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Pressure Treated Fences

Pros and Cons of Pressure Treated Wood Fences

Pressure treated wood is chemically treated for outside use. Even though trees grow outside, wood cut from those trees can quickly rot and warp without sufficient protection. Pressure treated wood can be used for fencing, but it is not ideal for all situations. Let’s explore the pros and cons of pressure treated wood fences.

PRO – Designed for Outdoor Exposure

The whole purpose of the treatment process is to fortify wood for outdoor use. This is why pressure treated wood is recommended for outdoor construction projects. It can stand up to temperature changes, UV rays and much more, but that doesn’t make it invincible. It simply means that the wood is stronger after treatment than it was before.

CON – Pressure Treated Wood Requires Sealing and/or Staining

One of the biggest drawbacks to wood fencing compared to vinyl and other manufactured materials is that wood requires staining every 3-5 years. If you do not stain or seal your pressure treated wood fence, it will eventually gray and fall apart. Keep this in mind when comparing fence costs.

PRO – Durable and Dependable

Pressure treated wood is durable, especially if it is properly maintained. Staining can significantly increase the life of your fence, so you can count on it for decades to come. A well-built wood fence can also stand up to jumping dogs, climbing kids, and other abuses. It will not dent like chain link after moderate impact.

CON – Potential to Warp and Rot

Once again, maintenance is crucial for protecting wood. If your wood is not stained, it can warp and rot. This may not happen right away, but eventually the chemicals protecting the wood will dry up and lose their effectiveness.

PRO – Affordable Upfront Costs

If you’re purely looking at installation pricing, wood is one of the most affordable privacy fence materials available. Maintenance costs add up over time, but this is an option to secure your property on a budget. If you’re looking to sell your home in the future or convert it to a rental wood fencing may be the perfect option for you.

CON – Vinyl Fencing May Cost Less over Time

If you look at the cost over time, wood fencing is more expensive than vinyl because of maintenance requirements. You may pay more for a vinyl fence upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run. All you need to do to maintain a vinyl fence is wash it periodically with soap and water. Vinyl comes in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose the perfect fit for your property.

Should I Get a Pressure Treated Wood Fence?

After weighing the pros and cons of pressure treated wood fencing, the choice mostly comes down to budget vs. maintenance. If you’re already on a tight budget and want a reliable privacy fence, wood might be exactly what you’re looking for. If you want to maximize your return on investment and keep maintenance to an absolute minimum, a material like vinyl might be a better option.

The experts here at All Around Fence would love to help you select the right fencing material. Give us a call at (443) 838-9374 to schedule a free fence estimate.

All Around Fence serves the Maryland region with top quality fence installation and fencing products.

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