The Major Pros And Cons Of Hardwood Fencing
A fence provides privacy and safety to a homeowner's yard, but installing one is an investment. It's important to make the choice that's best for your yard and budget. One of the most popular and top-selling fencing materials in the country is the hardwood post and rail fence made from cedar, pine, spruce, or redwood. No doubt you've seen these fences everywhere. If you're considering hiring fence builders to install one on your own property, here are some pros and cons to consider.
PROS
Durable
Hardwood post and rail fences are very durable and longer-lived than other materials like vinyl, especially cedar. Untreated cedar fences typically last 15 to 30 years, depending on the type of cedar and the maintenance it receives. Treated cedar, on the other hand, can last up to 40 years without needing to be replaced. As for the other hardwood options, they are also quite long-lasting. The life expectancy of a spruce fence is about 4 to 7 years while pine is about 5 to12 years.
Easy to Find
Another great quality of a hardwood fence is that the materials are plentiful and easy to find. Stop by just about any home improvement store and you'll find hardwood posts and rails already in stock. A fencing-specific supply store will have even more options available and just about any type of hardwood you desire. Additionally, a fence builder will have access to almost any type of wood you're considering.
Affordable
One of the major reasons that hardwood fences are so popular is that they are extremely affordable. The average price of a hardwood fence is between $13 and $19 per foot. At the lower end, you have pine at about $10 and $16 per foot. Cedar is at the higher end, averaging about $13 to $18 per foot. There are even some exotic tropical hardwoods you could choose but those typically run a little pricier, between $15 and $24 per foot.
CONS
Maintenance
One of the major cons of hardwood is that it requires maintenance. If you buy untreated hardwood, which is one of the more affordable options, it has to be maintained. Without regular maintenance, the life span of the fence will be diminished. If you choose to paint your fence, you'll need to sand and repaint when the pain begins to chip and fade if you want to keep it from rotting. Additionally, if you choose to stain the fence, you'll need to stain it periodically because it will fade.
Damage
Hardwood fencing is one of the strongest natural materials, but it's still prone to damage. High winds, rot, moisture, and falling trees can all damage your fence. Fortunately, because it's affordable, it's easy to replace when that happens.
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