Wood fence installation Kingston ON

If natural beauty and biodegradability are important factors to you when choosing fencing materials, wood is the ideal choice. Wood has been popular in homes all across North America for decades. In recent years, other fence materials have risen in popularity including vinyl and composite, but wood still remains a popular choice.

Depending on its placement and use, you’ll come across different styles of wood fences including:

Picket: this is the probably the most iconic image of the wood fence in suburban homes. It is usually around 4 feet tall and encloses a space, typically the front yard, garden or pool.

Vertical: another popular style, this type of fence is typically 6 feet tall and provides a decent barrier against privacy, noise and wind.

Lattice: used mainly as a functional enclosure and decorative barrier, this diamond shaped opening fence is a nice complement to gardens and decks. Does not provide much in terms of privacy.

Louver: this is a unique style of fencing in which the slats are angled so that straight on, you can’t see through, but from an angle you can. Ideal for garden fencing, pools and decks, and plenty of airflow, but does not offer complete privacy.

Post and rail: this is the most simple style and is exactly as it sounds. Provides a physical demarcation between properties, but does not offer any privacy. Often found in farms.

Regarding types of wood, there is quite a variety including douglas fir, redwood and cypress. However, by far the most popular and common are pine and cedar.

Pine is a softer wood that is easier to work with. Its lifespan is around 15 years. With proper care and maintenance, it can be extended beyond 15 years. You’ll want a pressure-treated pine to resist rot and infestations of bugs and pests. Pine is typically the material of choice of wooden posts regardless of what wood you choose for the boards because pine withstands soil conditions better than other wood.

Cedar is a harder and more expensive wood than pine. It ages well, resists discolouration and has a lifespan of around 30 years with proper maintenance. Speaking of maintenance, it is definitely more low maintenance than pine, the latter which requires annual care. Cedar lasts longer than pine and contains natural oils that help resist bug infestations. It resists shrinkage and warpage due to extreme temperature fluctuations, so they work well in our Canadian climate. If cedar is within your budget (you’re generally looking at a 50% higher cost than pine), it would be a preferred choice for low maintenance and longevity. However, with proper maintenance, pine’s average 15 year lifespan can be prolonged several years.

No matter what wood you choose, you’ll have to perform regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning, inspection, touch-ups on toners and waterproof coatings, and restaining if the colour starts to fade. Ideally, you should have the posts plumbed and tamped every couple of years. If you don’t know what that means, not to worry, we will give you a maintenance schedule upon wood fence installation.

Our wood fence contractors will build you a fence that provides beauty, function and durability so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Call us today to discuss wood fencing options and get started with a no-obligation quote.