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Builders Fence Resource Center

Fencing Material: Did you know you had options?

One of the best ways to stress and inspire the look of your home is as simple as adding a fence. Whether you live in a ranch in the Northern Virginia area or a town home in Reston, VA fencing not only can provide your home with an enhanced look but it can also increase privacy and protect your property. The staff at Builders Fence Company has put together a small article summarizing your options when it comes to fence installation. These options provide you with the versatility that fits your Manassas colonial lifestyle or the modern appeal of the Washington D.C. urban center.

The most economic material used in fence construction is pressure-treated Southern yellow pine. Pressure-treated woods are notorious for their ability to absorb moisture and water. If you choose pressure-treated wood, Builders Fence Co. recommends that it be kiln-dried prior to purchase. If the wood has not been kiln-dried, water repellant can only be applied after the wood has had time to dry. This may take several weeks. Simply sprinkling a small amount of water on the surface can test whether or not the wood is prepared. If the water is absorbed quickly then it is time to add sealant. If the water is not absorbed, allow the wood to dry a bit further. Pressure-treated wood must be treated. Though pressure treated wood does not have great aesthetic appeal it is least susceptible to dry rot and insects.

The most common choice, when it comes to fencing materials, can be found in untreated spruce. Untreated spruce post and panel fencing can be purchased a your local hardware store. They are usually precut and assembled in 4 X 8- or 6 X 8-ft sections. Like pressure-treated Southern yellow pin, untreated spruce has the ability to quickly absorb moisture and water. In order to prolong the life of your fence, water repellant or water repellant stain must be applied. The climate of the mid-Atlantic has the ability to take an extreme toll on your investment. Any one of these options left untreated has the ability to only last 3 to 4 years.

Cedar and redwood, where expensive, are choice materials for constructing your fence. This is due in part to the general makeup of the wood. When choosing cedar or redwood, it is crucial to select heartwood, the older, non-living central wood of the tree. Selecting sapwood, the younger portion of the tree, places your fence at a great risk of rot as well as a greater risk to succumb to disease and insects. Construction grade heart, the "knottier" portion of redwood, should be used to construct the posts of the fence as well as any other portion that comes in contact with the ground. It is important to note that cedar and redwood are not always available in your local area. The staff at Builder's Fence Co. is committed to providing you with the materials you need to get the job done. Contact us today for an estimate.

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