A Wooden Fence: A Necessity, an Art Form, and a DIY Project

Photo Courtesy: Gregory Garnich

Whether it’s to keep critters out or pen pets in, fences are a necessity for a majority of home owners. Sometimes fences are necessary, such as when a property has a pool or pets that would run wild otherwise. Others prefer fences for seclusion and privacy.

Regardless, there are different factors that affect the ultimate choice of what type of fencing to purchase and install. Height, cost, and material are perhaps the most important three. While metal and stone fences are certainly popular because of their durability and design, wooden fences can provide much of the same security as well as an aesthetic benefit.

Design and Installation

Photo Courtesy: Andrew Malone

Wooden fences can be purchased or created. Whether they’re constructed from store-bought wood or pieces found in nature, they still serve the same purpose. They can be made using the cheapest wood or the most expensive. The pieces can be cut in intricate designs or just shaped in the most basic manner.

A wooden fence does not have to be rustic, either. Although most people might think of farms or the country when they hear “wooden fence,” the most contemporary homes can enjoy the timeless look of a well-designed wooden fence. Some home owners even choose to create unique fences by blending wood and other materials such as concrete.

Another bonus of wood fences is they can be installed relatively easily. Only minimal materials and knowledge are needed to put up a simple wooden fence. A person can do a lot with some wood pieces, a hammer, and some sturdy nails.

In addition, the internet offers a vast amount of resources including DIY videos. A simple YouTube search of “How to build a wood fence” yields numerous results. Step-by-step videos and guides can offer all the instruction needed for constructing a simple wooden fence.

Sustainability

Photo Courtesy: Antti-Jussi Kovalainen

Wood is an excellent choice for fencing material because it is a renewable resource. Anyone with an Eco-friendly mindset might be more partial to using it for this reason.

Although some argue wood fences are not as strong as other materials and wear down more quickly, they still can last a relatively long time if properly taken care of. In addition, if pieces rot or break and need to be replaced, they can easily be chopped up and used as firewood or for other purposes.

Depending on the area, sure, wooden fences may not withstand extremely high winds or heavy snowfall. However, in locations where those are not concerns, wooden fences can be a beautiful and inexpensive barrier choice for home owners.

About the Author: Alyssa Zandi is an avid crafter, lifetime dog lover, and contributing writer for Michigan Cedar Products, a producer of cedar log siding.
Twitter: @alyssazandi