Choosing the right material for your new fence can enhance your satisfaction over time. Wood fences are well-known for creating a traditional aesthetic while offering more privacy than you’d find with chain link styles. Although the material is durable, you’ll find most contractors recommend using pressure-treated wood to provide greater longevity. Taking a look at the benefits of pressure-treated wood can help you make a knowledgeable decision.

Understand the Difference between Raw & Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood goes through a special chemical treatment process that makes it more resistant to rot and insect damage. Natural wood doesn’t go through this process. Instead, it’s shaped and smoothed into the form you need for fencing without chemicals being involved in the manufacturing of each post. You can find several types of wood available for fencing that may be natural or pressure-treated.

Consider the Benefits of Pressure-Treated Wood

Both pressure-treated wood and natural types can vary according to their costs. Although it might seem as though natural wood would cost less than pressure-treated types, the truth is the pricing can vary depending on whether you choose cedar, pine, or another variety.

Most people choose pressure-treated wood for its enhanced durability. Depending on where the fence is located, you may prefer the additional safeguards against fire, insect, and water damage the pressure treatment provides.

Assess Your Property’s Needs

Pressure-treated wood tends to last longer than fencing left in its natural state, but both types of wood require regular maintenance. Sealing and staining the wood helps you fill in small pores in the surface that can allow water and other contaminants to get inside and lead to rot and discoloration. Wood can also warp and shrink over time. While pressure treatment can prevent this issue, it can still happen with any wooden fence.

Working with a contractor who chooses fencing materials from reputable suppliers also ensures the new fence is resistant to warping. If chemical exposure is a concern for your family, you may prefer natural wood or another type of fencing material. Pressure-treated wood can potentially leach chemicals into the ground, but this is less likely to occur with modern materials that are made using chemicals with lower toxicity.

Explore Wood Fence Alternatives

For some property owners, staining and sealing a fence each year may require more maintenance than they prefer. Alternatively, you may prefer a fence that lasts for many decades without needing to replace slats. If this is the case, you may also want to explore other fencing materials, such as metal or vinyl. With modern metal or iron fencing, Santee residents can also create a beautiful aesthetic that’s more durable than wood. With metal or acrylic, you can avoid having to seal the fence each year and still know it will last for many years to come.

Fred’s Fencing has been providing San Diego with top-quality fencing since 1984. With more than 50 years of experience, we offer a wide selection of wood, chain link, and wrought iron fences Santee businesses and homeowners trust to enhance the style and security of their residential, commercial, and industrial properties. We specialize in manufacturing decorative fences and gates for various purposes, such as pool, backyard, and dog fencing. To learn more about our high-quality craftsmanship, contact us today.