Choosing the Fence That's Right for You: Wood Fence

Shadowbox or Good Neighbor Fence 6' Tall Cedar



Arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing fence styles available, Wooden fence, just like other styles, has it's up and downs. The upsides include that a wooden fence can be built to suit pretty much any need, it gives flexibility by it's availability in several styles and the variation of materials to choose from. The most frequent downside that I hear from our customers is that it requires more maintenance than other styles of fence like vinyl, chain link and ornamental aluminum and steel fences.

Is a wooden fence right for you? Let's explore the upsides first. It can fit any need. Wood fence comes in styles that are good for complete privacy, a little privacy or just a decorative fence to keep the dog and children in the yard. Solid Privacy fence is available in several styles. The styles typically vary by the type of picket used; usually a Dog Eared Picket or French Gothic Style Picket and by the material used typically Treated Pine or Red Cedar. Custom designs are also available. Pickets can be placed next to each other or with a bit of spacing to allow air to flow through the fence. You can also have pickets alternate sides of the back board. This is a semi-privacy style called either Shadowbox or Good Neighbor since the fence looks the same on each side. These styles usually stay right at the 6' height.

4' Tall Cedar Pointed Picket Fence

If you are looking for something shorter, usually between 42" - 60" tall, a Wood Picket fence might be good for you. Again, this style is available in treated or cedar material and really only varies by the style of picket that you choose, the width of the picket and the spacing between them. Picket fences are usually constructed of pickets that are 3 1/2" or 4" wide and spacing usually ranges from 1" to 3 1/2". You can also use a wider picket, but a 4" picket with a 4" spacing will give your fence the traditional look of a picket fence, especially if you paint it white! Again, the pickets can be dog eared, French Gothic, pointed or other styles and can be custom designed.

6' Tall Scalloped Top Shadowbox Fence - Pressure Treated Wood 

Apart from what I have mentioned above, there are several other styles of wood fence to choose from, a quick google search will result in countless styles of wood fence. Since custom designs can also be dreamed up and created, the possibilities are limitless. So, what about the maintenance thing? As a child many folks dream of someday having children, pets and their dream house with a yard surrounded by the white picket fence. Painting, sealing or staining a fence requires maintenance. In order to keep your fence looking great, you should plan on having the fence painted every 2 years. Custom Fence Company offers a maintenance package with every wood fence installation. You should also always pressure wash your fence before staining, sealing or painting. This will get all of the dirt particles out of the wood.

If you love wood fences, go ahead and have one installed. It does take a bit of maintenance, but you can always hire us to handle that for you! If you maintain a wood fence properly it can last you up to 30 years, that is a very long time considering the fact that it is much less expensive than the most common alternative, vinyl or PVC fence. Good luck on your search for your new fence!

6' Treated Dog Ear Solid Privacy Fence w/10' Double Gate