Westchester Wooden Fences: Wood Fence Materials and Styles to Consider

As early as prehistoric times, wooden fences have already been an essential part of most homes for the privacy and security they provide. It’s widely believed that the term fence originated in the 14th century from the Old French term defens, which translates to “an act of defending.” 

At present, the practical uses of wooden fences aren’t just limited to privacy and security anymore. With the right wood fence style, you can make a particular aesthetic statement and improve your home’s curb appeal by leaps and bounds. 

In this article, we’re going to cover the various styles and different materials to choose from for your Westchester wooden fences. 

Cedarwood 

Cedarwood is a softwood endemic to Northwest America and Canada. Since it’s a type of softwood, most people wrongfully assume it won’t last that long. However, this is far from what’s true. Cedarwood is very durable, with a 30-year lifespan at the minimum. Even when left untreated, it can potentially outlive other wood species. Further, cedar is inherently resistant to insects and decay, making it ideal if you’re after sustainable and long-lasting fences.  

Although cedar fences provide a good number of benefits, they also have a few disadvantages. For one, cedarwood may not be an ideal option if you’re looking to paint your fence. It’ll require several coats of paint to cover the existing coating due to the naturally-vivid color of cedar. Also, since cedar is considered more durable and attractive, it generally costs more than other wood fences.  

Pinewood

Pinewood is another variety of softwood found in many parts of the United States. Although softer than hardwood, pine is resistant to shock and inherently still. For these characteristics, pine is one of the most popular materials for wooden fences. 

Compared to cedarwood, pinewood is more affordable since pine trees rapidly multiply and are replaced with new ones as soon as they’re cut down. As a result, pinewood fences are readily available within an affordable price range. If you’re on a budget but need a wooden fence installed, a wooden fence made of pine is your ideal choice.  

However, keep in mind that pinewood isn’t as durable, so much so that scratches and dents can be a common sight among pine fences. If you find the “old-world” charm that these marks give off to be appealing, you’ll surely get by with periodic upkeep. 

Oakwood 

Oakwood is a solid and durable type of hardwood with approximately 600 species, 90 of which are native to the northern hemisphere. 

Oak fences are identified by their wavy grains rather than their color. A flawless finish highlights the grain, further enhancing the attractiveness of the fence.

Finished oak looks lovely even without any heavy ornamentation or style. Oak fences can be rough or smooth, depending on the type of finishing. However, note that stains can darken the grain too much, causing it to have a two-toned appearance.

Red and white oak are the best varieties for staining. When used for fencing, they can appear as bright as the sun or dark walnut, depending on the type of finishing used. You can expect oak wood to darken in color over time due to oxygen and UV light exposure, causing it to have a more amber tone.  

Cypress Wood

In addition to being rot-resistant, cypress contains cypretine, a natural chemical insect repellent, making the lifespan of this wood longer compared to other types of wood fence materials. It will last for years, even in wet weather conditions, without sealing or repainting. Sealing or painting your cypress fence extends its service life even further.

Although cypress is an evergreen, thus technically identified as a “softwood,” it’s more durable than cedar and most pine species. As a result, a cypress fence is less prone to sustain nicks, dings, and scratches. These characteristics make cypress a great choice for a fence in a busy area, such as backyards where your kids usually play.

Cypress trees are native to the southern United States. Hence, consequent transportation expenses can make cypress a more expensive material for your wooden fence.

Redwood

Redwood is one of the most commonly-used materials for wood fencing. Given that it’s one of the costliest options, its aesthetic appeal and overall quality make it worth the hefty price tag. 

This wood type is also resistant to pests and decay, but staining the panels to beautify your fence is still recommended. 

Continuous exposure to dry air, thawing, snowfall, and moisture easily affects redwood. Treating it with a stain helps prevent your redwood fence from getting worn and damaged.     

From conventional picket fences to modern, especially-engineered styles, here are some of the styles you can consider for your Westchester wooden fences in 2022: 

Wood Picket Fence

Best for: 

  • Gardens 
  • Pool enclosures
  • Front and backyards

Wood picket fences got their name from their generously-spaced, pointy-topped pickets to ably shed raindrops and keep intruders from climbing. 

(See Related Article: Fence Installation Costs in 2022) 

Post and Rail Fence

Best for: 

  • Perimeter enclosure 
  • Demarcation of smaller areas of land
  • Protective fence for young trees or flowerbeds

Post and rail is an inexpensive fence that traditionally serves as a demarcation between properties or penning livestock. It also provides an open yet secure fence system for agricultural applications, especially when combined with chainlinks, barbed wire, or wire mesh.  

Wood Lattice Fence

Best for: 

  • Decks 
  • Pools
  • Patios 
  • Gardens 

Wood lattice fences are crisscrossing strips of wood that obscure the view while allowing air and light to pass through. They also serve as perfect climbing spots for vines and other creepers. 

Staggered Board Fence

Best for: 

  • Parking pads
  • Pools
  • Decks 
  • Patios

Staggered boards or vertical louvers provide privacy when viewed straight on but open views on each side while permitting air to circulate. 

Vertical Board Fence

Best for: 

  • Keeping out noisy and nosy neighbors
  • Wind blocker for urban homesteaders and ranch owners

Tall, vertical boards are usually overlapped or butted edge to edge to ensure privacy. They’re also good at blocking the wind, making them excellent structures to have, especially during winter. 

Composite Wood Fence

Pros

  • Comes in different wood-like shades 
  • Extremely durable with warranties up to 25 years

Cons

  • Requires posts to be set in concrete every 6 feet
  • Extra digging and installation means additional expenses 

Composite wood fences are composed of boards made from a combination of plastic, straw, and sawdust with rails and solid wood posts. 

(See Related Article: Ornamental Fence Ideas to Consider in 2022) 

Selecting the Best Wood 

When having a wooden fence installed, one of the first questions that come to mind is, “what type of wood should I use?” It turns out that there are several factors you should consider. Let’s take a closer look at each one: 

Local Weather

One of the first things you need to consider when choosing wood material for your Westchester wooden fences is the prevalent local weather. Do you live in a generally rainy or dry area? Do you experience frigid or above 100-degree temperatures? Does the weather tend to fluctuate, or is it relatively stable? 

These are just some of the weather-related stuff you need to factor in. It’s important that you select the proper wood for your climate since it’ll deter decay and help prolong the service life of your fence.  

Vulnerability to Insects 

Another thing you need to be aware of is the vulnerability of the wood species to insect infestation. Not every wood material is pressure-treated or naturally repellant to pests. In cases where they aren’t, insects such as termites may eat away at your fence or even take residence in it, causing it to rot and eventually fall apart.  

Budget Allocation

Initially, you may not intend to purchase the most durable and sturdy wood out there. However, going for the material that’s most likely to last may save you a lot, especially if you plan to remain in your home at least in the next decade or so.

Quality Westchester wooden fences won’t require as much maintenance and is less likely to need replacement over time. On the other hand, if relocation is part of your immediate plan, it may not be worth the investment to go for a longer-lasting wood.  

Key Takeaways

Wooden fences are an excellent addition to any home. You install it for privacy, security, noise reduction, or simply for aesthetic purposes. Select the type of wood you’ll use based on the prevailing climate in your area, budget, and how long you intend to stay in your current home.

By now, you already know that not all types of wood are created equal. The best way to pick the material for your Westchester wooden fences is to consider the various properties that each wood type offers. Only then can you make an informed decision on which will perfectly suit your preferences and budget.

Need help in installing or repairing your wooden fence? Call USFence today! We’re always happy to help.

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