Different types of fence lumber are available for building wooden fences, with hardwoods being the most durable but expensive. Cedar is a popular choice due to its durability and aesthetics, while composite materials offer improved resistance to damage. Posts and panels are the two main types of fence lumber used in construction.
When building a wooden fence, you will need to purchase fence lumber to complete the job. There are various types of fence lumber, varying in both size and composition. Most fences are built outdoors, which means that the lumber used to build the fence will need to be resistant to water damage, insect infestation, and sunlight damage. Hardwoods are generally best for this application, as are woods that are naturally resistant to such damage as cedar and teak, though these can be expensive options. Softwoods are also available at a much lower cost, although those woods will need to be chemically treated.
Hardwoods tend to resist moisture damage much better than softwoods. Oak and mahogany, for example, are exceptionally strong, not to mention very attractive. However, such timbers tend to be very expensive, so purchasing timber for hardwood fences is often not feasible. Cedar can also be quite expensive, although it’s usually not as expensive as other hardwoods. The disadvantage of cedar is its tendency to fade after continuous exposure to sunlight, although this fading can also be quite attractive. Cedar fence lumber tends to be a fairly popular choice due to its durability and aesthetics.
Composite fence lumber is a relatively new offering. This type of material combines wood with synthetic materials that help improve the lumber’s resistance to water damage and insect infestation. Such lumber can often be made from recycled materials as well, which means it has the potential to be environmentally friendly. Although many products are advertised as stronger and more durable than wood, it takes the builder a lot of research to find materials that are truly durable and strong. Some types of composite materials end up being as susceptible to water damage as softwoods.
Types of fence lumber can also vary by design. Posts and panels are the two most common types of fence lumber used in fence construction. The posts are usually sunk into the ground and fixed in place using concrete foundations. These posts tend to be thicker than the panels to support the weight of the fence. The panels usually have several slats fixed with horizontal supports; the panels can then be fixed to the posts, creating the perimeter of the fence. It is also possible to build panels from scratch using individual slats. Sometimes fence panels will feature trellises or other ornaments on top to add functionality and aesthetic appeal.
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