Wood fences are a popular choice for home, pools, farms and businesses. The numerous styles blend well with most environments and architectural modes, and if purchased knowledgeably, a wood fence can last for many years.

So, what do you need to know before you invest in a wood fence?

All wood fencing is not "created equal." How your fence holds up over the long haul very much depends on the type and quality of wood from which it is made. Generally, the most desirable wood to use in constructing a fence is either cedar or pressure-treated lumber.

Northern white and western red are the most common varieties of cedar for fence applications, particularly panels and post and rail fence. These species are naturally resistant to termites and decay and will last for approximately 20 to 25 years. Local cedar grows too fast to produce a durable fence material.

Pressure treated lumber is wood that has been impregnated with special preservatives to make it resistant to termites and decay. However, only a few species can be successfully pressure treated. Southern yellow pine is the wood of choice for this purpose. Its porous fibers allow for maximum penetration of the preservative chemicals. If treated properly by a quality company and either air or kiln dried, pressure treated southern yellow pine should last 40 years or more.

There are numerous companies that pressure treat wood ? some better than others. Generally, fence posts and panels that are made from correctly treated lumber are warranted. Take the time to find out who backs the warranty obviously a warranty is only as good as the manufacturer that stands behind it.

Other types of wood are not as suitable for pressure treatment as southern yellow pine because the preservative will not penetrate the wood as thoroughly. Many companies will sell a pressure treated split rail fence made of mixed hardwoods or honey locust. Because of the density of these species, the pressure treatment chemicals will not penetrate throughout and there will be no guarantee on these products. Historically, black locust was used for split rail fence because of its excellent resistance to decay and termites. Unfortunately, most of the black locust has been harvested and honey locust does not have the same natural resistance. Rudl is one of the few companies that sells pressure treated southern yellow pine split rail fence.

Poplar is sometimes used for posts and rails. Although this type of wood will adequately accept pressure?treating chemicals, the material is prone to excessive splitting. Because poplar is not naturally resistant to termites and decay, it will not last without treatment.

Spruce, whether treated or untreated, is the least desirable, but cheapest wood for fencing applications. It has no natural resistance to termites and decay and although the surface can be pressure treated, the preservatives will not penetrate throughout the wood. Spruce fences generally last only 5?7 years. Also, as the wood ages, it turns black instead of the desirable silver?grey found in other fence material.

Wood used for interior applications such as fir and white pine are not naturally resistant to termites and decay and do not accept sufficient quantities of chemical to be effectively pressure treated. Treated or untreated, these woods are unacceptable for fencing.

For all around fence durability, it is best to buy the highest quality material that you can afford. Pressure treated southern yellow pine tends to be the most expensive initially, but will last the longest. Western red cedar, a Pacific Northwest product is generally more expensive than white cedar from Maine and Eastern Canada due to high freight costs but is a desirable wood for fencing. Mixed hardwoods, honey locust and spruce are relatively inexpensive but will not last.

Other points to keep in mind before you buy your fence:

• Make sure the product that you are purchasing is truly what it is represented to be. Some companies market fence panels as cedar or treated southern yellow pine when actually they are only part that ? the back rails (stringers) are another material, generally spruce. What good are the pickets if the rest of the fence rots away! Look for a warranty label and grade stamp. This will be your guarantee that the wood is what it is marketed to be.
• Number 2 grade lumber will make a longer lasting fence than lesser grades. It is not necessary to use a better grade (#1 or premium) for fence construction, since, knots, roughness and bark are not as consequential as in other applications..
• The thicker the picket or rail, the longer the fence will last. A 7/8" picket is more durable than a 3/4" picket. However, if price becomes a factor, it is better to choose thinner cedar than thicker spruce. Fence panels should be constructed with galvanized nails. Ordinary nails will rust and streak the panel. All pickets and panels should be double nailed.
• Fence panels should be constructed with galvanized nails. Ordinary nails will rust and streak the panel. All pickets and panels should be double nailed.
• Pressure treated posts for rail fences should be secured on top with a large galvanized anti-check staple when they are manufactured. This prevents the post from splitting as it ages.
• Deal with a reputable fence company - one that you think will be in business for years to come. Make sure that the company has experience, deals in quality products and guarantees their work.

Since 1943, Rudl Fencing and Decking has been a leader in innovative fence design, manufacture and professional fence installation.