So you want to fence your property? One of the first things you need to do to a newly-purchased property is to fence it. Whether you choose pine, spruce, fir, or cedar wood, you want something that does not cost much.
Having a sturdy fence is something of a need, aside from demarcating property lines. A well-done fence sets your property apart, adds aesthetics, gives you less worries on trespassers, and that means you can frolic around your house without getting seen by neighbors – if you build them correctly.
Note that the cost of having a fence depends on the size of your property, the type of fence you would build, building materials, and the type of wood you will use. Since it can cover large areas, wood is still the best choice for the task due to its affordability. There are a lot of woods to choose from. .
Who better to ask than us here at Black Beards Woodworking, who are experts in everything about wood and have built a lot of fences ourselves (including beautiful, custom-made fences that adds a nice character to your space), and we already finished a lot of fence construction projects for property owners in and around Calgary.
Fencing a property is something everybody should be doing, and choosing the right lumber is essential so it lasts for years without breaking the bank. Read more to know more about the right lumber to use for fencing.
What type of fence do you need?
Your property type and location tend to dictate the style of fence you want. For a property in a populated city or suburb, a high fence with overlapping boards gives you the most privacy. It gives you a secluded outdoor space and dampens noise, and also gives awesome wind protection as well. However, it is the most costly and requires more wood compared to other types.
If you have a larger property to fence, you might consider having a louver or a latticework fence at a lower height. Windboards also work too (we have Red Cedar Windboards and Mixed Cut Windboards). They may not totally seclude your property from outside view, but they add openness to your space. And, they are also more affordable too.
A good-ole picket fence may be ideal for those who have a large lot area. Those who have a wide open land in a rural area that measures in acres and with a lot of features, like farm, cattle lots, or with livestock, your only affordable choice is the sturdy post-and-rail fencing.
Now, you just have to decide and see which type of fence you would need. The usual practice for fencing construction is use lower cost and durable pine ,SPF or douglas fir, often treated, applied with sealant or paint, on the fence posts and rails, and then use more expensive wood like cedar for the panels and fence boards.
SPF Lumber
Spruce/pine/fir wood (or SPF lumber) makes durable and beautiful fences. They have an appealingly creamy color that makes them perfect for high, enclosed fences. SPF lumber is also easy to work with, and skilled builders can make intricate designs out of them including gorgeous lattice fences.
Its wood has a mostly straight grain with fine, even texture. It takes paint easily and holds nails effectively. It has a high strength-to weight ratio that makes it popular for framing, so your resulting fence is sure to be durable.
SPF wood makes good fences, and it is also affordable. It can withstand exposure to water and humidity when properly treated. If you need to build a large and tall fence, or need for a large area, SPF lumber is a good choice.
Click here to see SPF lumber
Cedar Lumber
If you want a more durable fence in your property that scores good on aesthetics, go for cedar lumber. It has an appealing reddish hue that looks rustic and unique. It sure costs more, but Cedar wood is naturally beautiful, especially when built into tall, enclosed fences or louver fences.
Cear is durable, and it does not sag or warp even when exposed to wet weather. It can last for more than a decade. Since it lasts for years, make sure to pick a good fence design that fits the look of your property.
Among the best qualities of cedar is its natural resistance to rot. It has natural oils that protect it from moisture, decay, and attack by mold and insects including termites. Talk about wood with a natural bug repellent!
Click here to go to Cedar lumber
Douglas fir lumber
If you want a lower-priced lumber for a picket fence or for fencing large open spaces or large tracts of land, consider using douglas fir. It is easy to work with, environmetally friendly, and accepts stains and finishes without a problem. Its wood is easy to work with hand tools or machines.
In terms of strength, douglas fir scores high in stiffness. It has resistance to decay, but it is susceptible to insect attack. You can use other types of wood for fence posts, and then use douglas fir wood on the rest. Or, have a professional apply sealant and paint on the wood to make it impregnable to moisture and insects.
Douglas fir costs less than cedar, so you can use it on small properties and enclose them with tall fences without the expense.
Click here to see Douglas fir lumber
Beautify your space, or secure it, with a well-built fence
There you have it. It serves a lot of purposes that you just have to have it. Having a wooden fence makes your home more secure and also adds to the style. Now you only need to decide which fence design you want.
Whether its a picket fence, latticework fence, or a tall, beautifully-finished fence board fence, any well-built fence adds value to your home. Make sure to choose a fence style that suits your needs. If you want expert advice and a fence builder that knows a lot about custom woodwork, send us a message here at Black Beards Woodworking.