How Long Will An Untreated Wood Fence Last?

In five to eight years, the fence may start to lean, but it should last

10 to 15 years overall

. To keep the wood from rotting, apply a wood preservative to seal it. “It’s like wax on a car,” Holt says. “It helps protect it from the elements, from water, from sprinklers.”

Should I use treated or untreated wood for fence?

Treated wood

lasts a lot longer and can handle the elements better, so it works well for outdoor structures that aren’t going to come into a lot of contact with people such as a fence or even a roof. Now, it can’t be denied that treated wood is great for a lot of reasons.

Can I use untreated wood for a fence?

Not just any lumber will do for wood fencing. Exposed to the elements as it is, wood fencing needs to be made of

rot-resistant lumber

. That is why cedar is a popular material for outdoor projects, as is pressure-treated lumber. The wood should also be painted or stained to better preserve it.

What happens if you use untreated wood outside?

Untreated Wood. Left in their natural, unfinished state, most

woods deteriorate quickly

when exposed to outdoor environments. However, there are several species that have naturally occurring chemicals that help them shrug off harsh weather and insects.

Can I use any wood for fence?

There are many fence material options available, but some of the most common wood species used for fencing are

Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Pressure-Treated Wood and Redwood

. They’re not all created equal, but they all will give you a strong, sturdy fence (assuming it’s properly installed).

What type of wood fence lasts the longest?

Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine

last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don’t touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.

What wood is used for fencing?

What are the Best Types of Wood for Fences? Realistically, there are two standout species of wood that – with proper care – will provide you with long-lasting and attractive fencing for your property.

Cedar and pine fences

both have benefits and unique properties.

How do you keep pressure treated wood from rotting?

The best way to protect from pressure-treated wood rot is to

apply a deck preservative

. Like we mentioned earlier, stains, paints and sealants are the best choice to use. You can find these items easily at the local hardware store.

Can you treat wood yourself?

You simply

soak the lumber in the borate solution

. Most people just build a trough using 6-mil plastic sheeting. The different borate chemicals come with instructions telling you how to mix the powder with water and how long to soak the lumber.

What is the most rot resistant wood?

• Redwood.
• American mahogany.
• Cypress.
• Western red cedar.
• Pacific yew.
• Teak.
• Black walnut.
• White oak.

What can you put on untreated wood outdoors?

The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of

water-repellent preservatives, sealer or paint that contain UV protection

. Over-the-counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions, or with stain containing pigment or dye to color the wood.

Can you use Thompson water Seal on untreated wood?

Yes

. Although pressure-treated lumber is pre-treated with chemicals, preventing insect damage, it is NOT waterproofed. In fact, the chemical treatment actually causes the lumber to dry out quicker and absorb more water than untreated lumber. When wood absorbs water, it swells; as the wood dries it shrinks.

What is the cheapest wood for a fence?

Treated pine

is the most affordable and durable wood option, with HomeAdvisor estimating approximately $1 to $5 per linear foot for a 6-foot tall privacy fence board. Pressure treated pine will be more durable than regular pine over time, so it is a good value even though it costs a bit more.

What is the best wood to use for a privacy fence?

Popular Types of Wood

The most popular woods used for fencing are

pine and cedar

, though cypress and redwood are also good options. Pine wood is common because of its relatively inexpensive cost and longevity. It’s also soft and therefore easy to work with, and it resists shrinkage.

How do I know what kind of wood my fence is?

1. Confirm it is actually solid wood. …
2. Look at the color. …
3. Observe the wood grain. …
4. Consider the weight and hardness of the wood. …
5. Consider its history. …
6. Find the X-Factor. …
7. Look at the endgrain.