Key Takeaways
- Pressure treated wood and cedar are the two most common types of wood fencing.
- Pressure treated wood fencing is typically a less expensive purchase and can last from 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance.
- Cedar has the benefits of attractive grain patterns and hues, reduced maintenance and a potential lifespan of 15 to 30 years.
- Composite fencing is made of wood materials and recycled plastic, requires very little maintenance and can last 25 to 30 years.
- For a budget-friendly fence, consider pressure treated wood.
- If you’re looking for the most attractive wood fence, look at cedar fencing.
- For reduced maintenance work and a long lifespan, choose cedar or consider composite fencing as a wood alternative.
Types of Wood Fencing
The type of wood you choose for your fence is a key factor in the appearance, durability, maintenance and cost of a wooden fence. Look at the key benefits, considerations and common lifespans of two common types of wood fencing to decide which is best for you.
Pressure Treated Wood: Popular and Budget Friendly
Pressure treated pine is the most common type of wood fencing. Good maintenance is key to a long-lasting, good-looking pressure treated wood fence.
Benefits of Pressure Treated Fencing
- Treated for resistance to rot, fungal decay and insects
- Readily available
- More affordable than other types of wood fencing
- Accepts a variety of stain and paint colors to complement or contrast your home
- Available as posts, rails, pickets and privacy panels
Considerations of Pressure Treated Fencing
- Needs stain and sealer or paint after installation for protection from ultraviolet rays and moisture.
- Can take from a few weeks to several months to dry fully and be ready for a finish
- Requires yearly pressure washing or scrubbing
- Typically needs a new stain and sealer or paint application every two to three years
Pressure Treated Fencing Lifespan
10 to 15 years, depending on installation and maintenance
Cedar: Beautiful With Natural Resistance to Rot and Insects
Cedar fencing is another common wood fence option, popular for its natural beauty. Cedar doesn’t require as much care as pressure treated wood, but good upkeep helps it last longer and maintains the wood’s warm appeal.
Benefits of Cedar Fencing
- Attractive grain patterns and natural reddish shades
- Naturally resistant to decay and insects
- Resists splitting, warping and shrinking
- Durability and stability can mean fewer repairs
- Available as posts, rails and pickets
Considerations of Cedar Fencing
- Requires waiting six to eight weeks after installation before staining and sealing
- Can be vulnerable to scratches and dents
- Higher upfront cost than pressure treated fencing
- Requires staining and sealing every two to three years to maintain its beauty and prevent moisture problems
- Requires yearly pressure washing or scrubbing
Lifespan of Cedar Fencing
15 to 30 years, depending on installation and maintenance
In addition to these standard types of wood fencing, you can find bamboo fencing materials in the form of rolls of bamboo reeds or individual trellis and privacy panels.
Composite Fencing: A Wood Alternative
While not solid wood, composite fencing combines sawdust or wood fibers and recycled plastic to create the look of wood with minimal maintenance requirements.
Benefits of Composite Wood Fencing
- High resistance to moisture, rot and insects
- Doesn’t split, warp or twist
- Available in different styles, grain patterns and colors
- Doesn’t require painting, staining or sealing
- Easier to clean than solid wood
- Available as rails, pickets, privacy panels and gates
Considerations for Composite Wood Fencing
- Higher upfront cost than pressure treated wood and cedar
- Retains more heat than solid wood so might be hot to the touch in summer
- Darker colors are more vulnerable to fading over the years
- Not usually suitable for painting
Lifespan of Composite Fencing
25 to 30 years, depending on installation
Learn how to build a wood privacy fence or install a composite fence yourself with our step-by-step instructions. If you don’t have time to take on the project, Lowe’s offers professional fence installation for several types of fencing.
Choosing the Best Wood or Wood-Alternative Fence for Your Yard
With proper installation and good maintenance, pressure treated wood, cedar and composite fencing can all create sturdy, long-lasting fences. Deciding which type of wood fence is best for you depends on your budget and priorities:
- Budget: If your fencing budget is the key factor, consider a pressure treated fence, but plan for maintenance costs to keep the fence in top shape.
- Availability: The availability of pressure treated wood means it’s typically easy to find the components you need to build or repair a pressure treated fence.
- Natural Beauty: The natural wood tone and unique grain patterns of cedar make it a great choice for a wood fence if appearance is a key factor in your fencing choice.
- Easy Maintenance: Choose cedar as a lower-maintenance alternative to pressure treated fencing or, for the lowest-maintenance option, consider composite fencing.
- Lifespan: Composite fencing is typically the top choice for longevity, though good maintenance of pressure treated wood and cedar fencing can give you a long-lasting solid wood fence.
Whichever type of wood fencing you choose, you can find it on Lowes.com, along with the tools and materials you need to build the fence yourself. Or visit your local Lowe’s and talk to one of our Red Vest associates. They can show you the available options that fit your budget and plans. Plus, they’ll make sure you find everything you need to build a fence yourself or help you set up professional fence installation.
FAQs on Choosing the Best Wood Fencing
Use the answers to these common wood fencing questions to help you choose a material that fits your needs and budget.
What’s the Best Wood for a Fence?
The best wood for a fence depends on your priorities. If budget is the key factor, a pressure treated wood fence is usually your best option. For the best-looking wood fence, consider cedar. Cedar is also a good choice for a lower-maintenance, longer-lasting wood fence.
What Type of Wood Fence Lasts the Longest?
A cedar fence typically has a longer potential lifespan than pressure treated wood. With regular maintenance, a cedar fence can last between 15 and 30 years. While not a solid wood fence, composite fencing also has a longer potential lifespan. A composite fence can last from 25 to 30 years.
What’s the Cheapest Wood Fencing Material?
Pressure treated wood fencing is usually the most budget-friendly wood fencing to purchase. However, keep the cost of maintenance and the lifespan of the fence in mind. A pressure treated fence requires more maintenance than a cedar fence and often won’t last as long.
Is Cedar Better Than Pressure Treated Wood for a Fence?
Cedar and pressure treated wood both have benefits, so deciding which is best depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for natural beauty or a long lifespan with less maintenance, cedar is a better choice. However, if you want a more budget-friendly purchase and readily available components to build and repair a fence, pressure treated wood is the better option.