A sturdy, long-lasting fence isn’t hard to achieve when you start with the right outdoor building materials.
It requires a secure foundation and relatively simple routine maintenance to build and preserve a structure that will continue to beautify your yard.
Postmaster or Pressure-Treated Foundation
Step one is to start with a strong foundation. PostMasters contribute to a longer lifespan of your fence and carry a 15-year warranty. The steel galvanized posts are available in a variety of lengths and can withstand the harshest weather conditions without warping or rotting.
An alternative to PostMasters is using pressure-treated fence posts. J&W Lumber carries posts that are approved for ground contact, and the lumber itself has a lifetime guarantee, should any part of your fence need to be repaired or replaced.
Warp-Resistant Fasteners
In addition to the foundational material for your fencing, it’s also important to consider the type of fasteners being used to hold the boards together.
Using coated exterior screws is recommended over building a fence with nails that can pop out, warp, and/or rust and bleed down the boards.
Sustainable Lumber and Wood Stain Protection
For a fence that can withstand the test of time, redwood fencing continues to be a go-to option. The lumber is thicker than cedar and naturally resistant to bugs and decay that can break down the boards.
To preserve the integrity and look of the lumber, applying an oil-based wood stain, such as Messmer’s or Penofin, on the boards before building the fence, will protect them from the inside out.
Material Alternatives to Wood Fencing
In addition to wood fencing, vinyl or aluminum fencing is also a popular choice.
Catalyst has a lifetime guarantee against cracking and fading. This low-maintenance vinyl fencing option is available in white and tan, with 6 ft. and 8 ft. tall sizes, as well as ranch rail and solid vertical and horizontal styles.
With regards to steel and aluminum fencing, these are especially valuable for high-fire areas. Some zones even require steel gates for the home to help with fire prevention, which can be specially ordered from J&W Lumber.
Fence Maintenance
To keep your fence in tip-top shape throughout the years, simple upkeep can catch quick fixes and prevent more costly repairs down the road.
This involves periodically checking boards and replacing any that are broken or sagging right away, as well as tightening up any fasteners that may have come loose.
For wood fences, expect to re-stain the boards every two to three years to reinforce protection from moisture and UV rays. And for vinyl or aluminum fencing, maintenance typically requires an occasional spray from the garden hose to rinse away dirt and debris.
Get All Your Fencing Materials at Your Local Lumberyard
Quality materials make a difference, and investing in the ones that are the most durable will keep your fencing looking good for longer.
J&W Lumber has all the outdoor building materials you need for your home project. Whether it’s a full privacy fence running the perimeter of your yard or a smaller decorative fence for a garden area or to define different sections, stop by one of our many locations to secure all your supplies.