Understanding Wood Fence Installation: Benefits, Types, and Maintenance Tips

Fencing is something many homeowners need and want because it establishes the property line, offers privacy, and more. However, it might be hard to understand the benefits, types of wood/fencing, and maintenance concerns. This article will help you learn why having your own wood fence is something to aspire to!

Benefits of a Wood Fence

It’s important to understand the benefits that wood privacy fences offer. They include:

1. Environmentally Friendly

Many people and governments are now focused on sustainability because of environmental concerns. Therefore, you may want your home to adhere to strict standards for a low ecological impact. If that’s the case, wood is a renewable resource that can easily be restored and replaced. Likewise, the methods used to gather wood for homes do little environmental harm.

Ultimately, wood is a long-term and sustainable choice. Your fence contractor might also offer a streamlined installation process to help you reduce your impact even more!

2. Tons of Options (Fence Posts, Latticework, Etc.)

Wood fences offer stylistic variation. In fact, there are countless ways to customize your fence posts with paint, finishes, or lacquer. If you want a classic feel, the white picket fence is always suitable, but you can also choose a modern or sleek design.

Beyond the color, style and material considerations will add more layers to the aesthetic. You can choose the wood’s cut, shape, and arrangement. There are tons of styles, such as stockade, split fence rails, a shadowbox fence, board-on-board, paddock, and picket.

You and your fence-building contractor can discuss the many types of fencing available to find the best solution for your own wood fence!

Many people decide how many post holes they need first. The professional uses a post hole digger, and then the fence posts are put in place. From there, they might choose fence panels, add vinyl, or go a different route.

3. Higher Property Values

Most homeowners focus on their return on investment when choosing new additions for their homes. Wooden fences will increase privacy, but they can also add value to the property’s aesthetic and curb appeal. Though it might not seem like much initially, it will pay off later.

If you choose to sell the home, a wooden fence will add to the asking price. Many buyers find fencing an essential feature, especially if they have pets or children.

4. More Privacy and Safety

Raising a family means having a safe and private space for family bonding, playtime, and gatherings. When you choose wood fence posts and panels, you have a customizable enclosure that will offer the perfect place for your children and pets to play. Plus, it adds a barrier between your home and the neighbor’s, which can help to establish property lines and offer more privacy.

You must ensure that your kids and pets are safe when they’re outside. Though you will supervise them, it’s too easy for one to run out into traffic without the proper fence layout. Promote safety with a fence enclosure! Consider painting each fence panel to add character and excitement!

5. Establish Property Lines

Knowing where the property line is can be helpful, and most homeowners put the fence line right beside or on the property line. This ensures that neighbors can’t plant things on your land and vice versa.

Ultimately, any fence style will work, though you might consider a privacy fence because it will shield you from the neighbor’s view while also supporting where your property ends.

6. Less Expensive Than Other Materials

The fencing materials you choose will determine how much you pay. Most homeowners want to keep costs low, and a wooden fence is ideal compared to other fence installation options.

For example, wrought iron and vinyl fences often cost more. Though there may be fewer or no post holes, the material itself is more expensive. Likewise, the fence installation process is different, which can add to the final price you pay.

Before you decide which type of fence to get, it’s wise to talk to a contractor. They will discuss the material prices and labor costs, as well as other issues.

Next Blog: Composite Fence Installation: Enhancing Your Property’s Appeal

7. Easy to Replace Damaged Fence Posts and Fence Panels

What happens if the fence gets damaged? Many homeowners worry about the price to get it fixed, but it’s typically low because a professional can easily replace any damaged fence posts, fence panels, and fence rails.

Components of a Wood Fence

Knowing the benefits of having your own fence is helpful, but what are the components that go into fence installation? Here are the things to consider:

Post Holes Dug with a Post Hole Digger

Though you don’t see them, the post holes go in at ground level to make it easier to place the fence posts later.

Posts

The posts are what hold the fence panels up (though the rails also help with this). You will need a fence post every few inches or feet, depending on the style.

Rail Brackets and Fence Rails

The rail brackets go on each fence post to hold the fence rails in place. These move horizontally along the fence line.

Pickets/Fence Panels

Each fence panel will be attached to the fence rail. Sometimes, the fence panel will be small and thin, but it could be wide, depending on the type of fence installation you choose.

Types of Wood Fences

Fence installation can beautify your outdoor space and make it safer and more private. However, before you go with your planned fence route, it’s wise to learn about the different types of wood fencing available. These include:

Picket Fence

A picket fence is about 3 to 4 feet high, and they are named that because of the pointed-topped pickets, which are widely spaced and discourage climbing. Ultimately, they’re ideal for pool enclosures, gardens, and front yards.

Post and Rail Fence

You also have the post and rail fence, which is an inexpensive option often used to pen livestock. However, it also boldly marks the different properties. It’s ideal for enclosing fields and using for boundaries.

Wood Lattice Fence

Lattice includes strips of lath that crisscross to make a fun design. This type of fence installation will obscure the view, but light and air can still pass through. It’s ideal for pools, patios, decks, and gardens.

Louver Fence

A louver fence is often made with slim panels (louvers) or staggered boards. It can provide you with privacy and still allows airflow between the slats.

Vertical Board Fence

The vertical board fence is what many people think of when they imagine privacy fences. They typically are butted edge to edge or overlap, and the tall vertical boards offer privacy. Plus, they will block the wind, which you might not want in a warm climate!

Vinyl Fences

Often, vinyl fencing can be made to look like wood. They feature hollow PVC posts, but the rails are reinforced with wood or metal inside.

Many homeowners choose this style because it’s easy to clean. However, it can crack or break down with age, has a plastic-like quality, and doesn’t come in many colors.

Maintenance Tips for a Wood Fence

Fence building is a wise investment choice, and you’re probably thinking of putting one in. A wood privacy fence will create a sense of structure and shield you from the neighbors. Plus, they can boost your property value and curb appeal.

However, while you’re imagining all the things you can do with a wood privacy fence, it’s also important to consider the routine maintenance you’ll need to perform to keep it looking great.

Here are a few maintenance tips to help you keep your wood privacy fence looking beautiful:

Avoid Putting in Vines

Many homeowners like the idea of vine-style plants because they’re visually appealing. You will see them climb to the height of the wood privacy fence, growing thicker as the years go by. However, they can cause significant damage to the material.

Plants often attract insects and moisture, which you don’t want around wood. Therefore, it’s wise to keep plants away from the fence if possible. They shouldn’t directly touch the material.

Don’t Hang Things from the Wood Fence Posts

You’ve probably seen many fences with flower baskets or shelves hanging from them. Though it seems like a good idea on the surface, hanging things on the wood privacy fence can lead to warping. Therefore, it’s best to avoid hanging things on the fence or ensure that they are extremely lightweight pieces.

Repaint/Stain the Fence Panels Every Two Years

Homeowners often hear “pressure treated wood” and believe that means they never have to repaint or stain it because it’s already treated. While treated wood will provide more longevity, you should still refresh the paint, stain, or water repellent every few years. If you don’t, your fence will be exposed to the elements, which can lead to breakage, warping, or water damage.

Point the Sprinklers Away from the New Wood Fence

Water damage will shorten the lifespan of your wood privacy fence. Therefore, if you have a sprinkler system in place, make sure it points away from the fencing whenever possible.

Routinely Clean the Wood Fence

Debris and dirt will surely build up on the fence in time. Therefore, you should thoroughly clean it whenever it begins to look dingy.

To clean your fence, you should use a wire brush to remove the dirt and debris. You can also grab a hose to wet it down. Some homeowners consider a power washer, which can work well if you use the right setting so that it doesn’t damage the wood.

It’s wise to clean the wood privacy fence on a warm, sunny day. This will help it dry quickly so that it doesn’t start rotting the wood.

Move the Grill a Safe Distance Away

Grilling on a warm summer day is one of the best pleasures in life. However, your grill could cause unsightly damage to your fence if you’re not careful.

To avoid this issue, make sure you move the grill away from the fence. Otherwise, you will see grease and smoke buildup, which are hard to clean.

Keep Up with Minor Issues

It’s hard to imagine your new fence having issues, but it’s bound to happen. Whenever you see a minor problem with the fence, such as a broken post, make sure you fix it immediately. If you’re not handy yourself, please call a professional!

Why Work with Austin Fence Company to Install Your Wooden Fence

If you’ve decided to install a wood fence around your property, it’s time to call a professional. Though it’s possible to DIY, it’s often easier and safer to work with a contractor. Austin Fence Company is here to help. Please call (512) 900-5735 to request your free estimate today!

FAQs About Installing Wood Fences