When you are building a long-lasting wood fence, it is important to know the different types of wood that work best. If you're planning on building a new fence, having an idea of which type of wood/species can help save time and money.
There are several different types of woods that will typically build your fence. These include southern pine, whitewood, redwood or cedar, spruce-pine-fir (SPF), cypress, and more. When picking the ideal type for your project, consider cost-efficiency along with possible finishes such as paint stains or oils. As for your location, you should take into consideration the area's weather conditions too. This is because some of the wood species mentioned will only last for a few years, while others will last up to 50 or more years.
Southern Pine: Southern pine comes from pine trees that mainly grow in areas with a warm climate. However, southern pine is also an ideal choice for your wood fence if you live in a colder climate. This wood typically ranges from $5 to $15 per foot and can last up to 20 years before needing replacement. Furthermore, southern pine is an excellent choice if you're going for a weather-resistant finish as it is rot-resistant. Some southern pines include Pinus palustris, Pinus taeda, and Pinus elliottii.
Whitewood: Whitewood is also known as American whitewood. It comes from the white-leafed tree species known as white oak. Typically, whitewood will build your fence for around $12 to $20 per foot. It's also one of the most stain-resistant woods you'll have in your project. One of the wood's few drawbacks is that it does not like extreme cold or hot temperatures. However, this won't be an issue if you live in a warm climate.
Redwood: Redwood comes from red-leafed trees that grow in California, Oregon, and Washington. This wood is perfect for fence posts because it's naturally rot-resistant. The downside, though, is that it can be rather pricey. Redwood typically costs $15 to $25 per foot. One of the perks of using redwood is that you can finish it with oils or stains, giving it a rich look. Another great thing about redwood is its weather-resistant properties which make it one of the more durable woods available today. Some of the wood's other benefits include easy installation, strength, and flexibility.
Aspen: Aspen comes from any number of hardwoods with flat needles that are green year-round. Aspen has excellent stability, which means it doesn't warp. Aspen is also resistant to decay, rot, and insect infestation. This wood can also be painted or stained with ease. It's for this reason that aspen is used in fence posts that are exposed to weather elements for long periods of time. Another plus when using aspen is its natural resistance to insects and pests. As for cost, you'll typically pay about $10 to $18 per foot for this wood. One of the drawbacks of using aspen is that it cannot be used in areas with high amounts of rain or snowfall.
SPF: SPF is short for split-pine-fir. It comes from any number of evergreen trees found in the Pacific Northwest. SPLF is both rot-resistant and resistant to insect damage. SPLF can also be used to build fence posts because it's flexible, durable, and easy to install. SPLF is often used because it's an excellent choice when you're looking for a low-cost wood that will last for up to 30 years. The wood's other benefits include its natural security, resistance against decay and corrosion, and strong structural properties. SPF can also be painted or stained if you wish to decorate your fence post with a fresh coat of color.
Cedar: Cedar comes from red-needled trees found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While it has a hard time competing with other wood types regarding price, cedar is a long-lasting choice for your wood fence. In fact, cedar posts have been known to last up to 50 years without needing replacement. One of the wood's most appealing features is its natural oil content. A unique thing about cedar is that it doesn't need any treatment or yearly maintenance (other than basic cleaning). Some argue that the wood's biggest disadvantage is its cost; however, some consider this to be an advantage because you won't need to fix or replace your fence every few years. In fact, at $20 to $40 per foot, you'll only have to replace it once in a lifetime. Cedar can also be painted, stained, or treated with special oils and finishes if you wish.
Spruce-Pine-Fir: Spruce-pine-fir is a combination of white spruce, red pine, and Douglas fir. The wood offers a number of benefits including a natural resistance against decay and a minimal insect population. Furthermore, this wood is rather flexible which makes it easy to install on your fence. You'll typically pay about $10 to $16 per foot for spruce pine fir materials. This type of wood is an excellent choice for those who wish to achieve a low-cost project. Its other major advantages include its durability and flexibility. One of the wood's disadvantages is that it can warp if not protected from weather elements.
Cypress: Cypress comes from red-needled trees and has a variety of different names and similar attributes to cedar. The wood offers protection against decay and rot, as well as many other benefits such as natural resistance against insects and weather conditions. At $15 to $22 per foot, you'll pay about $10 more than aspen for this wood species which is why it's considered one of the most durable choices for the wood fence you have when building your fence.
Conclusion- When it comes to choosing a wood species for your fence, you have a number of options at your disposal. It's important that you consider a number of factors such as cost, strength, and type of material before making a decision. The more research you do, the better-informed your decision will be. For more help, with the wood fence, you can rely on Bellevue Fencing and get the best help from them with your needs and requirements for the fences.
