8 Types Of Wood Fences

Components Of A Fence

All fences use the same basic components:

What Type Of Wood Fence Lasts The Longest?

Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don’t touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element. So be sure to assemble the parts with weather-resistant fasteners, such as hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel nails and screws.

What Are The Different Types of Wood Fences?

1. Wood Picket Fence

Usually 3 to 4 feet high, these fences are named for their widely spaced pointy-topped pickets, which discourage climbing and shed raindrops. Best for:

Front yards Gardens Pool enclosures

Similar to shown: 4-foot-tall pointed-top cove panel, about $24 per linear foot in red cedar; Blue Ox Millworks

2. Post and Rail Fence

This inexpensive fence, traditionally used for penning livestock, also makes a bold demarcation between properties. Best for:

Boundaries Enclosing fields

Similar to shown: 4-foot-tall paddock fence, about $8.25 per linear foot in treated southern yellow pine; Capital Fence

3. Wood Lattice Fence

Crisscrossing strips of lath obscure the view while allowing air and light to pass through. A perfect screen for climbing plants. Best for:

Gardens Decks Patios Pools

Similar to shown: 4-foot-tall lattice panel, about $59 per linear foot in white cedar; Walpole Woodworkers

4. Louver Fence

Vertical louvers or staggered boards afford privacy when viewed straight on but allow airflow and open views from the side. Best for:

Pools Decks Parking pads Patios

Similar to shown: 6-foot-tall open-louver panel, about $21.50 per linear foot in redwood; Bay Area Fence & Deck, Inc.

5. Vertical Board Fence

Overlapped or butted edge to edge, tall vertical boards, ensure privacy. They also block the wind, a good thing in winter but not so much in summer. Best for:

Keep out nosy neighbors Wind and noise protection

Similar to shown: 6-foot-tall shadow-box panel, about $30 per linear foot in redwood; Borg Fence

6. Ornamental Fence

Steel, aluminum, or fiberglass made to resemble wrought iron. Pros:

Lifetime warranties on fiberglass and aluminum, 10 to 20 years for steel You can paint it any color It’s strong and sturdy.

Cons:

No privacy All posts set in concrete Steel rusts

Cost: Starts at about $25 per linear foot for aluminum or fiberglass; about $16 for steel.

7. Vinyl Fence

Hollow PVC posts and rails reinforced with metal or wood inside. Pros:

Warranties from 20 years to lifetime Needs only an occasional wash.

Cons:

White and shades of beige only Has a plasticky sheen Gets brittle and cracks with age

Cost: about $12–$50 per linear foot for 6-foot-tall uninstalled panels.

8. Composite Wood Fence

Boards made of a sawdust and plastic blend with solid wood posts and rails. Pros:

Warranties from 20 to 25 years Comes in a variety of wood-like colors

Cons:

Posts must be set in concrete every 6 feet, which means extra digging and installation expense

Cost: about $15–$50 per linear foot for 6-foot-tall uninstalled panels.