Picking the right kind of wood for your garden fence can be a bit of a minefield and, because fencing can be quite the investment, it’s essential that you take the time to find the best option for you and your home.
Factoring in requisite maintenance work, safety and security, and longevity will help you decide which timber would suit.
Hardwood timber, for example, is taken from slow-growing trees like oak, which makes it more expensive and it’s also tricky to treat, so longevity can be a concern. You can use some kind of surface protection but this will likely need to be done at least once a year, so you’ll have to put the work in and it will add to the cost, as well.
Other examples of hardwoods include teak and iroko, both of which are popular choices for timber fencing – in large part because they’re typically darker in colour and create a really striking look in the garden.
It’s also worth noting that, even with greater maintenance requirements, hardwood is more durable and less susceptible to damage, which does stand in its stead.
On the other side of the coin, you have softwood timber. If you treat this correctly, you’ll find that your softwood fence lasts longer than a hardwood one will – and softwood timber usually comes treated by the manufacturer, taking a lot of the hard work out for you.
Softwood timber is taken from evergreen trees like pine, cedar, redwood, larch and spruce, all of which are often used for fence construction. These woods are all excellent at soaking up timber treatments, providing your fence with amazing protection against the elements.
You’ll also find that softwood comes in a variety of different colours and tones, so you’re sure to be able to source timber that suits the rest of your design ideas. If you’d like further help or advice, get in touch with LW Landscapes today.