Want a wood fence to surround your yard but feel a bit lost on what kind of wood to use to build it? If so, it will help to know the following things about these five different types of wood. 

Western Red Cedar

One of the most popular types of wood is cedar, and for a good reason. Cedar wood is known for looking good and being weather resistant. However, there are multiple types of cedar that can be used to construct a fence, and you'll want to know how they are different from each other. 

Western red cedar has a deep and rich color, and contains oils that help the wood resist bugs and moisture damage. The nature of western red cedar being grown along the west coast exposes the trees to a lot of water, which helps the wood have those oils and rich tone that makes it so unique.

Inland Cedar

Inland cedar is very similar to western red cedar, but as the name implies, it is grown closer to the inland rather than on the coast. While the wood is strong and stable, it lacks the red tone and oils that help the material resist bugs. That said, it will look beautiful around your home and will require a sealant for pest resistance. 

Imported Cedar

Imported cedar is a kiln-dried wood, which helps the wood become very strong and suitable for a fence. The nature of the manufacturing process also makes the wood ready to be stained as soon as it is installed, rather than having to wait several days like you would with other fencing materials.

Spruce Pine Fir

Some homeowners prefer spruce pine fir (SPF) to use for their wood fences because it is a very affordable material. SPF provides great stability at a good price, but the material is a bit softer and more prone to rot. However, this problem can be resolved by staining the wood regularly with an oil-based stain to give it a good seal. 

Southern Yellow Pine

Southern yellow pine is a very affordable and durable wood that is used for fencing. The wood is pressure treated during the manufacturing process, which gives it the weather resistance that every outdoor fence needs. The main downfall is that southern yellow pine is prone to warping over time. Having a solid backing rail can give the fence stability and prevent warping though. 

Not sure which fencing material is best for you? Reach out to a fencing contractor in your area for more information on pine and cedar fencing.