What is the Right type of wood fence for you home?

Choosing the Right Type of Wood Fencing for Your Northern Virginia Home

Whether for privacy or simply for decoration, a fenced-in yard can add tremendous amounts of curb appeal when done right. Many options of wood fencing are available, but before you choose a fence based on appearance alone, perhaps you should consider shopping by the type of wood first. The type of wood used in fencing is important, but other considerations should include how the manufacturer has chemically treated the wood and the specific location of the tree the wood was taken from. These may seem like small, rather insignificant factors, but in reality, they should be weighed appropriately before a decision is made. Typical choices for wood fencing include pine, cedar and spruce, and while these are all equally good choices, consider other alternatives as well. Redwood fences are usually more expensive than some other varieties, but the larger price tag provides a very high quality fence material.

Prefabricated 4x8- or 8x6-foot sections of fencing found in most home improvement, lumber or hardware stores are typically made of untreated spruce. These picket and cross rail sections are easily and readily available but also are rather common and since they are untreated will require maintenance regularly to prevent damage from the elements. With natural oils that repel insects and provides natural rot-resistant qualities, cedar fencing is an outstanding choice. These characteristics also provide the reasons behind the large availability of outdoor furniture, saunas and outbuildings made of cedar. Heartwood, or wood found in the center of the tree, is usually harder than the outer layers and has a cleaner appearance with fewer knots. Sapwood, or wood found in the outer layers of the tree, is far less expensive but is likely to rot faster and have far more knots than heartwood does. Deciding between heartwood fencing or sapwood fencing comes down to personal choice and preference, and often is based on the price difference. One option to consider is using heartwood for the fence posts and cross supports and sapwood for the fence panels or pickets. This technique combines the best of both worlds while saving money. For more information on choosing the right fence for your Northern Virginia home, contact the professionals at M.C. Fence and Deck. Serving the entire Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area, M.C. Fence and Deck provides quality products and trusted service. Call today to schedule your consultation.