Hardwood decking has been known to last over 40 years depending on the type chosen and the correct maintenance applied. Treated pine is a softwood and can last between 10-15 years. It is more cost effective than a hardwood timber so perfect if you are on a strict budget.
However, treated pine timber fence is not as durable as hardwood, and it will eventually rot and decay. Hardwood fences are more expensive than treated pine fences, but they last much longer. Hardwood posts are also more resistant to moisture, termites, and insects attack, making them better for humid climates.
Due to the rate at which pine grows, it is proving reliable in meeting demand. Compared to merbau, treated pine still has great longevity, lasting between 15-20 years.
Class 1 durability timber is the highest level of natural durability a species of wood can have. In above-ground settings, it is expected to last more than 40 years, and in-ground it has an average life expectancy of more than 25 years.
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.
What Type Of Wood Fence Lasts The Longest? 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.
That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material. It does not need to be stained, and it is easy to clean with soap and water. Vinyl fencing is the superior choice among fence materials.
Which Wood Lasts the Longest? Teak wood easily lasts the longest when used for outdoor furniture or decking. When properly maintained, it can last for the entirety of your life and years after.
How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last? It depends on the climate, the type of wood, its uses, and how well it's maintained. While pressure treated poles can stay up to 40 years without any signs of rot or decay, decks and flooring might only last around 10 years.
H3 treated pine is not protected against severe decay which can occur in continuously damp conditions. It is therefore only suitable for use in conditions where the wood is above ground. In comparison, H4 treated pine has been tested to have resistance to decay when constantly kept wet or used in the ground.
If you are not diligent about the care and maintenance of pressure-treated pine, it will change color, crack, warp, and cup. Depending on the weather and environment where you live, it may also be susceptible to mold, rot, and insect damage.
The best way to protect and preserve wood, including timbers that have been tanalised or pressure-treated is to use a wood preservative. A neglected garden shed that has been allowed to rot and decay.
The faster growth rate means that pine is often a cheaper option than oak as it's easier to grow new trees quickly. It's worth noting that you might come across the phrase 'old growth wood' in relation to wood furniture.
Hardwoods are generally more expensive due to their slower rate of growth and durable properties, but can be worthwhile in the long-run as they are low maintenance and long lasting. Softwood timbers can be cheaper than hardwood timbers, as they are faster growers and easier to source.
Examples of softwood trees are cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew. Most hardwoods have a higher density than most softwoods. Most softwoods have a lower density than most hardwoods. Hardwood is typically more expensive than softwood.
Pentachlorophenol-treated posts exhibited durability in excess of 60 years, whereas lumber specimens treated to standard ground-contact retentions had no failures after 39 or 45 years.
While a treated 4x4 may last 10 to 25 years, depending on the wood, the soil, and weather conditions, following the simple steps below could double or triple that number. By comparison, an untreated wood fence post may need replacing in as little as five years.
Pine, cedar, Douglas fir, and hem-fir are the species that best absorb the pressure-treatment chemicals, making them ideal for long-lasting woodwork.
Redwood and Cedar. While pine is the best exterior softwood for the money, Redwood and Cedar are better exterior softwoods for stability. Redwood and Cedar are pinkish, with heart redwood being a darker pink than Western Red Cedar.
Cypress, redwood, and cedar are three softwoods that have natural moisture-wicking properties and make fine choices for outdoor furniture. But in our opinion, the best wood for outdoor furniture comes from top-of-the-line hardwoods such as ipe, mahogany, and teak.
While redwood or teak certainly qualify, five more common lumber species that also stand up well to sunlight, moisture and wood-boring insects are Western red cedar, Spanish cedar, cypress, white oak and mahogany. Red cedar tends to be knotty, but it's affordable and widely available.
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.
Putting up a vinyl fence around your property is without a doubt one of the most cost-effective options. PVC Fence materials can be a little more expensive at first, but their long lifespan and little-to-no maintenance qualities will save you more money than any other fence material.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl fences are easy to maintain because you can clean graffiti and other stains using soap and water. The long life span and low maintenance expenses make vinyl fences cheaper than other types of fences.