Wood fence installation Peterborough ON
When it comes to fence materials, you can’t beat the natural beauty and durability of wood fences. They can last a couple of decades with proper care and maintenance, and you’ll have a variety of wooden fence styles and types of wood to choose from.
Let’s explore the different types of wood commonly used: Pine: a softer, fast-growing tree making it readily available and relatively affordable. It resists shrinkage and because of its softness, is easier to carve out and work with in fences and other structures. Average lifespan is 15 years. Cedar: along with pine, this is another common option. Noticeably more expensive than pine, it takes longer to grow a cedar tree. The wood is harder and therefore very durable. It contains natural substances to repel insects, looks gorgeous and is easier to maintain. It is resistant to shrinkage and warpage and weathers nicely. Average lifespan is 30 years. |
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Cypress and redwood: not as commonly used but are alternatives to cedar. Similar in pricing and features as cedar. Because we live in Canada where the seasons, temperature and weather swing widely on opposite ends of the spectrum, it’s wise to maintain your wood fence no matter what material you choose. You’ll want to apply a UV-resistant coating to preserve the wood’s colour, and perform an annual cleaning and refinishing routine to keep it looking fresh and new. A weatherproof solution should be applied regularly, and pressure-treated wood should be chosen to prevent insects from entering the wood. Pressure treating involves the wood undergoing a chemical bonding treatment to make it less porous and less susceptible to rot.
So should you choose pine or cedar fencing?
The answer lies mostly in your CURRENT budget and your commitment to annual maintenance. This means that a cedar fence installation cost will be around 50% more than a pine fence installation, but because it lasts longer than even treated pine wood, the initial cost savings of pine may become negligible or even negative in the long term. On the flip side, cedar requires less maintenance, but it still requires SOME maintenance involving proper cleaning and inspection. A poorly maintained cedar fence will reduce its average 30 year lifespan, and an impeccably maintained pine fence will likely increase its average 15 year lifespan. So take those things into consideration as well.
Fence posts:
Regardless of which wood is chosen for the boards, pressure-treated pine is often the wood of choice for the posts. This is because treated pine holds up better when exposed to soil compared to cedar.
In Ontario, before digging for any reason, you or your fencing contractor must call Ontario One Call a minimum of 5 days before a dig (calling for “locates”). This is to ensure you won’t be digging into underground pipes or other infrastructure. After calling Ontario One Call, wait for the utility or infrastructure companies to locate, mark and clear the digging area. Then you’re all set!
If you have any questions about the fence installation process, call our Peterborough fencing contractors and we will guide you from beginning to end with ease.
So should you choose pine or cedar fencing?
The answer lies mostly in your CURRENT budget and your commitment to annual maintenance. This means that a cedar fence installation cost will be around 50% more than a pine fence installation, but because it lasts longer than even treated pine wood, the initial cost savings of pine may become negligible or even negative in the long term. On the flip side, cedar requires less maintenance, but it still requires SOME maintenance involving proper cleaning and inspection. A poorly maintained cedar fence will reduce its average 30 year lifespan, and an impeccably maintained pine fence will likely increase its average 15 year lifespan. So take those things into consideration as well.
Fence posts:
Regardless of which wood is chosen for the boards, pressure-treated pine is often the wood of choice for the posts. This is because treated pine holds up better when exposed to soil compared to cedar.
In Ontario, before digging for any reason, you or your fencing contractor must call Ontario One Call a minimum of 5 days before a dig (calling for “locates”). This is to ensure you won’t be digging into underground pipes or other infrastructure. After calling Ontario One Call, wait for the utility or infrastructure companies to locate, mark and clear the digging area. Then you’re all set!
If you have any questions about the fence installation process, call our Peterborough fencing contractors and we will guide you from beginning to end with ease.
