A wooden fence increases your home’s privacy, boosts curb appeal, and keeps your pets in your yard. Finding the best wood for your fence may seem daunting, but you can start with six great options: cedar, pine, oak, redwood, cypress, and spruce.
When choosing wood for your fence, consider its durability, cost, maintenance needs, appearance, and your local climate. Our guide will help you understand the unique characteristics of the best types of wood for your fence.
| Cost | Lifespan | Maintenance | |
| Cedar | Expensive | Up to 40 years | Low |
| Pine | Affordable | 10 to 15 years | High |
| Oak | Mid-priced to expensive | Up to 20 years | Low to moderate |
| Redwood | Expensive | Up to 25 years | Low |
| Cypress | Mid-priced to expensive | 15 to 30 years | Low |
| Spruce | Affordable | 4 to 7 years | High |
1. Cedar
Some people have the wrong impression that cedar doesn’t last long because it is a type of softwood. However, this is far from the truth. Cedar fences have a long lifespan, even if left untreated. If properly maintained, a cedar fence can last around 15 to 40 years.
Tim McCullough of McCullough Fencing, who specializes in building wooden fences, shares why red cedar is their top choice: “Any of our privacy and picket fencing consists of red cedar due to the durability of the wood.”
Cedar’s natural acids and oils effectively repel insects, including termites. Its natural pesticide has a pungent yet sweet aroma that keeps pests at bay.
Appearance
Cedar has two subvarieties: red cedar and white cedar. Red cedar offers a more striking charm, whereas white cedar has a more pale color and is less conspicuous.
- Red cedar has a more rustic charm. It also has a straight grain, but its color is light brown with a slight hint of red. The vivid color of cedar wood makes it difficult to paint over, usually requiring a couple of coats to cover it.
- White cedar has a paler color with straight and fine grains. Some homeowners prefer white cedar because it doesn’t give off a distinct cedar smell like the red variety.
Cedar has knots, dark or light spots, where branches were attached when the tree was harvested. Sometimes, knots appear when a branch falls off a tree. Cedar is a great choice for homeowners who prefer fewer knots on their wooden fence.
Maintenance
Over time, unstained cedar develops a patina, a natural gray or silver coat, that adds to its appeal. Homeowners who prefer to keep the cedar’s original color should stain it. However, a fresh coat of stain should be applied yearly to prevent patina.
When Is It Best to Use Cedar?
With its natural oils that repel insects, cedar fences are perfect for humid regions like Texas and Florida, where termites are always a problem. They will also last longer than other wood types as they’re more resistant to rot and decay.
However, cedar is one of the most expensive options available in the market. Homeowners who prefer cedar fences with fewer knots might have to pay a steeper price for premium wood.
2. Pine
Pine is another popular softwood used for fences. It is more manageable to work with than cedar, making it a good option for DIY fence installation. If you want to enclose your yard with vertical boards or picket fences, you can easily do so with pine.
Pine is naturally stiff, making it resistant to shock and blunt blows. However, it can be prone to warping, so it’s not a good idea to use it in windy cities, especially if used for a high fence.
Another drawback is that it can be susceptible to dents and scratches. Pressure-treated pine is chemically treated to enhance its durability. With proper maintenance, a pine fence can last around 10 to 15 years.
Appearance
Depending on the variety, pine can have a yellowish tone or a white color. You’ll find that it’s usually available in creamy white. Because of its light color, pinewood is like a canvas you can easily paint over with just a single coat.
Maintenance
While pine is a budget-friendly option, it requires regular maintenance, including sealing and painting, which may offset its low upfront costs. With its light color, a single coat of stain or paint will be enough to cover any marks. Regular treatments protect pine from fungi, rot, and pests due to its lower resistance to these.
When Is It Best to Use Pine?
Pine is ideal for homeowners with a limited budget. And since it is prone to warping and rotting, it would be better to use this wood in regions with a more pleasant climate year-round. Treating the wood will help make it waterproof, windproof, rot-resistant, and last longer.
3. Oak
There are up to 600 known oak varieties worldwide, with North America having the most oak species compared to other continents. White oak is the most popular subvariety of oak used for wooden fences because of its durability. Properly maintained oak fences can last up to 20 years.
White oak has a medium-low rating in the Janka Hardness test, which measures how much wood resists denting after a heavy steel ball hits it. On the other hand, red oak, another popular choice, has a slightly lower Janka Hardness rating than white oak and can dent more easily.
This means that oak remains a durable material for wooden fences. However, it can be prone to warping, especially when untreated and exposed to humidity,
Oak has tannin, a naturally occurring astringent that prevents rot and protects it from insect attacks. White oak has higher tannin levels than red oak, making it more resistant to rot and pests.
Appearance
What makes oak stand out from its wood counterparts is its beauty. You can even enhance this feature when you apply natural oils to it. As such, it’s best to pick the color you prefer and let it shine on its own without using stains. Plus, its color can darken over time when exposed to UV light and oxygen.
The wide range of color options for oak, from light beige to reddish hues, may seem quite confusing to distinguish. This type of hardwood comes in so many colors that even members of the same species have different variations.
However, oak’s grain pattern sets it apart from other wood types. Oak has an uneven texture and a straight grain. It also has rays that run along its grain. These rays may look like dotted or longer lines, depending on the variety.
Maintenance
Red oak requires more maintenance than white oak. You’ll need to regularly treat the wood to protect it from rot and insects. However, adding treatment to oak fences is generally recommended to prolong their lifespan and help them withstand rain and humidity.
When Is It Best to Use Oak?
Oak has many color options, so you can use specific subvarieties to add character to your property and match your home’s exterior. Its unique texture and grain shine through, regardless of the color.
Choose white oak if you’re looking for a highly durable wood to make your fence last longer. Red oak is a more affordable option, but it needs treatments to prevent rot and pest attacks. Generally, oak is not recommended for humid or rainy areas.
You can use oak for your fence if you live in a region with a mostly dry climate, like Arizona. Still, you can have the oak treated to help it withstand the snowy weather of Northeast states, including New York and Massachusetts.
4. Redwood
Despite its high price, redwood is a popular choice among homeowners due to its exceptional durability. It’s sturdier and has a higher Janka Hardness rating than cedar. However, redwood is heavier and more difficult to work with.
A redwood fence can last around 20 to 25 years because of its density and extreme durability. Redwood can naturally repel insects and has rot-resistant properties. However, it requires treatment to withstand the constant barrage of the elements.
Appearance
The aesthetic appeal of redwood can certainly elevate the appearance of any home. It usually doesn’t have knots, looks more flawless, and has a tight grain pattern.
Higher grades of this wood have a deep red color that adds elegance and improves curb appeal. The higher the grade of the redwood, the darker it gets.
Because redwood has a natural reddish-brown hue, it does not work well with tinted stains. However, most people prefer this type of wood because of its natural color.
Maintenance
Redwood fences are low-maintenance because they only need to be restrained or resealed every 5 years. Additionally, you’ll just need to rinse the surface with a garden hose to remove grime and dirt.
When Is It Best to Use Redwood?
Since redwood is extremely durable and long-lasting, it’s a great option for fence posts. It has natural resistance to rot, infestations, and moisture, making it ideal for use in areas with high rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest.
Regardless of the climate in their region, homeowners in other parts of the country also use redwood for their fences because of its longevity and beautiful, natural reddish-brown color.
5. Cypress
Cypress trees are common in the Southeastern United States. It is a heavy and durable wood with almost the same properties as redwood. It’s rot-resistant and just as durable, lasting around 15 to 30 years.
Plus, it contains cypretine, a natural compound that protects against insects and rot. It has a distinctive characteristic of having a rough texture. Cypress doesn’t twist or warp, even in extremely windy conditions. Additionally, it is less prone to scratches than cedar wood.
Appearance
Cypress wood comes in various hues, from pale yellow to brown. It is one of the easiest to stain, making it ideal for those who want to paint their fences a particular color.
Most cypress boards are usually knot-free. But if you prefer a few knots, choose less expensive cypress wood.
It usually develops into a honey-gold color during the first year, which gives it a rustic appearance. A patina layer naturally forms over time, transforming into a grayish hue.
Maintenance
Cypress requires minimal maintenance. Homeowners who wish to prevent the patina from forming should regularly reseal the wood. Additionally, sealing cypress fences helps prolong their lifespan.
When Is It Best to Use Cypress?
Cypress’s heaviness and durability are perfect for windy and humid areas. It will not twist or warp like pinewood. Additionally, this wood type works great in handling unpredictable wet-to-dry climates, so homeowners in rainy states like Florida and Louisiana choose cypress due to its natural resistance to rot and insects.
This wood type can be pricey, especially if you choose those made from older cypress trees. Additionally, if you’re located far from the Southeastern region, the transportation costs for cypress wood may increase its price.
6. Spruce
Spruce is an affordable and readily available option for a wooden fence. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, making it a popular and DIY-friendly choice. High-grade spruce is more durable, but lower-quality spruce is prone to warp over time.
Like pine, another affordable wood, spruce isn’t as durable as its premium counterparts like cedar and redwood. Additionally, spruce isn’t naturally resistant to rot and pest infestations, so it requires additional treatment for protection against rot and insects.
It is prone to warping and isn’t ideal in humid or rainy climates. Untreated, properly maintained spruce fences typically last around 4 to 7 years.
Appearance
Spruce has a light, almost white or pale yellow color with visible rings. It’s a great choice for homeowners who want their wooden fence to match their home’s appearance, as it’s easy to paint or stain due to its light color.
Spruce has smooth, straight grain with an even texture that gives it a clean appearance. Additionally, it naturally turns into a warmer color over time, which adds a rustic charm.
Maintenance
Despite its low upfront cost, spruce requires a lot of maintenance. You’ll need to regularly restain and reseal it to protect it from rot, insects, and weather damage.
When Is It Best to Use Spruce?
Spruce is a good short-term, DIY-friendly, and low-cost option. It is ideal for dry climates, but with additional treatment, it can withstand rainy weather conditions. However, its high maintenance costs and short lifespan may offset its affordability.
How to Choose the Right Type of Wood
Whether you’re planning to install a vertical board fence, lattice, or picket fence, you should have a clear picture of how the wood will fit your requirements. Consider the following factors when choosing your fence material:
Cost
As with any home improvement project, you should always have an allocated budget that includes the initial installation and future maintenance costs. Pine is the most affordable option, starting at $12 per linear foot, while redwood and red cedar are among the most expensive, starting at $26 and $27 per linear foot, respectively.
Read More: How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost?
You should choose the most durable and long-lasting material for your fence that fits your budget. In the long run, your additional investment may help you save money, so it doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced frequently.
Lifespan
Before setting aside the budget for a new fence, consider how long you intend to live on that property. If you plan to relocate in a few years, purchasing premium wood like redwood may not be a worthwhile investment. But if you plan to live in your home for a long time, having a durable, sturdy fence that will last is a good plan.
Local Climate
The weather in your area affects your fence’s lifespan. Choosing the wrong wood type for your local climate may result in a shorter lifespan because of the risk of rot or pest attacks.
If you live in a region where it rains most days of the year, you should use a material that is not prone to rotting, such as redwood. If you live in a drier climate, oak or spruce are good choices to consider.
Resistance to Rot and Insects
Another factor to keep in mind is the wood’s resistance to rot and pest infestation. Cypress, redwood, oak, and cedar naturally resist rot and insects, but additional treatment protects wood from decay and pests.
Maintenance
Choosing the most durable, moisture-resistant, insect-repelling, and rot-resistant wood for your fence will help maximize its performance while requiring little maintenance. You may want to regularly treat, seal, and stain your wooden fence to prolong its lifespan.
These extra steps can help protect the fence from pests, excess moisture, and harsh weather conditions. It will also give added protection against warping, cracking, rotting, splintering, graying, and fading.
Appearance
Wooden fences elevate your home’s appearance and boost your curb appeal with their distinct color, grain, and knots. Wood can complement your home’s exterior–cedar and cypress have a rustic appearance, while spruce and pine are easy to paint.
Local Regulations
Always check your local regulations before selecting the type of wood for your fence. Some areas have local ordinances regarding pest and rot treatments that are allowed. Following these guidelines is always the first step when you want to build a wooden fence.
| Meet the Expert: Tim McCullough has been installing wooden fences with his brother, Ryan, and his father, Sean, since 2016. McCullough Fencing is a family-owned and -operated company that specializes in constructing wooden fences using red cedar, aluminum, wood, vinyl, and chain link in Philadelphia and all surrounding counties. |
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