Getting the Best Deal on Wood Fence Panels: An Essential Guide
Are you ready to buy wood fence panels? With so many different styles of panels made from so many different types of wood, where do you even start? This wood fence panels guide will help you sort through the wide array of styles and select the fence that best fits your budget and your unique needs. Call on Jay Fencing today if you have any questions about selecting the perfect wood fence panels for your home or property.
What Type of Wood?
Wood fences are timeless and classic. A beautiful fence adds character to your homes and backyard. Because of this, many choose wood over other materials such as chain link or vinyl. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Fence Panel Materials for a detailed comparison between vinyl, metal, and wood fences.
Wood fence panels come in a variety of wood types, all ranging in cost and maintenance requirements. Before you select your fence panel style, you must select your preferred type of wood.
Common Wood Types
Whitewood (Pine, Spruce, Fir) – Cost: $
Whitewood” is a term used to include three types of wood: pine, spruce, and fir. Whitewood is one of the most common choices for fence panels. It is easy to work with, durable, and affordable. However, white woods are not as naturally strong or insect and rot-repellant as other wood types. Pine and fir are pressure-treated to remain durable. Insecticides are often applied to deter insect infestations.
Western Red Cedar – Cost: $$
Western red cedar contains natural oils that deter insects – all without human intervention! This wood type is also naturally resistant to rot, though over time untreated red cedar will turn gray in colour. You can prevent this and increase your fence post’s lifespan by purchasing treated wood. Cedar is more expensive than whitewood but is still relatively affordable. Red cedar is also one of the most aesthetically pleasing wood types, making it the top pick for many homeowners.
Cypress – Cost: $$$ – $$$$
Cypress is very similar to red cedar. It is a strong and sturdy wood, ideal for wet environments. It contains a chemical that naturally repels insects and is naturally resistant to rot. However, cypress may warp or bend if dried incorrectly. Cypress is native to the Southern United States and can be become quite pricey due to long shipping times.
Redwood – Cost: $$$$$
Naturally durable and resistant to rot and insects, redwood is also the most expensive wood fencing type. Redwood has it all, including looks. However, redwood does not usually make economical sense, especially for large fences. Though it is extremely tough, it still needs to be treated with a coating to prevent graying over time.
Common Styles of Fence
Now that you’ve chosen your type of wood, it’s time to pick your perfect fence board style! Wood is versatile and there are many styles to choose from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Picket Fence – Cost: $$
Pros: Considered a traditional, classic look, the picket fence is a great option for a decorative fence around your property. Picket fences look great painted any colour and are relatively easy to install. The style allows visibility beyond the fence. These fences can keep children and pets safe when installed correctly.
Cons: Overall, not the safest option for containing pets or keeping children safe as picket fences are not very tall. This fence also offers no privacy.
Solid Board – Cost: $$$$
Pros: A great option for a privacy fence, solid board fences provide a very safe barrier for children and pets. When built by an experienced installer with high-quality wood, solid board fences can last many years and remain strong and durable.
Cons: These fences tend to be more expensive, and are not easy to install by yourself. Some areas have height restrictions for solid board fences, so it is important to check out your city’s bylaws before purchasing. This type of fence does not allow air flow through the panels.
Lap Panel – Cost: $$$
Pros: If you enjoy a more rustic look, lap panel fencing may be the perfect choice for you. This type of fence is relatively easy to work with and quite affordable.
Cons: Lap Panel fences are not as strong or as durable as solid board fence panels. Lap panel fences are prone to rot and must be installed correctly to avoid warping and rotting. They also do not allow a breeze through the panels.
Lattice – Cost: $$-$$$$
Pros: Lattice can be used in a variety of ways – lattice top is a common style, paired with shadow box panels or board on board to retain privacy. It is also possible to have a fence entirely made of lattice, allowing much more visibility through the fence. Lattice top allows some air flow through the panels.
Cons: A fence entirely made of lattice allows for little privacy. It is not known for its durability, and will not effectively keep children or pets safe. Because it comes in so many different styles, some options can be very expensive.
Shadow Box – Cost: $$$$
Pros: A shadow box fence allows some space between the fence boards, but is still an excellent privacy fence. A shadow box fence keeps children and pets safe and allows a breeze to pass through the boards. It looks the same from both sides, making it attractive to your neighbours too!
Cons: Like solid board, this can be a bit more expensive. It is not easy to build yourself, and if you’re looking for a unique or rustic style fence, this is not the choice for you.
Getting the Best Price
Here are some handy tips for getting the best deal on your fence panels:
- Create a budget, and stick to it. Do some research on different types of wood and fence styles in your area, and create a budget you’re comfortable with. Research beforehand will help you avoid impulse buys.
- Decide what wood type is best for you. Knowing the pros, cons, and price range of each wood type will help you determine which wood types are within your budget. Knowing these prices beforehand will also help you recognize a good deal when you see it.
- Determine your fence style. As mentioned above, each fence style has its own pros, cons, and typical costs. Though a shadow box or solid board fence may be a bit more expensive, settling on a picket fence when you really want a privacy fence won’t do you any favours. It’s important to decide what is worth sacrificing when selecting your perfect fence.
- Purchase from a reputable company. Buying from an honest and reputable business will save you lots of money down the road when your fence lasts longer than a poorly manufactured one!
- Team up with an experienced installer. Incorrectly installed fences can end up costing you much more than you budgeted for. They also will not last as long and can warp and rot much more easily. Hiring an experienced installer will help you get the most for your money.
The best way to get the best price is to partner with a reputable company. At Jay Fencing Ltd, you can feel confident that we will only recommend products or services that are best for you and your needs. This means you won’t be buying any unnecessary products or services that will make the price go up. If you’re interested in purchasing your own wood fence panels or would like to know more about wood fencing, contact Jay Fencing today!
“We saw the fence yesterday night. Wow! It is gorgeous! We really love it! Thanks to you and your guys who worked on it. They did a great job. They cleaned the ground, etc. everything looks perfect! We are very satisfied 🙂”
Cheers,
- Wood Fence, Kitchener – read more testimonials here!
Sources
http://buzzfence.com/different-types-of-wood-for-fences-and-how-they-affect-the-fence-structure/
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/all-about-wood-fences
https://www.proreferral.com/hg/what-are-best-types-wood-fences/
https://www.owatroldirect.co.uk/choose-garden-fence-choosing-right-fence-panels/
https://www.landscapingnetwork.com/fencing/wood.html