If you are one of the countless Colorado Springs and Denver homeowners who are deciding to install a wooden fence this year, you are facing an important decision that hopefully will bring you years of practical use and beauty. But deciding to install a wooden fence is the easy part, you still need to choose the right type of wood fencing.
With so many options, how can you be sure to choose the right type of wood fencing for your landscaping, neighborhood, and weather conditions? Not to worry, we've got you covered!
Things To Consider When Deciding On The Right Type Of Wood Fencing
There are some important considerations to take into account that will help you decide on the right type of wood fencing for your home or business. But don’t stop there, you will also want to get valuable advice from an experienced fence contractor in your area.
Purpose of the Fence
Ask yourself why you are installing a wooden fence. Are you looking for privacy? Security? Sound reduction? Beauty? Depending on your needs, a softwood might work as well as hardwood (more on softwoods and hardwoods later).
Weather Conditions
The weather your fence will need to withstand is a critical factor in your selection of the right type of wood fencing. In Colorado, that means withstanding temperature extremes, intense sunlight, and fierce gusts of wind. Will your fence be shielded from the elements due to its placement next to a building? Or will the fence be taking the brunt of the weather conditions?.
Insect Resistance
Certain woods are more vulnerable to insect attacks than others. For instance, certain woods, such as cedar, contain natural tannins that repel insects. If you choose materials without these natural tannins, consider using pressure-treated wood to keep the bugs out and help your fence last longer.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintenance might be the last thing on your mind when you are considering the right type of wood fencing. But wood fencing (and even chain-link fencing) requires maintenance to keep it looking good and lasting longer. Knowing what to expect in terms of future maintenance can help you make a better-informed decision about the type of wood you choose.
Cost
As with any home maintenance and improvement project, you should always start your fence project with a budget in mind, and get the best, most suitable material that you can afford.
For more information on developing a budget for fencing, check out our post “Tips for Calculating Wood Fence Materials For A New Privacy Fence.”
Treated Wood vs. Pressure-Treated Wood
The next consideration we will focus on when choosing the right type of wood fencing is the options for either treated wood or pressure-treated wood. And yes, there is a difference. Treated wood has a preservative applied externally to help protect it against insects like termites, and against the fungal decay that results in rot.
With pressure-treated wood, chemical preservatives are forced directly into the wood to help protect it against rot and insects. It is important to note, however, that these chemicals can leach into nearby soil, a consideration if you want your fence right next to your garden.
However, neither treated nor pressure-treated wood can completely prevent damage caused by constant exposure to moisture, sunlight, or weather extremes.
Types of Wood
Wood is typically classified as either soft or hard. Hardwoods typically last longer, are naturally resistant to insects but are more expensive. The most popular types of wood used in fencing are pine and cedar, but cypress and redwood are also good choices if your budget allows. Let’s consider these options, with a brief description and the pros and cons of each.
Pine
Pine is a softwood that includes spruce, fir, and southern yellow pine. Pine is not a commonly used wood material for fencing in Colorado.
PROS
- least expensive
- easy to work with
- resists shrinkage
- readily available
- lasts up to 20 years if treated
CONS
- weaker than its hard-wood counterparts
- can last 5-12 years if untreated
- may not be as attractive as other options
- pressure-treating and treating are highly recommended regularly
NOTES:
Pine is the least expensive, and thus popular, wood for fences. However, to get the most use out of your fence, you will need to do yearly maintenance.
Cedar
Cedar is softwood, but with hardwood characteristics. With its reddish-brown appearance and straight grain, cedar is extremely popular and an ideal choice for Colorado privacy fences.
PROS
- naturally rot and insect-resistant above ground
- has an attractive red hue that weathers to a silver-gray
- fragrant smell
- has fewer knots than pine
- resists shrinking and warping
- lasts up to 40 years if treated
CONS
- more expensive than pine counterparts
- lasts from 15-30 years if left untreated
- below ground, cedar loses some of its rot-resistant qualities
NOTES
Cedarwood used in privacy fences does not need to be chemically treated. If the wood is left unstained, cedar privacy fencing naturally ages to a gray color in Colorado. Many people like the gray, weather look while others prefer to preserve the natural reddish color with a sealer. Cypress
Cypress is technically a hardwood. Native to the United State’s Southern and Northeastern coastlines, its yellowish-brown appearance makes it an attractive option unstained or makes for a beautiful base for stains.
PROS
- naturally rot and insect-resistant
- contains few knots
- fragrant smell
- lasts up to 40 years if treated
CONS
- lasts 15-30 years untreated
- costs more than pine and cedar due to transportation costs
NOTES
- Because it does not bend well, cypress is usually best used in fence designs with straight, even planks. The cost of shipping cypress to Colorado makes it cost-prohibitive for most large fencing projects locally.
Redwood
Redwood is a hardwood and grows mainly up the California coast and into Oregon. Because redwood is rare and is not a native wood to Colorado, it tops our list as the most expensive option for wood fencing materials.
PROS
- has a beautiful and natural red appearance
- naturally rot and insect-resistant - even more so than cedar
- resists shrinking and warping
- fragrant smelling
- lasts up to 40 years if treated
CONS
- cost-prohibitive to most Colorado fence projects
- lasts 15-30 years untreated
NOTES
While the attributes of redwood make it an attractive option for fencing (who doesn’t want a rot-resistant, insect-resistant, aromatic fence?), the cost of the materials makes it an uncommon material to build fences from in Colorado Springs and Denver.
General Recommendations
As discussed, there are many options to consider when choosing the right type of wood fencing for your home or business. Armed with this knowledge, we are confident that you will decide on an option that will give you many years of practical use and enjoyment to your Colorado property. To summarize:
- Choose the highest quality material that your budget will allow.
- Paint or stain the wood to extend its appearance and life.
- Maintain your fence regularly by washing and re-applying finish and/or paint.
- Hire a local fence contractor to ensure the job gets done correctly the first time.
Getting advice in advance from a reputable, locally-owned fence company can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Unless you have the experience, installing a fence isn't as simple as it may sound, and it's an investment you want to last for decades to come. Blicks’s Fencing has over 35 years of experience installing and repairing fences in Colorado and Denver. Our reputation as one of the best fence companies in Colorado is founded in great customer service.
Call us for your free estimate. Put our knowledge, experience, and customer service to the test today.
Read More About Fencing Options On Colorado’s Front Range:
Need a Fence? 9 Reasons You Should Hire a Fence Company
How To Find the Best Fence For Your Pet in Colorado
Which style of Fence Adds Value to a Home in Colorado?
