Choosing the Perfect Wood Fence Style for Your Home

Choosing the perfect wood fence style can be a daunting task.

Indeed, when it’s time to boost your home’s curb appeal, their #1 challenge is… selecting the right wood fence style.

Many homeowners are clueless about how to do it. But this is what separates an average homeowner from a savvy property owner. If you don’t know how to choose a stylish and durable fence design, you’ll never elevate your home’s exterior aesthetics.

Choosing the perfect wooden fence design can be quite a challenge, my friends.

Western Red Cedar – Best Wood for Fences

In the realm of fencing, the material you select is a critical decision. Among various options, western red cedar emerges as an outstanding choice due to its inherent resistance against pests and harsh weather conditions.

The benefits of using western red cedar for fences

Western red cedar has several advantages that make it ideal for wood fence styles. This wood doesn’t decay or get damaged by insects, making it different from other types of wood. This means we don’t need to use harmful chemicals, which is good for the environment.

Aesthetically too, western red cedar stands out with its unique color spectrum, ranging from light amber hues all the way through deep honey-brown tones. This gives homeowners ample flexibility to achieve different looks without resorting to paint or stain applications.

Grading System for Western Red Cedar

The choice of fencing material is critical, and understanding the grading system can make a significant difference. The western red cedar wood used in fences comes in grades ranging from one to three.

This isn’t some random numbering; it’s an indicator of quality based on the knot’s presence in the wood. Lower numbers mean fewer knots and higher quality.

Explaining the Grading System for Western Red Cedar

Diving into this grading system helps you navigate your fence construction decisions more confidently.

1. Picture the grade ‘number one‘ as the highest quality – with very few, if any, knots. This results in superior strength and a pleasing appearance that catches everyone’s attention when they see your property.
2. Premium grade, also known as ‘Number two,’ is a high-quality option with small, tight knots. It offers excellent durability and appearance without being too expensive.
3. And then there’s ‘number three‘, not so pleasing aesthetically due to its larger frequent knot population but light on the wallet comparatively speaking.

Why Choose Number Two Premium Grade?

In reality, though, most homeowners gravitate towards number two, premium grade western red cedar, while planning their wooden fence style options because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love balance? It offers just the right mix between cost-effectiveness and quality, giving excellent resistance against insects and weather conditions without burning a hole through the budget. And what if we told you there was flexibility involved too?

If down the line the budget permits, upgrade certain sections using high-grade pickets while keeping the majority of rails intact with number two. Wouldn’t it be a wise choice, then? But at the end of the day, remember that choosing among these grades boils down to personal preferences regarding aesthetics versus cost considerations.

“The best decisions come from having all the information.“

Cost-effective Alternatives to Fence Construction

Fencing your property with top-tier materials like western red cedar can seem a bit pricey. But fear not. There are ways to cut these costs without skimping on quality or durability.

Incorporating Pressure-Treated Wood into Your Fence Design

One such strategy is the use of pressure-treated lumber. This wood undergoes a special treatment process that boosts its resistance against rot and insects, making it an affordable yet durable option for fence construction.

Mixing this economical choice with other higher-grade woods can provide you with a cost-efficient solution while maintaining an appealing aesthetic look. For instance, using pressure-treated wood for posts and lower parts of the fence that are more exposed to moisture could be a smart move.

Using Douglas Fir Rails Along With Higher-Grade Pickets

Douglas fir stands as another budget-friendly alternative worth considering. Renowned for its strength and straightness, it’s often used as rails in fencing projects where higher-grade pickets like western red cedar are chosen.

The durability of Douglas fir makes it ideal for supporting the weight of your fence over time without warping or sagging. By strategically combining different types of wood based on their strengths and weaknesses—akin to putting pieces together from various puzzles—you achieve a balance between cost-effectiveness and long-lasting performance in your fencing project.

Popular Styles of Wood Fences

Selecting the right style for your wood fence is a crucial step in achieving the desired aesthetic and functionality. The design you choose should complement your property’s overall look, meet its specific needs, and reflect your personal taste.

Traditional Picket-Style Wooden Fence

The traditional picket wooden fence never goes out of fashion; it adds an enduring charm to any landscape. This classic fencing option features vertical boards, or pickets, evenly spaced along horizontal rails. Typically, reaching waist height, these fences often boast pointed tops that enhance their elegance.

Picket fences offer customization options galore. You might fancy a scalloped design where pickets form gentle curves at the top edge or square-topped pickets for a contemporary touch.

Rustic Charm Wooden Fence

If rustic appeal is what you’re after, split-rail or post-and-rail designs are the perfect choices. These types of fences consist of large posts linked by long timber rails.

Split-rail fences have been popular since colonial times because they are simple and cost-effective. They require fewer materials than other styles, as there is no need for closely spaced panels. Post-and-rail designs provide similar benefits but use rectangular timbers instead of split logs, which gives them smoother lines and makes painting easier if preferred.

Picking the correct wood for your fence is an important initial step. Western red cedar stands out due to its natural resistance against insects and weather conditions.

How Staining Prolongs the Life of a Wooden Fence

Beyond choosing high-quality materials like Western red cedar, maintaining your wooden fence can significantly extend its lifespan; one such method is regular staining practices. Staining not only improves aesthetics but also acts as protective armor against moisture absorption, which could lead to rotting over time.

This routine maintenance task, when done right with quality products, can add up to 20 years to your investment’s longevity. Keep in mind that every material has an expiration date, even with careful maintenance. So, be ready to replace parts or sections when necessary.

Conclusion

Understanding the grading system of western red cedar helps you make an informed decision about your fencing material. Number two, premium grade, strikes a balance between quality and cost.

To reduce costs while maintaining quality and durability, mix cheaper woods like pressure-treated lumber or Douglas fir in construction.

The style of your wooden fence adds character to your home’s exterior design and serves functional purposes. It can be a traditional picket design or something more rustic-looking.

If you’re ready to enhance the curb appeal of your home with the perfect wood fence style, Big Easy Fence Company is here for you. We offer top-notch renovation services, including fencing, roofing, siding, patios, gutters and painting that will transform the look and feel of your property. Contact us today.