What’s better? Cedar privacy fences or pressure-treated privacy fences? Should you get a classic board-on-board vertical fence or opt for a unique horizontal privacy fence? What’s a split-rail fence, and why are they used on farms?
There are so many types and styles of wood fences—it can be hard to even know which questions to ask, let alone what fence to get. We’re here to help. Let’s go over the most commonly used lumber for wood fences, then dive into the different styles, and which one might be best for you:
Pressure-treated wood is lumber that has been treated to resist pests, fungi, and other sources of decay. Pressure-treated spruce and cedar are two of the most commonly used timbers for fencing. Pressure-treated wood is quite affordable, and recent developments mean it has a more natural look than the green pressure-treated lumber of old.
Spruce is among the most affordable pressure-treated woods; it’s lightweight and strong, making it an excellent choice for fencing.
Despite being a softwood, treated cedar is quite durable; with proper maintenance, it can last up to 30 years. Cedar is also a renewable resource when sourced from sustainably managed forests. Cedar oils naturally repel insects, and the wood is rot-resistant, helping it stand up to snow melt, rain showers, and other natural phenomena. Pressure-treating the cedar makes it even more long-lasting; pressure-treated cedar fences are an excellent choice for Winnipeg.
One of the most timeless wood fence styles, picket fences sit low to the ground at around 91 cm to 122 cm (three to four feet) high. The vertical boards of the fence, called pickets, typically feature pointed tops; these boards are evenly spaced, with gaps between them. A picket fence is an excellent option if you want a fence that keeps pets and children in without blocking your view.
A lattice fence offers a great blend of privacy and curb appeal; these wood fences have beautiful, crisscrossing latticework that casts gorgeous shadows while giving limited visibility. Lattice fences tend to be less sturdy than some other styles; they’re great for perimeter fencing and for gardens, but might not be suitable if you have a large pet who might lunge at the fence.
A post and rail fence, also known as a split-rail fence, is the simplest type of wood fence—two or three horizontal rails connected along vertical posts. These fences evoke a certain rustic charm and they’re quite good for marking property and enclosing livestock. They are not privacy fences; you can look right through them. For this reason, post and rail fences are typically best suited for farms.
Vertical is the most common wood fence style—many types of wood fences fall under this category, including board-on-board fences, shadowbox fences, and side-by-side fences. In this fence style, boards are placed vertically; technically, a picket fence also qualifies as a vertical fence. The vertical fences we’ve just listed (other than the picket fence) are all privacy fences; the boards are close enough together that it’s difficult or impossible to see through.
A horizontal fence is a fence where the boards are placed horizontally instead of vertically. These fences are typically more expensive than vertical fences, but they’re also more durable and are often built with sturdier wood. A horizontal fence also offers a unique look that stands out compared to the more common vertical styles of fence.
Here at Peg City Fence Pros Inc., we offer all of the fence types we’ve just discussed. Each type of wood and style of fence has its own advantages, and we’ll tailor our recommendations to your unique needs. Call us for a free consultation today, and find the perfect fence style for your home!
