A fence is a great investment for your home. Not only does it improve the curb appeal, but it also provides that extra security to help keep your home safe. At Pick-It Fence Company, a fence contractor in Palm Beach, Fl, a question we get asked along is how long does a wood fence last and is it a viable option for installing a fence for my home. And it’s a great question! First it’s important to note that wood fences are a great option due to their elegant look, striking appearance, and ease of installation. Here are some things to consider though to the maintenance of a wood fence to help ensure that you enjoy your new fence for decades to come!
Answering the Question: How long does a wood fence last?
There’s no definitive answer to how long wooden fences should last. A lot of it really depends on climatic conditions and how much care you put into them. Oftentimes, wooden fences last longer in areas that have low humidity or in areas where snow and frost isn’t severe. In simple terms, wooden fences will last longer in dryer climates.
Things To Consider When Installing a Wood Fence
Use Metal Fence Posts
A great way to make your wooden fence last longer is to anchor it with a metal fence post. They’re much more durable than wooden posts and are not susceptible to the effects of moisture, rot, or insect damage because well….it’s metal. You don’t have to worry about heavy weather conditions and will probably last you a couple decades. To minimize rust, we recommend that you use aluminum or stainless steel posts and treat it with paint or a metal finish.
Adding a Rot Board
A rot board (also called a kickboard) is a wooden slab placed at the gap between the fence and the ground. The board helps absorb excess moisture from the ground that would be going towards your pickets. They are also easy to replace, so when your rot board starts to deteriorate, just remove the fasteners and put the new ones in and you’re all set. This is a great addition to having your fence last longer while also providing extra security in case your neighbor’s dog decides to sneak through.
Help Maintenance Tips for a Wood Fence
To further help preserve the lifespan of your wood fence at Pick-It Fence we have a four key recommendations for you to follow:
Step 1: Perform Routine Inspections
First, we recommend that you inspect your wooden fence at least once a year. Keep an eye out for any signs of damage such as cracks or splinters. Take some time to walk your property line and look for items such as nails and screws that are no longer holding the boards together. It’s also good to check if they are secure to the post hole and the ground because if not then you might expect it in a funny angle in the future.
Step 2: Remove Any Debris
One thing we recommend doing as well is removing any vines or uprooting that may occur. As aesthetically pleasing it may be to the eye, vines can cause your wooden fence to rot and degrade overtime.
Step 3: Clean Your Fence
It’s also a good idea to clean your wood fence every 2-4 years. Give it a good rinse to wash off all of the mold, fungus, or moss that’s been building up overtime. Otherwise these harmful bacteria can damage your fence if left unattended for too long and thus reducing the lifespan of your fence.
Step 4: Repaint Your Fence From Time to Time
Be sure to stain and paint your wooden fences as well. This will help preserve the sturdiness of the fence while maintaining the appearance of the fence. Not only that, staining your fence can also help repel moisture and reduce rotting and mildew.
Ready to Install a Wood Fence in Palm Beach County, FL? Call us today for more information and scheduling
Since 1990 the fence contractors at Pick-It Fence Co have been proudly serving residential and commercial customers.We’ve completed over 10,000 projects and provide the highest quality service, products, and installations. Our attention to detail and workmanship is evident from our growing satisfied customer list. For a free estimate on your fence installation project call us at 561-795-8972 or visit our contact us page and we’ll be glad to help you.