Wood Fencing

The most popular woods used for fencing are pressure treated pine and cedar, but you do have a couple other options like cypress or redwood, although it could depend on where you live in order to buy other materials.
 

• Treated Pine is a softwood and easy to work with, this type is the most common due to its cost and longevity and resistance to shrinkage.
• Cedar is a popular choice but is more expensive, but this wood doesn't require much maintenance and the wood contains natural insect-repellent substances. Cedar in my opinion is the best looking wood, its color and smell is refreshing in a sense. 
• Cypress is a popular alternative to cedar because it's also insect-resistant and has a similar price point. It also has a great look with some knots in the wood and also gives off a nice aromia.
• Redwood is also insect-resistant and long lasting, and many people prefer its look, though it is similarly priced to cedar.

• Treated wood is moisture resistant, as compared to natural wood  when left in moist or wet conditions will soften quickly, allowing fungus, bacteria and other microorganisms to take root, slowly decomposing the wood.
• Is fungal resistant. 
• Is insect resistant.
• Is fire resistant.
• Comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Affordable.
• Durability and ease of use.

One thing to consider when buying your wood is the environment around you. Moisture and UV light can take a toll on the wood, but another major obstacle is insect infestation. If the wood you choose does not have a natural repellent like cedar for example or is not pressure treated, termites could take over and eat away at your fence, leaving it to rot and fall apart.

Treated Lumber or Pressure-treated lumber as some call it, is commonly used for exterior projects. One common use is for fencing, but just because you buy treated wood doesn’t mean you won’t run into some issues. The preservatives added to treated lumber do provide resistance to certain types of decay, but they cannot prevent damage caused by constant exposure to moisture and direct sunlight, although it does slow the process.

If the wood has been treated properly, the lifespan of the fence will greatly increase. You can expect, on average, for pine fencing to last up to about 20 years and cedar in upwards of 40 years.

Cedar will remain in good condition, last longer and require less maintenance than pine if installed above the ground. Pressure-treated pine is less likely to decay if planted in soil, so it’s recommended to use treated pine posts.

A stain, sealer or paint will help seal out the moisture, and help prevent rotting and slow the weathering process and extend the life of the fence. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. After installation it’s a good idea to let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant.

Any wood, even treated wood, will eventually dry out, crack, and turn grey if left exposed to the natural elements. To keep your wood fence looking its best, finish it with a clear water-repellent sealer, a stain, or paint and protect your investment.

Pressure-treated is a process in which a solution of water and preservative agents are infused into the wood under high pressure. This allows the solution to penetrate deep into the wood and help protect the lumber and extend its life.

The active ingredients commonly used in treated wood are alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), copper azole (CA) or micronized copper azole (MCA). These compounds react with the wood fibers to slow natural decay and have properties to resist termites, fungus, moisture and other elements that promote rot and cause structural decay. For Example, this process enables pressure-treated fence posts, to withstand years of being embedded in soil. Because pressure-treated wood absorbs a significant amount of liquid during the manufacturing process, it typically arrives to stores still wet and can take up to several weeks to completely dry out. The preservatives remain in the lumber after the water evaporates.

Decks and fences are the most common uses for treated wood but it is ideal for a variety of applications. Pressure-treated decking boards can extend the longevity of wooden walkways, freshwater docks, accessibility ramps and other outdoor structures that are exposed to the elements. Other uses for treated wood include raised garden beds, stair stringers, wooden swing sets, pergolas and arbors. Pressure-treated wood should not be used for any indoor applications.

Before you paint or stain treated lumber make sure the wood has properly dried out, to test this you can sprinkle some water onto the lumber, if it absorbs then you are ready for paint and stain, if not  wait a few more days and try again. Once the wood is dry you are safe to apply the stain or paint to the treated wood fence.