How to Maintain a Wood Fence

Annual Maintenance Checklist A well-maintained wood fence can last 15-20 years. Follow this annual routine: Inspect for loose boards, leaning posts, and rot — especially at ground level Clean with a garden hose or light pressure wash (1,500-2,000 PSI max) Trim vegetation, vines, and tree branches away from the fence Repair damaged boards, tighten hardware, and re-secure loose rails Staining and Sealing Apply a quality wood stain or sealant every 2-3 years. This is the single most important thing you can do to extend your fence's life. Wait for a dry period with temperatures between 50-90°F. New pressure-treated wood should weather for 2-3 months before the first stain application. Preventing Rot The most common failure point is where posts meet the ground. Ensure posts are set in concrete (not bare soil) and that water drains away from the base. Keeping the bottom of fence boards 1-2 inches above ground prevents moisture wicking.

What Is the Cheapest Fence to Build?

Most Affordable Privacy Fence Options If budget is your primary concern, here are your best options from cheapest to most expensive: Bamboo: $10–$25/ft — cheapest eco-friendly privacy option Wood privacy: $15–$35/ft — cheapest durable privacy fence Cedar: $20–$45/ft — premium wood with natural rot resistance Vinyl: $20–$40/ft — cheapest long-term when factoring in zero maintenance How to Save Money DIY installation saves 40-50% on labor costs Pressure-treated pine is the cheapest wood (vs. cedar or redwood) Standard 6-foot height costs less than 8-foot Straight runs cost less than lots of corners and angles Off-season installation (late fall/winter) may get better contractor rates Cheapest vs. Best Value The cheapest fence upfront isn't always the best value. A $15/ft wood fence lasting 12 years costs $1.25/ft per year. A $30/ft vinyl fence lasting 25 years costs $1.20/ft per year — actually cheaper over time.

Composite vs Wood

Choosing between Composite and Wood fencing? Composite offers low maintenance, a 25–35 year lifespan, and $25–$55 per linear foot, while Wood offers high maintenance, a 10–20 year lifespan, and $15–$35 per linear foot. Here's a full side-by-side comparison of cost, lifespan, maintenance, and best use cases.

Quick Comparison

	Composite	Wood
Cost / ft	$25–$55	$15–$35
Lifespan	25–35 yrs	10–20 yrs
Maintenance	low	high

Overview

Composite

Composite fences are made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers, creating a material that looks like wood but resists rot, insects, and weather. They come in realistic wood grain textures and earth-tone colors that won't fade, peel, or require painting.

Wood

Wood privacy fences are the classic American fence, offering warmth and natural beauty. Typically built with pressure-treated pine, they provide full privacy with tightly spaced vertical boards. Wood fences can be painted or stained in any color and are easy to repair.

Common Uses

Composite

✓ Backyard privacy
✓ Pool enclosures
✓ Modern home fencing
✓ Commercial screening
✓ Property boundaries

Wood

✓ Backyard privacy
✓ Property boundaries
✓ Pet containment
✓ Decorative borders
✓ Noise reduction

Pros & Cons

Composite

+ Looks like real wood without the maintenance
+ Won't rot, warp, crack, or splinter
+ Made from recycled materials
+ Color is consistent and fade-resistant
+ Resists insects and moisture

− Highest upfront cost of any fence material
− Limited color and style selection
− Can expand and contract with temperature
− Heavy panels — harder to install
− Relatively new — less track record than wood

Wood

+ Affordable upfront cost
+ Easy to customize height, style, and color
+ Natural, warm appearance
+ Simple to repair — replace individual boards
+ Widely available materials

− Requires staining or painting every 2-3 years
− Susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage
− Shorter lifespan than vinyl or metal
− Can lean or sag over time
− Weather damage accumulates without maintenance

Cost Comparison

Measure	Composite	Wood
Per linear foot	$25 – $55	$15 – $35

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Lifespan & Maintenance

Attribute	Composite	Wood
Expected Lifespan	25–35 years	10–20 years
Maintenance Level	low	high
Material	Composite	Wood

Which Is Better: Composite or Wood?

Choose Composite if you need:

✓ Homeowners wanting wood look without maintenance
✓ Eco-conscious buyers (recycled materials)
✓ Humid and wet climates
✓ Long-term investment

Choose Wood if you need:

✓ Budget-conscious homeowners
✓ Custom designs and heights
✓ DIY installation
✓ Properties wanting a natural look

Composite is not recommended for:

× Very tight budgets
× Traditional or historic properties
× Areas needing maximum structural strength

Wood is not recommended for:

× Areas with heavy termite activity (without treatment)
× Wet climates without proper maintenance
× Homeowners who dislike regular upkeep

Published February 15, 2026

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