Here are a couple of things to consider when you are thinking about building or replacing a privacy fence. I will only discuss lower cost fences in this post.
Planning:
* Check with your City codes, many cities now require only steel posts to be used.
* If you're within City limits, most will require you (the fencing company) to pull a permit before work begins.
* Property corners must be marked clearly and a plat of the property must be provided.
* This will require a land surveyor to come out and clearly mark the corners.
Material:
* Whitewood, the lowest cost available. 3/4 inch thick and if taken care of, should last 8-10 years.
* Cedar, a great durable wood, will last 8-12 years if taken care of.
* Treated, STAY AWAY!!! When we switched wood treatments a few years ago and went with a less-cancer-causing treatment, the lumber has become almost worthless. The biggest issue is bad warping due to imp?roper drying. I refuse to install it.
* Builder grade material....worse, never use it. We've seen 4 year old fences falling apart...
Posts:
* Landscaping timbers...should NEVER be used as posts, they warp and rot extremely fast.
* 4x4 treated posts are our wooded posts of choice... from 4-7 each, it's a bargan.
* 4x4 cedar posts, even better, but would recomend cedar posts with a cedar fence so it doesn't look missmatched.
* Steel posts, the best...price varies greatly with the price of steel. From 12 to 22 dollars each. Note that with steel posts you will have to purchase 3 brackets per post @3-4 dollars each. The most expensive option, but the best option.
Treatments:
* At the very least, put a clear coat over the fence as soon as it goes up. We do this to all our fences.
* So many stains and treatments, you have dozens of options. Just make sure you put SOMETHING on it immediately.
Happy Fencing
