If you are considering building a wood fence, you will want to take a few things into consideration. Not only do posts and rails play a vital role in the durability of the fence, but they also help prevent rot. The posts are made of pressure-treated lumber or wood that has natural decay resistance. It’s important to choose a post that’s 0.4 lb/ft3 or higher, as lower CCA treated wood will break easily and require repairs sooner than you’d like.

Most wood fences are constructed with an eight-foot-spaced space between posts and rails. However, because dimensional lumber is available in eight-foot and sixteen-foot lengths, it is not always practical to use a fence with a post spacing closer to six feet. This can waste lumber, and can result in sagging rails. To avoid this, use two posts for each rail. This way, you can use one 8-foot-long rail and two 12′-tall rails.

Once the fence is up and installed, you can apply concrete around the posts. The concrete is usually purchased in bags and mixed by hand with one gallon of water per bag. You’ll need around sixty pounds of concrete per post. This will ensure that the posts are anchored in the ground. The concrete should set for at least 24 hours, so you can see the results. After the concrete is set, you can place the fence posts in the ground. The dirt should slope away from water to avoid the risk of flooding.

Before building a wood fence, consider the weather conditions of the area where you live. Select the right wood species for your region to avoid decay and maintain the beauty of your fence for many years. Additionally, keep an eye out for pest infestations by checking the species of wood. Untreated wood may be prone to termites, and it’s best to avoid using these. For a durable and long-lasting fence, consider UV-protected wood.

Sealing a wood fence can protect the wood from UV rays and help prevent graying, while staining it can improve its strength and stability. Cypress wood fences are particularly rot-resistant and insect-proof, but they can be pricey. If you’re unsure of your skills, it’s best to hire the best fence company Toronto, ON. Inexperienced DIYers may end up with an ugly fence that doesn’t stand up to the weather.

Cypress is another popular choice for wood fencing. It’s easy to work with, is cheap, and is naturally insect-resistant. However, cypress can be pricey because of its long transport time. If you’re not concerned with the weight of a fence, consider cedar as an inexpensive option. However, be sure to choose the right wood. It can make or break a fence, so you’ll need to take that into account when choosing your material.