The Different Styles of Wooden Fences

Whether you’re looking for privacy or decoration above ground or below ground, wooden fences are a great way to improve your property.

Wooden fences can be built in many different styles. Depending on your needs they can be individual posts or panels attaching to poles, circular, split rail and chain link fences. There are also crawl spaces that are built into wood fences where you can put your dog for the night. Wood is a beautiful material for a fence that can last for years or become a family heirloom passed down through generations.

In the 1950s and 1960s, most people favored wood fences over metal or vinyl. Nowadays, many wood fences are made out of composite wood materials which are made from two or more different types of wood all mixed together in a sort of engineered wood manufacturing process. Composite materials such as these can be more environmentally friendly to produce than standard wooden fence posts, though post fence styles tend to be generally stronger and last longer.

Wooden fence posts are usually made of pine or cedar wood. When you purchase wood for your fence, it has to be dry. Moisture content in wood can cause warping and cracking that is not only unsightly but can also create weak spots in your fence where it might collapse under pressure.

Different types of wooden fences in the market today

• Pressure Treated Wood Fences: These fences are made out of pressure treated wood, which means the wood is treated with chemicals that help to preserve the wood from insects and other rotting organisms. They come in various designs such as solid or lattice designs.Pressure treated wood fences are the perfect material for rural settings and anyone looking to create a low-maintenance fence that is environmentally friendly. They are widely used because they have great structural integrity, they don’t rot or warp, and they can be painted or stained in colors of your choice. Pressure treated wood fences have grays, browns, and tans available with various shades of stain. Pressure treated wood fences are resistant to most kinds of weather and can be placed almost anywhere. Although they can stand up to all kinds of weather, the downside is that they will scratch easily and dings may occur when struck by objects.
• Composite Wood Fences: Wood fence components can be made from many different types of wood, natural and synthetic. Synthetic wood has been utilized for almost a century for many purposes, most notably as particleboard. Some types of composite wood can also be used for fence components, such as cedar and redwood. Oftentimes actual wood is mixed with these materials in order to create the best composite possible.

• Eastern White Cedar Fences: Western white cedar is a versatile alternative to other types of wood that can be used as fences. It is strong, durable, and will last for many years. Because of this, it works well in lots of different environments; especially areas with warmer climates. Eastern white cedar will last for generations with little maintenance for the length of time that it is used. It can be installed in any type of landscape including those where vines or shrubs grow, as well as east and west sides alongside lakes and streams. Eastern white cedar fences do not have to be painted or stained, and can be cut and shaped exactly as you would like.

• Western Red Cedar Fences: Western red cedar is a great alternative to other cedars. It has the same natural qualities of eastern white cedar without needing treatment to prevent rot or destruction from insects. Western red cedar is also very easy to work with, however it is a little harder to cut than eastern white cedar. Western red cedar fences are great for exposed environments and they will last just as long as other types of wood while being cost effective.
• Pressure Treated Pine Fences: Pressure treated pine joins the list of woods that are naturally resistant to rot. They usually have a brownish or gray color, which can be stained or painted any color of your choice. Pine can be put almost anywhere and it will last for many years without maintenance. It is best utilized in areas that experience a lot of weather, as it will more than likely get damaged when exposed to extreme weather like being in the sun or freezing. Pine fences can be installed almost anywhere and will last for generations.

Benefit of Wooden Fence:

• Wooden fences were created for the protection of crops. However, research shows that these fences are extremely beneficial to both birds and human beings. It is shown that wooden fence not only provide vital ecological services but also contribute to the conservation of wildlife and plants. The fence’s ability to function as a natural habitat also benefits humans, allowing them access to nature while minimizing the risk of dangerous encounters with predators and other animal threats.
• Wooden fences are a source of shelter, food, and home to many organisms. From sun-loving butterflies to nocturnal tree frogs, diverse species find refuge under the cover of the fence. These organisms use the fence as a home for resting, nesting, and hibernating. Studies show that wooden fences are preferred by many animals over more exposed habitat such as agricultural fields surrounding them. For humans, the fence provides diverse habitats as well. Despite their small size, wooden fences support a wide array of wildlife and plants that humans can enjoy. 

• One way in which wooden fences are beneficial to people is by providing them access to nature. While these structures keep predators from entering the human-inhabited area; they also encourage recreation and interaction with nature. Many people make use of the fence’s system for ecological education. They showcase the diversity of wildlife surrounding their property and encourage children to interact with nature and get to know their native species.

• Wooden fences also protect wildlife from human impacts. One example is that fences prevent cats from hunting birds, reducing bird mortality rates. Another such case is that as large predators are kept out of human areas by wooden fences, smaller predatory mammals such as red foxes, raccoons and coyotes can be introduced into environments. In areas with poor quality of living, the presence of wooden fences can also reduce crime rates by keeping out potential predators. This can be seen in communities with high crime rates and few resources such as rural regions of the United States. The fact that wooden fences provide species a safe haven for at least some time allows some populations to recover after being driven to the brink of extinction.
• Another benefit of wooden fences is by acting as a barrier to small predators such as foxes and raccoons. Studies show that populations of raccoons are reduced when large predators are kept out by the fence. These smaller animals have been known to cause damage to crops, livestock and property by digging through trash cans and eating the animals inside. One study shows that if a wooden fence were constructed around an agricultural field, overall wildlife mortality rates would be reduced by 60%.

Final words:

An old adage says that “good fences make good neighbors.” For example, if a farmer builds a 10-foot high wooden fence around his property, the fence will prevent intruders from entering his land and antagonizing his animals. The farmer’s fields are protected from the view of trespassers. A potential thief is less likely to rob the farm because it is difficult for them to get in without someone noticing, and no one would want to risk getting hurt trying to break into an empty property.