A wooden fence, a divided railing, or a picket fence can add value to the beauty and safety of your home. A wooden fence usually lasts approximately 15 years. However, with proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your wooden fence to 20 years or more. If you're considering wooden fencing, you might be wondering about the life expectancy of wooden fences.
Cedar is one of the most durable and durable woods, so it is much better suited as a fencing material. It can last more than 15 to 30 years and is exceptionally sustainable. Cedarwood requires much less maintenance and doesn't wear out as easily as fir or pine. The first thing to know when estimating the lifespan of your fence is the natural life of your wood.
The most commonly used types of wood for fences are cedar, fir and pine. Depending on the species, cedar can last between 15 and 30 years, fir can last between 4 and 7 years, and pine can last between 5 and 12 years. It's also a good idea to clean the fence thoroughly every few years and stain and paint it at the same time. At least once a year, take a walk around the perimeter of the fence and look for rotten, cracked, or deformed boards, faulty posts, or loose nails.
Technically, fences can be made of any wood the builder desires, but the most commonly used are fir, pine and cedar. The truth is that wooden fences, despite their remarkable attributes, require a bit of compensation in terms of longevity and maintenance compared to other fence materials, such as vinyl, aluminum or chain links. Try to keep vines and shrubs away from the fence, as they can contribute to the rotting of the fence, and keep an eye on the roots of trees that try to tear off the base of the fence. Although generally more expensive, PVC fences are gaining popularity due to their low maintenance and unique appearance, as well as the variety of colors and textures available.
Pressure-treated wood is protected from decay by fungi and termites, but is still subject to swelling, shrinking, cracking and deforming, so it's important to perform basic maintenance on the fence every two to three years. I hope you now know the purpose of your fence, your tolerance for maintenance, and a general idea of how long your fence will last. So, watch out for rotting wood and piles of wood chips nearby, as it may mean that carpenter ants have built their nests in the fence. Iron, one of the most durable fencing materials, can provide a functional barrier around the patio while serving a decorative purpose.
Parts of the fence that don't touch the ground are less likely to rot and deteriorate and other moisture-related problems. Therefore, as long as you are willing to carry out maintenance, considering that the current quality of the wood is lower than the previous one, you can have a beautiful fence that will last you up to 20 years. Western red cedar and redwood are commonly used for fencing because they resist decay and putrefaction, but there are a variety of other types of wood available.
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