There are many ways that a fence can enhance your home’s aesthetics and security.
But none is more popular than a traditional wood fence.
Wood is an effortlessly versatile material, leaving you with a wide variety of options.
Wood fencing can capture so many different styles and personas.
For example, a white picket fence. This fence has iconic status as Americana. It symbolizes the ideal middle-class suburban life, with a family and children, a large house, and peaceful living.
Alternatively, wood fences can also be sleek and modern, such as horizontal wood fencing.
Read on to learn all about wood fences to see how adding one to your home could be right for you.
History of Traditional Wood Fences
Let’s take a quick look at the history of fences. The word “fence” comes from “fens,” which was a Middle English word abbreviated from “defens.”
This word was equal to defense. Thus, it referred to a means of protection.
The world’s first fences may not be documented.
However, it’s easy to understand that most were made from wood or stone.
Fences originally were meant to protect properties or objects.
They were also used for agricultural purposes to further develop different areas of the world.
Looking back, we see that civilizations and agriculture were two of the most important factors of the world’s growth.
This means that the fence is an icon of both protection and growth.
And by adding a traditional wood fence to your home and property, you are building upon a rich history.
Design Options for a Traditional Wood Fence
If you are building a wood fence, you have several design options to choose from.
First, determine how transparent you want your fence to be.
If you are building a privacy fence, you probably want a solid fence.
You can also choose semi-solid fences that have small gaps.
Another design option is the top of your wood fence.
There is a wide selection of ornamental tops that can help you customize your look.
The simplest top is just a straight cut. However, you can also choose a variety of curved and mitered tops.
Some people prefer specialized tops that include lattice and other designs.
If you are building a more decorative fence, or just marking a boundary, you can go more transparent.
Picket and split-rail fences are two popular styles of transparent fences.
Picket fences are typically ornamental, and rarely more the four feet tall.
Split-rail fences are great for large properties since the spacing of wood helps cut down on materials costs.
There are quite a few types of split-rail fences, ranging from sleek and modern to unfinished and rustic.
Split rail fences are also typically lower than privacy fences, at three to four feet tall.
Wood fences are very versatile. You can have wood installed vertically, or horizontally.
Horizontal wooden fences are great for privacy and complement more modern homes and properties.
Traditional vertical wood fencing looks great on most homes, as well.
How to Maintain a Wooden Fence
A wood fence usually lasts approximately 15 years.
However, with the proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your wood fence to 20 years or more.
To keep a traditional wood fence looking its best, maintenance is key.
The first step to take to preserve a wood fence is to keep it clean.
For naturally finished woods, keeping dirt and grime off allows the wood to “breathe”.
Therefore, plan on annual power washes.
Using a maximum pressure of 1,500 to 2,000 psi, you will strip months of weathering from the fence.
Thus, safeguarding it from rot and mold.
Additionally, your fence may also require some light sanding.
After your annual power wash, inspect the fence for rough patches or broken wood.
Smooth rough surfaces with sandpaper.
This is also an opportunity to replace any nails that have popped out.
Secure loose boards with additional nails or screws.
It’s best to use aluminum or stainless steel nails or screws that won’t rust and discolor your fence.
The final step to keeping your wood fence in great shape is to stain and seal or paint it.
While you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, the general rule is that wood fences should be stained every five years.
Sealers should be applied every two to three.
These annual and semi-annual inspections and repairs will keep your fence looking great for many years.
Conclusion
If you are considering adding a fence to your property, a traditional wood fence is a great solution.
These fences offer customizable options to help you reach your goals.
With high-quality materials made to last, you’ll be happy with your investment for years to come.
Reach out to our team at Bravo Fence Company today to learn more about how to add a traditional wood fence to YOUR home!
FAQs
What is the purpose of your fence?
Consider why you are installing a fence. Is it for privacy? For keeping kids or pets safe? When you determine your usage needs, you’ll make better choices regarding wood type and design. If you make a choice based purely on aesthetics, you may find later that the fence isn’t working well for you. However, if your needs are purely aesthetic, you may be able to get more creative with your choices. It’s all about careful consideration and planning.
Do I need a permit to build a traditional wood fence?
You may need a permit to build a fence on your property. You’ll also need to make sure your fence meets local building codes and HOA regulations when it comes to height and materials. That’s why it’s always a good idea to hire an experienced fencing company like Bravo Fence Company. Thus, you can rest assured that our staff will guide you through permitting issues.
Do I need a plat to build a fence?
In many places, a plat is required to get the permits you need to build a fence. In others, it may not be a firm requirement, but it is the best way to know your property lines. But what is a plat? A plat is a scale map of your neighborhood prepared by civil engineers. The plat map delineates the boundaries of all of the properties in the area, which is why it is so critical for your fence installation. Without it, you run the risk of overstepping your property line and drawing the ire of your neighbors.
Are wooden fences expensive?
Wood is typically an affordable fencing material. Of course, the actual price depends a lot on the specific type of wood and how large your fence will be. It’s always a popular choice to install a traditional wood fence, in part due to affordability. However, due to the production and distribution disruptions in 2020, lumber prices did rise sharply.
Now that we are nearing the end of 2021, we are seeing sawmills reopen and lumber prices have dropped more than 60% since spring. THere’s no better time to install a wood fence!
