At first glance, one wood privacy fence might look the same as any other.
On surface there are indeed similarities. But the wood species used to construct privacy
fencing are where the similarities would end.
Choice of wood type has a significant impact on the durability, aesthetics, and ongoing maintenance of your property’s privacy fencing.
Certain factors make one wood species preferable over another. Your local, professional fence installer is a vital resource for providing you expert guidance about the best wood choice for your fencing project.
Wood choices (and its specific uses) you can trust for secure and long-lasting privacy fencing
Professional fence installers understand that wood selection isn’t a random process. They are intentional about the wood species they recommend and use for your fencing project.
Wood recommendations for your fencing pickets, trim, and caps
Western Red Cedar
The primary benefit of this wood species is its resistance to rot, insects, and overall
durability.
Also, the general environmental impact on your fencing by locality must be considered. Western Red Cedar is the best choice for states (such as Oklahoma) that have varying weather conditions throughout each season.
Choose Western Red Cedar for it’s overall benefits:
- Longevity against seasonal and environmental elements. With proper maintenance
expect a 15 to 20 year life span.
- Visual appeal that adds distinct color to your property. Wood tones have an amber
and cinnamon brown look that compliments your outdoor environment.
- Ease of use during installation. Western Red Cedar is a natural softwood with the
durability of a hardwood that retains screws or nails and resists warping.
- Natural sustainability. Western Red Cedar is typically sourced from North American
forests and is naturally chemical and preservative free.
Japanese Cedar
The technical specification of this wood type is “Cryptomeria Japonica” or a Japanese coniferous Cypress tree.
Japanese Cedar provides similar benefits to other cedar wood species such as environmental protections, coloring, ease of installation, and durability.
As a cost-effective alternative, you can expect Japanese Cedar to create a long-lasting and aesthetically appealing fence with ongoing maintenance and care. This wood is continuing to grow in popularity in the United States for that reason.
The major downside to these products is the kiln-drying process they go through to reduce weight for overseas shipping.
Most softwoods (by nature) have natural oils and inherent moisture that provide natural protective measures. The wood may inherently be weakened by this drying process.
Wood recommended for fencing back rails
The supportive structure of your fence requires a superior wood product. Though not as noticeable on the public-facing side of your fence, the back rails are key to the durability of your fencing.
Prime Douglas Fir
Douglas Fir is up to three-times as hard as other wood choices such as pine or cedar. Due to its strength and reliability, home-builders choose Douglas Fir to frame the interior structure of a house.
You can expect the supportive back rails of your fencing to be structurally superior when using Douglas Fir.
- Douglas Fir back rails form a superior fencing structure when combined with
galvanized steel posts and attached with specially designed wood-to-metal screws. - Douglas Fir back rails keep their shape and prevent warping to provide an appealing
and uniform look across your fence.
Woods NOT recommended for your fencing
Treated Pine Pickets, Rails and Posts!!
While the least costly, fences constructed with treated pine have the potential to warp and
twist.
States, such as Oklahoma, experience frequent weather changes that take a toll on treated pine fencing.
It’s also common to use treated pine for pre-manufactured fence panels.
Poor longevity and lack of warranty on treated materials make treated pine a less than optimum choice for your fencing pickets, rails, and posts.
Pre-Stained Douglas Fir Pickets!!
This form of Douglas Fir is not recommended for fencing pickets. Again, its strength is notable yet its environmental durability is unproven for the long-term.
Douglas Fir lacks the porous qualities of cedar or cypress woods. This prevents the staining products from adhering and penetrating the wood as effectively as is necessary to protect it.
Compared to other naturally colored or protective wood species Pre-Stained Douglas Fir is less effective when used for your fence pickets.
When deciding about the wood choices for your fence, trust the knowledge and experience of your Tulsa fence professional.
Use the following planning resources to ensure that your fencing project utilizes the best design and materials:
Compare Fence Options & Features
6 Essential Questions to Ask Your Local Fence Company About Fence
Design and Installation
And…
Use our convenient pricing tool for your new or upgraded fence and gate solutions in Tulsa.
Plan your fencing project with confidence
Radius Fence in Bixby and Tulsa is a leader in fence and gate consultations and installation.
- Experts are available to help with your decision, installation, and your ongoing questions about protecting your fence investment.
- Upgrade your home’s security and appearance.
Contact Radius Fence in Tulsa about your fence questions.
