Creating Safer Areas For Your Family

When it comes to choosing a new fence, there are plenty of options available on the market. Homeowners can choose from a variety of materials, styles, and colors. Wood remains one of the most popular options for fencing materials. Wood is durable, attractive, and has a traditional charm. Wood fencing also works well with a variety of home styles and architecture. When looking into wood fences, here are three things to consider.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a wood fence is around 20 years if it is constructed from rot resistant wood. The lifespan can also vary greatly depending on the species of wood used. Cedar wood fences are known to last longer than those constructed from spruce or pine. Treated wood also has a longer lifespan than non-treated wood. Climate can also play a role in how long the fence lasts. Moisture is the enemy of wood. Fences that are in areas where there is a lot of moisture and rainfall may not last as long as fences that are in drier climates. 

Maintenance

Maintenance is key for keeping a wood fence looking great. Weather damage, rot, as well as holes and cracks in the wood can greatly detract from the appearance of the fence. Wood fence services can provide the repairs and maintenance needed to keep the fence in tip-top condition. Maintenance of a wood fence involves regular power washing in addition to repainting or re-staining the fence every few years. Replacing damaged boards and posts is also common when it comes to wood fence maintenance. The average cost to maintain or repair a wood fence ranges from $294 to $783. 

There Are Alternatives

For homeowners who love the look of wood but who want a fence that requires less maintenance or that has a longer lifespan, there are alternative options available. Vinyl and wood composite fencing offer the look of wood without as much hassle. The main downside to vinyl and wood composite are that they tend to be more expensive than their wood counterpart. The average cost of a wood fence is $5 to $10 per foot, while vinyl runs around $20 per foot, and wood composite anywhere from $15 to $50 per foot. 

 Wood fencing has a lot of benefits. It's attractive, easy to paint and stain, affordable, and can offer a lot of privacy and noise control. Before building a wood fence, there are a few things that homeowners should keep in mind. The lifespan of a wood fence tends to be lower than other materials and regular maintenance is a must. Vinyl and wood composite offer the same look as wood without the maintenance. However, they tend to be pricier to build. 

For more information, contact a business such as Carter Fence Co.