There are plenty of practical uses for a fence: to gain privacy, safely corral kids and pets, block wind and noise, and prevent unsupervised dips in a swimming pool. But the right wood fence styles also make a strong aesthetic statement, improving a home’s curb appeal.

Components Of A Fence

All fences use the same basic components:

  • Vertical posts set into the ground: The post supports all components; for stability, bury at least one-third of it in the ground.
  • Horizontal rails that support either pickets, fence boards, or lattice panels. They are spaced between 6 and 8 feet apart, depending on fence height and design.

What Type Of Wood Fence Lasts The Longest?

Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don’t touch the ground.

Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element. So be sure to assemble the parts with weather-resistant fasteners, such as hot-dipped galvanized or stainless-steel nails and screws.

What Are The Different Types of Wood Fences?

1. Wood Picket Fence

Usually 3 to 4 feet high, these fences are named for their widely spaced pointy-topped pickets, which discourage climbing and shed raindrops.

Best for:

  • Front yards
  • Gardens
  • Pool enclosures

Similar to shown: 4-foot-tall pointed-top cove panel, about $24 per linear foot in red cedar; Blue Ox Millworks

2. Post and Rail Fence

This inexpensive fence, traditionally used for penning livestock, also makes a bold demarcation between properties.

  • Boundaries
  • Enclosing fields

Similar to shown: 4-foot-tall paddock fence, about $8.25 per linear foot in treated southern yellow pine; Capital Fence

3. Wood Lattice Fence

Crisscrossing strips of lath obscure the view while allowing air and light to pass through. A perfect screen for climbing plants.

  • Gardens
  • Decks
  • Patios
  • Pools

Similar to shown: 4-foot-tall lattice panel, about $59 per linear foot in white cedar; Walpole Woodworkers

4. Louver Fence

Vertical louvers or staggered boards afford privacy when viewed straight on but allow airflow and open views from the side.

  • Pools
  • Decks
  • Parking pads
  • Patios

Similar to shown: 6-foot-tall open-louver panel, about $21.50 per linear foot in redwood; Bay Area Fence & Deck, Inc.

5. Vertical Board Fence

Overlapped or butted edge to edge, tall vertical boards, ensure privacy. They also block the wind, a good thing in winter but not so much in summer.

  • Keep out nosy neighbors
  • Wind and noise protection

Similar to shown: 6-foot-tall shadow-box panel, about $30 per linear foot in redwood; Borg Fence

6. Ornamental Fence

Steel, aluminum, or fiberglass made to resemble wrought iron.

Pros:

  • Lifetime warranties on fiberglass and aluminum, 10 to 20 years for steel
  • You can paint it any color
  • It’s strong and sturdy.

Cons:

  • No privacy
  • All posts set in concrete
  • Steel rusts

Cost: Starts at about $25 per linear foot for aluminum or fiberglass; about $16 for steel.

7. Vinyl Fence

Hollow PVC posts and rails reinforced with metal or wood inside.

  • Warranties from 20 years to lifetime

  • Needs only an occasional wash.

  • White and shades of beige only

  • Has a plasticky sheen

  • Gets brittle and cracks with age

Cost: about $12–$50 per linear foot for 6-foot-tall uninstalled panels.

8. Composite Wood Fence

Boards made of a sawdust and plastic blend with solid wood posts and rails.

  • Warranties from 20 to 25 years

  • Comes in a variety of wood-like colors

  • Posts must be set in concrete every 6 feet, which means extra digging and installation expense

Cost: about $15–$50 per linear foot for 6-foot-tall uninstalled panels.