Many homeowners like to add at least some fencing to their property. It creates separation between your home and your neighbor's, it can keep children and pets in, and it looks nice. There are plenty of other reasons as well. When it comes to selecting a fence type, it's important to do your research. There are countless materials that fences can be constructed from, and it's important to know the pros and cons of each prior to signing a contract. Today, our team wants to go over the goods and the bad that can come from installing a wooden fence on your property. 

Pros

More Natural-Looking: As we're very sure you know, wood is a natural resource. Wooden fences are therefore more natural-looking than alternative materials. Before there was vinyl, plastic, and readily-available iron, there was wood. Wooden fences stretch back centuries, used to mark property lines, keep critters contained, and more. Many people love the classic, natural look of a wooden fence, so the style remains extremely popular. Trees are a staple in many backyards, so wooden fences fit right in. Their neutral tones are a favorite amongst homeowners because they pair perfectly with all colors of flowers, furniture, paint, and vinyl siding!

Can Be Recycled: One of our favorite things about wooden fences is their ability to be recycled. If your current backyard fence is cracked, broken, rotted, etc., the scraps can still be reused to make something new! Wood is commonly recycled into mulch, Oriented Strand Board, paper, sawdust, wood pellets, and more! Once your fence has done its job, it can be repurposed and become useful once again.

Easy to Repair: If you have a redwood fence, cedar fence, pine fence, or any other wood, you'll be happy to know that they can be very easy to repair. If you have a traditional picket fence or any style where individual boards can be reached easily, repairs are easy and cheap. If you have one board that's rotted, broken, or warped, you can just replace that one board rather than the whole section of the fence! The color won't match perfectly, but over time, the sun will fade the new wood to blend it seamlessly with the old. There's no special equipment required for repair; your everyday tool kit should do the job just fine.

Can Be Stained or Painted: If you want to change up the look of your wooden fence, consider painting or staining it. Neutral colors can be stained darker with shades of reds, greys, browns, and blacks. Paint over the wood with any color of outdoor paint to add a splash of color to your backyard. Fair warning, painting, and staining each has their own list of pros and cons, so be sure to do some research prior to making a decision. If you opt for a redwood fence we promise you won't need stain or paint. Redwood fences are some of the most beautiful wooden fences you can get. The natural red tint is classy, elegant, and will not fade nearly as much as stains and paints. 

More Design Options: Woodworking has always been a very well-respected trade. At times, it's very clear art. Woodworking and carpentry skills can be put to use in your new fence in the form of intricate designs or shapes. Of course, most fences aren't too intricate, but you'll often see curves, latticework, interesting shapes, and more. Wood is extremely versatile and as a result, we can create some incredible fences. Modern technology allows newer materials to be molded into a variety of designs as well, but wood will always come out on top in terms of customizability.

Cons

It can rot, warp, or crack: If you have any sort of experience with wooden structures, you understand that they will never stay the same as they start. Wood shrinks and expands with water and humidity which can lead to warping. When fences warp, the strain can sometimes cause them to crack or break off. Since your backyard fence is outside and exposed to the elements, there's really no way to avoid this. Many fences have to endure the hot sun, cold winters, and rainy days. This is a lot for any material to face, especially a natural one like wood. Without the bark that protects trees, your wooden fence could also suffer from rot, moss, and mildew. These also threaten the integrity of your fence, so keep an eye out for signs!

Color Changes Overtime: Have you ever removed a picture from your wall only to find that the color beneath it is considerably different from the wall around it? Nine times out of ten, that's due to sun fading. Your wooden fence is prone to the same thing. Areas that are in direct sunlight will fade and change color over time. If your whole fence is exposed to the sun equally, the color will fade equally. However, if parts of your yard are always shady, your fence will be several different shades of its original color. Many homeowners don't mind the faded look, but for some, it's very distracting and considered an eyesore. Even paint and stains will fade in the sun, so be sure you're okay with that prior to getting your new wooden fence installed. 

More Sensitive To Weather Extremes: As we previously mentioned, wooden fences do not always do well with weather extremes. Temperature, weather conditions, and humidity all have adverse effects on your redwood or cedar fence. In dry climates, the wood will shrink and create more space than intended between boards. Humidity or excessive rain can cause mold, moss, mildew, and soggy wood. Harsh winters can be problematic as well. Water can get into the wood, freeze, expand, and cause breakage, chips, and cracks. Strong wind can blow things against the fence causing damage, or can even be strong enough to rip the fence down! Luckily, there are treatments and installation methods in place to help avoid all of these issues.

As you can see, we believe that there are far more pros to wooden fences than there are cons. We may be biased, but research and first-hand accounts back us up! Wooden fences are hugely popular with homeowners for good reasons. If you're convinced that installing a new wooden fence is right for your home, call Palisade Fence Company! We specialize in a new fence installation for residential properties. We create custom redwood and cedar fences and gates to give your privacy and protect your home. Call (916) 384-0309 to talk to a member of our team. We hope to hear from you soon!