Wood & Cedar Fences in Round Rock & Pflugerville

1775 Fence & Stain serves as a leading fence contractor in the Round Rock & Pflugerville area. We’re a team of fully-certified professionals who tackle everything from complex large projects to smaller-scale jobs. Fueled by our commitment to excellence, we go the extra mile to make sure clients are completely satisfied with our work. We are known for treating our crew and customers with decency and respect. Read more about 1775 Fence & Stain.

Wood fences are one of the most popular types of fences for residential and commercial properties in Round Rock or Pflugerville, TX. They offer many benefits such as privacy, security, aesthetics, durability, and affordability. However, wood fences also have some drawbacks such as maintenance, environmental impact, and susceptibility to damage from insects, weather, and rot. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about wood fences: how they are made, what types and styles are available, how to install and maintain them, how to choose the best wood fence for your needs and budget, and what are some common problems and solutions for wood fences.

How Wood Fences Are Made

Wood fences are made from different kinds of wood that are cut into planks or boards and then attached to posts or rails using nails, screws, or staples. The posts or rails can be either wooden or metal depending on the design and preference of the fence owner. The wood used for fences can be either natural or treated with chemicals to enhance its durability and resistance to decay.

Natural Wood

Natural wood is wood that has not been treated with any chemicals and retains its original color and texture. Natural wood can be either hardwood or softwood depending on the density and hardness of the wood fibers.

Hardwood

Hardwood is wood from deciduous trees such as oak, maple, cherry and walnut that have dense and hard fibers that make them strong and durable. Hardwood is more expensive than softwood but also more resistant to insects, rot, and warping.

Softwood

Softwood is wood from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, fir, and cedar that have softer fibers that make them lighter and easier to work with. Softwood is cheaper than hardwood but also more prone to insects, rotting and warping.

Treated Wood

Treated wood is wood that has been chemically treated with preservatives, stains, or paints to improve its durability and resistance to decay, insects, and weathering. Treated wood can be either pressure-treated or non-pressure-treated depending on how the chemicals are applied to the wood.

Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood is wood that has been infused with preservatives under high pressure in a vacuum chamber. The preservatives penetrate deep into the wood fibers and protect them from fungal decay, insect damage and water absorption. Pressure-treated wood is usually greenish in color due to the copper-based preservatives used. Pressure-treated wood is commonly used for fence posts, rails, and ground contact parts of a fence because it can withstand harsh conditions better than natural wood.

Non-Pressure Treated Wood

Non-pressure-treated wood is wood that has been coated with stains, paints, or sealants on the surface only. The coatings provide some protection from moisture, UV rays and mildew but do not prevent decay or insect damage if they crack or peel off over time. Non-pressure-treated wood is usually brownish in color due to the pigments used in the coatings. Non-pressure-treated wood is commonly used for fence boards, planks, or panels because it can offer more aesthetic options than pressure-treated wood.

What Types and Styles of Wood Fences Are Available in Round Rock/Pflugerville?

There are many types and styles of wood fences available depending on the purpose, design, and preference of the fence owner. Some of the most common types and styles are:

• Picket fence: A picket fence consists of vertical boards (pickets) spaced evenly along horizontal rails attached to posts. The tops of the pickets can be pointed, rounded, dog-eared or decorative depending on the style desired. A picket fence provides a classic look that enhances curb appeal and defines property boundaries while allowing some visibility through it.
• Privacy fence: A privacy fence consists of vertical boards (planks) placed close together along horizontal rails attached to posts. The tops of the planks can be flat, lattice-worked, arched or scalloped depending on the style desired. A privacy fence provides a high level of security and privacy by blocking views into or out of the fenced area. A privacy fence also reduces noise and wind from outside.
• Split rail fence: A split rail fence consists of wooden rails that are split from logs and then stacked in a zigzag pattern along posts. The rails can be either round or flat depending on the style desired. A split rail fence provides a rustic look that blends well with natural landscapes and rural settings. A split rail fence does not offer much security or privacy but can be used to mark property lines or enclose livestock.
• Post and rail fence: A post and rail fence consists of wooden posts that are connected by horizontal rails using metal brackets or notches. The posts can be either round or square depending on the style desired. A post and rail fence provides a simple look that suits modern and minimalist designs. A post and rail fence does not offer much security or privacy but can be used to mark property lines or create a border around a garden.
• Board on board fence: A board on board fence consists of vertical boards (planks) that are overlapped along horizontal rails attached to posts. The overlapping creates a shadow effect that adds depth and dimension to the fence. A board-on-board fence provides a high level of security and privacy by eliminating gaps between the boards. A board-on-board fence also offers more stability and durability than a regular plank fence because it can withstand warping and shrinking better.
• Shadow box fence: A shadow box fence consists of vertical boards (planks) that are alternated along horizontal rails attached to posts on both sides of the fence. The alternating creates a shadow effect that adds depth and dimension to the fence while allowing some air flow through it. A shadow box fence provides a moderate level of security and privacy by blocking direct views into or out of the fenced area but allowing some visibility through it at an angle.
• Lattice fence: A lattice fence consists of wooden strips (laths) that are crossed over each other in a diagonal pattern along horizontal rails attached to posts. The crossing creates small openings (diamonds) that allow light and air to pass through while adding visual interest to the fence. A lattice fence provides a low level of security and privacy by partially obscuring views into or out of the fenced area. A lattice fence also adds charm and elegance to any garden or patio.

How To Install and Maintain Wood Fences

Installing and maintaining wood fences requires some skill, tools, and materials, as well as time and effort. 1775 Fence can also easily do this maintenance for you, whenever necessary. The installation process varies depending on the type and style of wood fences chosen, but generally involves these steps:

• Measuring and marking the location and layout of the fence line, posts and gates using stakes, strings, and chalk.
• Digging holes for the posts using a post hole digger, auger, or shovel. The holes should be deep enough to accommodate one-third of the post length plus 6 inches for gravel drainage.
• Setting the posts in the holes using gravel, concrete or metal spikes. The posts should be plumb (vertical) and aligned with each other.
• Attaching the rails to the posts using nails, screws, or brackets. The rails should be level (horizontal) and spaced evenly according to the type and style of wood fences chosen.
• Attaching the boards, pickets, laths, or panels to the rails using nails, screws, or staples. The boards, pickets, laths, or panels should be flush with each other and aligned with the rails.
• Installing the gates using hinges, latches, and handles. The gates should be level (horizontal) and swing freely.
• Finishing the fence by applying stains, paints, or sealants to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays and mildew.

Maintaining wood fences requires regular inspection, cleaning, and repair to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. Some of the maintenance tasks include:

• Checking for loose, cracked, or damaged boards, pickets, laths, or panels and replacing them as needed.
• Checking for loose, rusty, or broken nails, screws or staples and replacing them as needed.
• Checking for rotting, splitting, or warping posts or rails and replacing them as needed.
• Cleaning the fence with a mild detergent and water using a brush or a pressure washer to remove dirt, dust, and stains.
• Applying stains, paints, or sealants to refresh the color and protect the wood from moisture, UV rays and mildew.
• Treating the fence with insecticides or repellents to prevent or eliminate insect damage.

How To Choose the Best Wood Fence for Your Needs and Budget

Choosing the best wood fence for your needs and budget depends on several factors such as:

• The purpose of the fence: Do you want a fence for privacy, security, aesthetics, durability, or affordability? Different types and styles of wood fences offer different levels of these benefits. For example, a privacy fence provides more security and privacy than a picket fence, but also costs more and requires more maintenance. A split rail fence provides more aesthetics and durability than a post and rail fence, but also costs more and offers less privacy.
• The design of the fence: Do you want a fence that matches or contrasts with your house style and landscape? Different types and styles of wood fences create different impressions and moods. For example, a picket fence creates a classic and charming look that suits traditional and cottage-style houses. A board-on-board fence creates a modern and sophisticated look that suits contemporary and minimalist houses.
• The preference of the fence owner: Do you have any personal preferences for the color, texture, or shape of the wood? Different kinds of wood offer different options for these features. For example, hardwood has richer colors and finer textures than softwood. Treated wood has more uniform colors and smoother textures than natural wood. Pointed, rounded, dog-eared or decorative tops add variety and interest to the boards, pickets, or panels.
• The budget of the fence owner: How much are you willing to spend on your wood fence? Different kinds and qualities of wood have different prices and availability. For example, hardwood is more expensive and scarcer than softwood. Treated wood is more expensive and readily available than natural wood. The size, height and length of the fence also affect the cost and labor involved in installing and maintaining it.

What Are Some Common Problems and Solutions for Wood Fences

Wood fences are subject to some common problems that can affect their appearance, performance, and lifespan. Some of these problems are:

• Rotting: Rotting occurs when wood is exposed to excessive moisture that causes fungal decay. Rotting can weaken or destroy the wood fibers and make them crumble or fall apart. Rotting can be prevented by using treated wood, especially for posts, rails, and ground contact parts of a fence. Rotting can be treated by removing or replacing the rotten parts, applying fungicides or sealants, and improving drainage around the fence.
• Warping: Warping occurs when wood is exposed to uneven moisture or temperature that causes it to shrink or expand differently along its grain. Warping can distort or crack the shape or size of the boards, pickets, laths, or panels. Warping can be prevented by using seasoned wood that has been dried properly before installation. Warping can be treated by adjusting or replacing the warped parts, applying clamps or braces to straighten them out, or sanding or planing them down.
• Splitting: Splitting occurs when wood is exposed to excessive stress that causes it to crack along its grain. Splitting can weaken or break the boards, pickets, laths, or panels. Splitting can be prevented by using quality wood that has been cut properly without knots or defects. Splitting can be treated by filling or gluing the splits with putty or epoxy resin, applying nails or screws to hold them together, or replacing them with new ones.
• Fading: Fading occurs when wood is exposed to sunlight that causes it to lose its color and luster. Fading can make the fence look dull or washed out. Fading can be prevented by using wood that has been stained or painted with UV-resistant products. Fading can be treated by applying stains, paints, or sealants to refresh the color and protect the wood from further fading.
• Insect damage: Insect damage occurs when wood is infested by termites, carpenter ants, wood borers or other insects that feed on or nest in it. Insect damage can hollow out or eat away the wood fibers and make them weak or brittle. Insect damage can be prevented by using treated wood that has been infused with chemicals that repel or kill insects. Insect damage can be treated by applying insecticides or repellents to eliminate or prevent further infestation, removing or replacing the damaged parts, and sealing any cracks or holes where insects can enter.
• Molding: Molding occurs when wood is exposed to moisture and dirt that cause fungal growth on its surface. Molding can make the fence look dirty or discolored. Molding can be prevented by using treated wood that has been coated with water-resistant products. Molding can be treated by cleaning the fence with a mild detergent and water using a brush or a pressure washer to remove the mold and dirt, applying fungicides or sealants to prevent further growth, and improving ventilation around the fence.

1775 Fence is your premiere fencing company in Round Rock and Pflugerville that can create and install any wood fence of your liking. Contact us today.