, another popular fencing material known for its lightweight, fine-grained structure, and weather-resistant properties. White Cedar, sometimes called Eastern White Cedar or Atlantic White Cedar, is also a versatile option for construction and fencing. While it's lighter and easier to work with than Aromatic Cedar, it still provides substantial durability and strength. However, Aromatic Cedar is generally favored for its deeper color, distinct aroma, and natural resistance to pests, which make it an attractive and durable choice for fencing.


Installation Tips for Aromatic Cedar Fencing

  • Spacing Considerations: When installing Aromatic Cedar, it's essential to consider spacing between the boards to allow for natural expansion and contraction. Though it doesn't swell as significantly as other woods, proper spacing ensures that the fence remains stable and warp-free over time.

  • Staining and Sealing: To maximize the lifespan of an Aromatic Cedar fence and maintain its vibrant color, staining and sealing are highly recommended. While the natural oils provide some protection against the elements, applying a high-quality stain or sealant helps to preserve the wood’s beauty, prevent graying, and protect it from weather damage.


The Cost-Benefit of Aromatic Cedar Aromatic Cedar tends to be more cost-effective than traditional Western Red Cedar while offering similar durability and aesthetic qualities. Its lower cost, combined with its natural resistance to decay and pests, makes it a popular choice for those who want a premium-looking fence without the premium price tag. The cost savings are further enhanced by the long life and low-maintenance requirements of Aromatic Cedar, making it an investment that pays off over time.


An Alluring Option for Fence Projects Overall, Aromatic Cedar provides an excellent balance of beauty, durability, and affordability. Its distinctive fragrance, natural durability, and refined appearance make it a favored choice for homeowners who want to enhance their property with a fence that looks great and lasts for years.


Horizontal Cedar Gates

Western Red Cedar – The Tree of Life and a Premium Fencing Choice


A Historic and Cultural Significance Western Red Cedar, also known as Thuja plicata, holds a significant place in both the natural world and human history. For centuries, this "tree of life" has been highly valued by Indigenous or First Nations people in the coastal areas of North America. These communities utilized the tree for various purposes—from building materials to cultural artifacts—due to its strength, versatility, and durability. The tree’s many uses in indigenous culture, combined with its natural beauty, have made it an important resource throughout hist