A wood fence split rail, or picket fence can add value to your home's beauty and security. A wood fence usually lasts approximately 15 years. However, with the proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your wood fence to 20 years or more.
As a property owner, it's best to plan to replace your wooden fence every 10 years or so. Whether you require maintenance service or repairs, you can count on All Counties Fence and Supply for professional services and affordable rates.
How Long Will a Wood Fence Last? The most rot-resistant tree species, including cedar and redwood, can last about 20 years. Spores that cause wood to rot do not infect wood unless the moisture content rises above 28%. When the moisture content of the wood drops below 22%, the fungus spores go dormant.
Wood Fences
Cedar may last for 15-30 years, spruce may last for 4-7 years and pine may last for 5-12 years. Treated wood, however, increases this longevity: pine and spruce may last for 20 years and cedar may last up to 40 years.
It's Vinyl. Long story short: Vinyl is hands down the material that is going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. Vinyl fences can last over 30 years if they are properly maintained. And that maintenance doesn't actually require that much.
Con: Requires Maintenance
While most fences are relatively low maintenance, they do require some attention. For example, a wood fence will need to be stained or sealed to protect from the elements, and a vinyl fence may need to be washed every few months to avoid stains.
An aluminum privacy fence is an excellent option for privacy and security. Like vinyl and composite, aluminum is low maintenance, and you can purchase wood-like aluminum. They're stronger than most wood and vinyl fences, and you can get them in stockade, shadowbox, or board-on-board designs.
If your garden has already been started, wait until fall or winter to install a fence around your backyard garden. There will be less competition for time, and the project will likely come in under budget.
Overall, the cheapest time to install a fence is during the off season. That means fall, winter, or (very) early spring.
Every couple of years or so, take some time to clean the dirt and debris off of your fence and apply another coat of sealer. More durable woods like yew or white oak may need resealing less frequently than other woods such as firs and pines. However, they will all need to be re-treated at some point.
Allow More Time for Wood to Season
One thing that makes fall or winter the best time of year to install a wooden fence is the time it takes for the new wood to season properly. If a new wooden fence is exposed to harsh summer days too quickly, all that direct sunlight can cause the wood to warp or even split.
With concrete holding the moisture against the wood, wood has no chance and will eventually lose the battle. Now you don't have to lose all hope because it's for certain that the concrete around the post will crack, therefore making it easy to pull out when it starts to rot. Even worse, the concrete cracks early.
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don't touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.
Mildew and Rotting: Staining can help reduce mildew and avoid wood rot. Color Matching: With many color option of semi-transparent and solid color stains available, you can easily match or accent colors on the home. Longer Lifespan: Wood fence staining can greatly increase the life of your fence.
And that's because winter is the best time of the year to install a fence. This sounds like a strange fact, but we promise it's factual. During the winter, your landscaping is pretty dormant. Shrubs and plants are less likely to be damaged by construction while installing a fence during the winter months.
Building a simple wooden fence around a 100 to a 200-foot yard with normal ground conditions takes between two and four days. This estimate includes removal of the old fence and post-installation clean-up.
Yes, winter installation can save both time and money. The installation process can be completed quicker with shorter waiting times and more available workers. Some fencing companies may also offer discounts during slower periods, and the cost of materials can be lower due to reduced demand.
When properly maintained — which includes replacing individual planks and boards as needed — a well-built wooden fence can last in good condition up to 20 years or more.
You should look at repainting your fence with an extra coat annually, of course it can all depend on weather conditions, but once every couple of years should do enough to keep your fence looking as good as new, rather than leaving it for an extended period of time and it becoming worn and damaged.
If privacy is your main goal, you'll want a fence that is at least 6-feet high to prevent nosy neighbors or curious passers-by from peeking in. To be extra safe, choose a 7- or 8-foot high fence. Before you start building, however, double-check that local regulations allow you to build a fence to this height.
A vinyl fence or an aluminum fence can add to the resale value of a home, while a chain-link fence adds little to no value. Overall, the best way to increase property value with a fence is to choose a design that is both functional and attractive.
Anti-climb and wrought iron fencing are considered a little more secure. No matter which material you choose, make sure to discuss your security needs with your fencing contractor. From trespassing signs, trail cameras, and safety gates, they can help recommend the add-ons you need to secure your property thoroughly.