Long Island Wood Fence: What's the Best Wood?

Long Island Wood Fence: What’s the Best Wood?

On Long Island Fence Contractor

The Right Wood Choice For Your Long Island Wood Fence

If you are thinking about a Long Island Wood Fence, you are likely wondering how they stack up to other fencing options. Out-of-the-gate, it is hard to match the natural beauty of wood.

Q: What is the best wood for a fence, in term of economics and durability? The fence will be subjected to both hot and cold weather. If I decide to use CCA-treated lumber, can I paint it or should it just weather? What is the best way to set the posts? Should they be surrounded with concrete or gravel?

A: A Long Island Wood Fence has a delightful look and feel. What I like most about wood is that you have almost infinite possibilities with respect to design and texture. Only two factors restrict your freedom of choice: your own imagination and any local zoning laws that limit the type of fence you can install.

Be aware that some zoning laws are highly restrictive about fences. Be sure to investigate this before you make a trip to the lumberyard.

Chemically treated lumber is an industry in transition. Many consumers are afraid of chemicals, and there are countless stories going around about people who have become sick from exposure to CCA lumber. If these are true, would you want your children climbing on such a fence? Is it worth the risk? Those are tough questions, but in your case they may be moot. Two coats of exterior paint that contain both acrylic and urethane resins might encapsulate any chemicals in the wood for a long time.

You have other wood options. Mother Nature has been manufacturing rot- and weather-resistant lumber for years. Ask any farmer about the longevity of locust fence posts. Redwood and cedar also make superb, long-lasting fencing materials, and come in grades that are very affordable. Do not be fooled by the prices of clear redwood and cedar. You do not need this premium grade for fencing. Chose a more economical grade, such as construction heart redwood or a similar grade of cedar. If you feel lucky, try to round up some bald cypress. This lumber species weathers outdoors extremely well.

Be sure to use stainless-steel nails or hot-dipped galvanized nails to fasten the fence parts together.

I did not use concrete or gravel to set my posts. Fortunately, I owned a post-hole digger that created a hole just two inches in diameter larger than the size of my posts. After digging the holes two feet deep, I used a scrap 4-by-4 piece of lumber to compact the soil at the bottom of each hole. I then set each post in line and made sure it was plumb as I carefully tamped earth around all four sides of the post.

My fence has remained in perfect position for 13 years. If a post does go bad for some reason, the absence of concrete or gravel will make replacement a quick and easy job.

One final note of caution: Before you begin to dig post holes, make sure there are no underground utility lines near the fence line.

Via chicagotribune.com

Your Long Island home or business property is a large investment. You may want to protect and beautify it. Installing a new iron, vinyl or wood fence is also some of the best security one can buy. Choosing the right fence is important, but choosing the right fencing contractor is even more so. It is easy to pick the first fence contractor that pops up on Google, but the results will be better if you do your research and get estimates. There are so many fence contractors out there, but experienced and competent installers are surprisingly uncommon. Look to Continental Fence. We’re the industry standard on Long Island!

Request a Free Long Island Fence Estimate!

Fencing clients get peace of mind with Continental Fence. Along with quality craftsmanship and great service. Why not get your fence at an affordable and fair price?

Click the button below and tell us a little about the fence you want.

Be sure to check us out on Facebook!

A Long Island Fence Company specializing in PVC Vinyl Fence, Aluminum Estate Fence, Post and Rail Fence, Custom Wood Fence, Chain Link Fence, Picket Fence, Gate installation

Trusted Quality and Expert Craftsmanship since 1979.

Residential/Commercial/Industrial

Licensed/Insured

Serving Long Island – Nassau and Suffolk Counties