Wood Fencing Options
Looking for some advice. I’m looking to build a fence later this spring. I’m having a hard time deciding on the type of wood. One designer told me that Ipe is too nice for fencing but another told me it’s the best option. A few have told me to use cedar. And while browsing house I saw a nice pine fence. The fence will be horizontal and rise about 6.5 feet. Anyone have any good experiences with a wood fence?

bedstuyreno
in About Brooklyn 10 years and 6 months ago
11
Please log in, in order to post replies!

thetinkerswagon | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5160 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5148 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(5) "21531" ["user_login"]=> string(15) "thetinkerswagon" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B9fa6hkzhGwaxF0yusnHu3jP27xv4Y0" ["user_nicename"]=> string(15) "thetinkerswagon" ["user_email"]=> string(27) "service@thetinkerswagon.com" ["user_url"]=> string(30) "http://www.thetinkerswagon.com" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:05:31" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(15) "thetinkerswagon" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(21531) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
go to riverhead lumber in mineola for any cedar. a guy came on here a few months ago commenting about the cost of cedar in the city and when I mentioned riverhead, he chimed back in and said it was half the price. pine turns gray. I have a pine fence out back and it has lasted. someone had told me if I had stained it right away and kept at it, it would not have turned gray. cedar may be better. steve

mozeeatupu | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5159 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5158 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176749" ["user_login"]=> string(10) "mozeeatupu" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BHO3bQekVGtCrXmPMzpkzkalt5eAQl/" ["user_nicename"]=> string(10) "mozeeatupu" ["user_email"]=> string(17) "grandzu@yahoo.com" ["user_url"]=> string(25) "/forums/users/mozeeatupu/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:47" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(10) "mozeeatupu" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176749) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Don’t fences in backyards have to be non-combustible?

466dad | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5155 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5161 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176739" ["user_login"]=> string(6) "466dad" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BySgpSlat8IYqhW/mKskM9Q/uvubDA1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(6) "466dad" ["user_email"]=> string(18) "jbusky@cafemom.com" ["user_url"]=> string(21) "/forums/users/466dad/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:00" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(6) "466dad" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176739) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
An Ipe Fence would be lovely, but much more expensive and much harder to build than cedar. It’s super hard wood – so everything will take a lot longer. I built a horizontal cedar fence a couple years ago, didn’t stain it, and it’s holding up great.

nalusurf | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5160 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5162 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176812" ["user_login"]=> string(8) "nalusurf" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3EsFpsqLLNliF0qOma5D0JRgCjxE11" ["user_nicename"]=> string(8) "nalusurf" ["user_email"]=> string(23) "peterh.walter@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(23) "/forums/users/nalusurf/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:48" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(8) "nalusurf" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176812) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Cedar it typically a bit more expensive than other woods. But you have options. Clear cedar is most expensive as it has a smooth, nice finish on both sides. You can go with clear on one side and rough on the other, I used this and just had the clear side facing out. Or there is rough on both which is the least expensive and looks good, or you can give it a light sand yourself. Remember, you also save down the road with no maintenance with cedar, and sealers can be expensive!

marie-helene | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5159 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5163 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176719" ["user_login"]=> string(12) "marie-helene" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BIVcO0Xh5D6Ybw3Kkoe3etYzz.aU0/." ["user_nicename"]=> string(12) "marie-helene" ["user_email"]=> string(21) "ediblepetals@about.me" ["user_url"]=> string(28) "http://www.edible-petals.com" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:24:59" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(12) "marie-helene" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176719) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Cedar is less expensive than ipe, and much easier to work with (so its not just the material cost, but also the labor to install.) Pine is cheaper yet, but needs regular applications of sealant to last, and most people don’t care to sand and seal their fence every 3-4 years, so in practice pine fences will rot faster. Ipe and cedar do not require such maintenance, unless you want to keep the warm caramel color of the wood. Ipe is a very dense wood, so while I don’t know if it’s “too nice”, it’s definitely overkill for a non-structural application like a residential fence. It depends how long you plan to live in your house: if you want to do a fence once, and retire in place, ipe will outlast you. It’s a great choice for decking.

bedstuyreno | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5155 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5164 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "180648" ["user_login"]=> string(11) "bedstuyreno" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BLPX/K0nYfMbhZHudsdksxbr7paWYh." ["user_nicename"]=> string(11) "bedstuyreno" ["user_email"]=> string(18) "kvharper@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:06:34" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(11) "bedstuyreno" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(180648) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["editor"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(6) "editor" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(121) { ["copy_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_posts"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_pages"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_pages"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_pages"]=> bool(true) ["edit_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_pages"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_posts"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_pages"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_posts"]=> bool(true) ["email_multiple_users"]=> bool(true) ["email_single_user"]=> bool(true) ["email_user_groups"]=> bool(true) ["email_users_notify"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["level_1"]=> bool(true) ["level_2"]=> bool(true) ["level_3"]=> bool(true) ["level_4"]=> bool(true) ["level_5"]=> bool(true) ["level_6"]=> bool(true) ["level_7"]=> bool(true) ["manage_categories"]=> bool(true) ["manage_links"]=> bool(true) ["moderate_comments"]=> bool(true) ["publish_pages"]=> bool(true) ["publish_posts"]=> bool(true) ["read"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_pages"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_posts"]=> bool(true) ["unfiltered_html"]=> bool(true) ["upload_files"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_settings"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_source"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_source"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_source"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_sources"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_source_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_item"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_item"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_item"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_items"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_item_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_blacklist"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_blacklist"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_blacklist"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_blacklists"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_blacklist_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_template"]=> bool(true) ["read_feed_template"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_template"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["edit_others_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["publish_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["read_private_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_private_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_published_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["delete_others_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["edit_private_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["edit_published_feed_templates"]=> bool(true) ["manage_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["edit_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["delete_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["assign_feed_template_terms"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_analysis"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_general_settings"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_advanced_settings"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_schema_settings"]=> bool(true) ["aioseo_page_social_settings"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_site_analysis"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_analysis"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_general"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_snippet"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_social"]=> bool(true) ["rank_math_onpage_advanced"]=> bool(true) ["editor"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
Thanks for all the recommendations. In terms of costs is cedar less or more expensive than Ipe. And I’m also going to put wood on my deck- would cedar be a good idea for decking as well?

nalusurf | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5160 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5165 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "176812" ["user_login"]=> string(8) "nalusurf" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$B3EsFpsqLLNliF0qOma5D0JRgCjxE11" ["user_nicename"]=> string(8) "nalusurf" ["user_email"]=> string(23) "peterh.walter@gmail.com" ["user_url"]=> string(23) "/forums/users/nalusurf/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:25:48" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(8) "nalusurf" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(176812) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
IMO, nothing beats cedar. I built an outdoor shower using cedar and it only ages beautifully. No need to treat cedar unless you want to change the color. Natural oils in it make it the perfect, naturally resilient option and I think nothing beats it aesthetically as well.

resident2 | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5164 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5159 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(6) "181002" ["user_login"]=> string(9) "resident2" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BYKCrEpDU34.3RJghRPk8/Xp1XpCve/" ["user_nicename"]=> string(9) "resident2" ["user_email"]=> string(21) "Jamanda1255@Yahoo.com" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:07:33" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(9) "resident2" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(181002) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
The legal limit is 6′ high for a sold fence, you can have trellis above the 6′. I always like the smell of Ceder when it rains. I just leave it to weather in and it goes to a light grey color eventually.

jockdeboeraia | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5165 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5155 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(5) "40876" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "jockdeboeraia" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BTfkV3DGGseot8oNyuG6kVhsNhUD2n1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "jockdeboeraia" ["user_email"]=> string(22) "jdeboer@jockdeboer.com" ["user_url"]=> string(31) "/forums/users/deboerarchitects/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:15:51" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(20) "VK4zWrfWbTPHLfSSlGZI" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(13) "jockdeboeraia" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(40876) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
I built mine out of 1×6 cedar installed horizontally, it looks great and is holding up well. Just stain it every few years.

daveinbedstuy | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5160 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5166 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(4) "3864" ["user_login"]=> string(13) "daveinbedstuy" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BtJYyObAQmff2MQp.qFP7/kmwU1bBZ1" ["user_nicename"]=> string(13) "daveinbedstuy" ["user_email"]=> string(19) "djl135e54@yahoo.com" ["user_url"]=> string(55) "http://bstoner.wpengine.com/forums/users/daveinbedstuy/" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 14:23:53" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(13) "daveinbedstuy" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(3864) ["caps"]=> array(2) { ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "subscriber" [1]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(4) { ["read"]=> bool(true) ["level_0"]=> bool(true) ["subscriber"]=> bool(true) ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
What Bessie said. You don’t want to use pine. It wont last more than a few years.

Bessie | 10 years and 6 months ago
string(1) "1" object(WP_User)#5164 (8) { ["data"]=> object(stdClass)#5167 (12) { ["ID"]=> string(4) "6998" ["user_login"]=> string(6) "Bessie" ["user_pass"]=> string(34) "$P$BGSC3nCd7fZ2thUAg.nOtWpKwRzNED0" ["user_nicename"]=> string(6) "bessie" ["user_email"]=> string(20) "lboyes@aging.nyc.gov" ["user_url"]=> string(0) "" ["user_registered"]=> string(19) "2017-08-10 13:46:17" ["user_activation_key"]=> string(0) "" ["user_status"]=> string(1) "0" ["display_name"]=> string(6) "Bessie" ["spam"]=> string(1) "0" ["deleted"]=> string(1) "0" } ["ID"]=> int(6998) ["caps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["cap_key"]=> string(15) "wp_capabilities" ["roles"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(15) "bbp_participant" } ["allcaps"]=> array(1) { ["bbp_participant"]=> bool(true) } ["filter"]=> NULL ["site_id":"WP_User":private]=> int(1) }
If you’re going horizontal you will need to use a more rot resistant wood than for a vertical fence. Ipe is going to be the most rot resistant, but cedar is a great second choice.