Choosing the Best Wood Fence Style for Your Needs
When considering installing a new wood fence on your property, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right fencing style for your needs. From privacy fences to picket fences and beyond, there are numerous wood fence design options to evaluate. As you think through fence ideas for your Laurel, MD home, be sure to consider your goals, space and aesthetic preferences to select the ideal fence style.
Fence companies like Fence Company by Maryland Decking have experience designing and building beautiful wood fences to meet diverse customer needs. Working with an established fencing contractor provides access to quality materials as well as professional guidance during the style selection process. Continue reading to learn more about popular wood fence options to inform your planning and project.
Evaluating Wood Fence Styles
Privacy Fences
For many homeowners, privacy is a top goal when installing new backyard fencing. Privacy wood fences are designed to block views and noise from neighbors to create a secluded outdoor living area. Some of the most common privacy fence styles include:
- Shadowbox Fences: Constructed using overlapping wooden planks spaced closely together, shadowbox designs provide complete seclusion and a visually appealing aesthetic perfect for contemporary spaces.
- Board on Board Fences: Alternating overlapping wide and narrow wooden boards deliver maximum privacy and protection without small gaps. The varied textural look pairs well with homes in wooded surroundings.
Picket Fences
With their distinctive rows of vertical wooden planks, wood fence company picket fences deliver a timeless look perfect for front yards. Picket fencing offers security just like privacy options but with an open visibility that defines boundaries without totally obscuring views. Popular picket fence choices include:
- Classic Picket Fences: Vertical 1 x 3 or 1 x 4 planks spaced 2 to 4 inches apart create approachable, welcoming curb appeal. Opt for a 36- to 48-inch height for accessibility.
- Gothic Picket Fences: Choose pointed picket cutouts for a stylish take on traditional suburban picket fencing. The intricate silhouette adds striking visual flair.
Ranch Rail Fences
Also referred to as split rail fences, ranch rail designs bring rustic, natural beauty using horizontal rails held in place by vertical posts. Known for their casual, welcoming look, ranch rail fences integrate beautifully into gardens, farms, ranches and rural homes.
Ranch rail fencing provides visible borders without blocking sunlight and views. Fence heights typically range from 48 to 60 inches tall. For added privacy between rails, chicken wire or mesh screening can be incorporated.
When planning any new fence installation or replacement project, start by defining your unique needs and goals. Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of diverse wood fence styles alongside your individual spatial parameters will guide you to make the ideal pick. Qualified professionals like the team at Fence Company by Maryland Decking also provide valuable assistance selecting premier fencing to address objectives and fit your Laurel, MD property’s one-of-a-kind character.
Prioritizing Fence Durability
While style plays a starring role, strength and longevity are equally key considerations when investing in new backyard fencing. Carefully built wood fences fabricated from quality lumber deliver enduring performance, keeping your landscape safely enclosed for years to come.
When comparing fencing materials and construction quality, some factors to examine include:
Fence Height Standard wood privacy fences measure six feet tall. For added seclusion, taller eight-foot fences are an option. Match fence height to intended use, considering visibility, security, enclosure and more.
Post Size and Depth Thicker fence posts (4×4 or 6×6) anchored deeper into the ground (2 to 3 feet) equip fences to stand up to weather, wear and soil shifting better.
Picket Size Wider pickets made of thicker, premium wood prevent sagging, cracks and moisture damage over time.
Rail and Frame Construction Structural triangular gate frames paired with closely spaced horizontal fence rails prevent drooping and detachment.
Investing in exceptional materials plus sound structural construction translates to fences built to last through years of everyday use, seasonal weather fluctuations and more.
Choosing the Optimal Fence Wood Type
Along with style and construction considerations, the specific lumber selected also affects each fence’s durability and longevity over the long term. While vinyl and other synthetic fencing materials are lower maintenance, natural wood fences deliver unparalleled beauty and value when properly maintained.
Fence companies specializing in wood fencing like Fence Company by Maryland Decking provide diverse wood species to match different aesthetic tastes and performance needs.
Common wood types used for exceptional fencing in Laurel, MD and surrounding areas include:
Cedar: Prized for its natural resistance to moisture, pests and decay, cedar offers lasting performance with minimal upkeep. Its reddish hue and distinctive grain add decorative flair.
Redwood: Another great rot-resistant option, redwood offers a distinctly grained, attractive red tone. Stable, resilient redwood retains its integrity and appearance year after year.
Pressure Treated Pine: One of the most budget-friendly wood fence material options, pressure treated yellow pine offers great strength at a lower cost. Regular sealing is needed to maintain its beauty.
Douglas Fir: With exceptional density and strength, Douglas fir is another durable, stable choice perfect for privacy screening requiring solid coverage plus sturdy corner posts.
Seeking input from a reputable wood fence company ensures you select the perfect wood species to achieve your unique fence goals while matching your property’s style. Qualified fence builders also provide recommendations regarding regular sealing and repairs to get the longest usable lifespan from your investment.