Are  you  tired of your neighbors peeping in when you're barbequing in your backyard? Would you like to keep some things private? Or, are you looking to boost your curb appeal with a new wooden fence?

Regardless  of  the reason, one thing is for sure - a wooden fence serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. However, a fence will  only  serve  you  well  if  you  pick  the  right  kind. Make sure to follow our tips below to ensure your backyard continues to look amazing.

1. Pick A Purpose

First   and   foremost, you have to decide why you are building a wooden fence in the first place. Your purpose could be to:

1. Increase privacy

2. Keep trespassers and wild animals out

3. Keep children and pets in

4. Increase the style and curb appeal of your backyard

The objective of your fence will dictate how tall it needs to be. This brings us to the next tip on our list.

2. Choose The Correct Height

The  height  of  your  wooden  fence  will  help  you  achieve  your  desired  purpose  and  look. Tall fences will come across as more imposing and grandiose, while short fences seem more friendly and welcoming. 

Here are our height recommendations when considering the purpose of the fence:

1. Boundary  fences  are  shorter,  typically  measuring  3  to 6 feet in height. A 3-foot fence is enough to set your yard apart from your neighbor’s. 

2. Privacy fences are at least 6 feet tall. People often opt for an 8-foot fence to achieve maximum seclusion.

3. Security fences should be 6 to 8 feet tall. This barrier should keep burglars and white-tailed deer out.

4. Safety fences that keep kids and pets in should be at least 4 feet tall.  

The  ultimate height of your wooden fence will also depend on your local regulations. Check with your HOA for any particular height restrictions that may be in place.

3. Match The Style

A  good  fence blends in with your property. Luckily, wooden fences can be  built in any height and style. Pick or design a fence that best matches the architecture, style, and period of your house. 

There  are  many  ways  you  can dress up a picket fence. Instead of opting  for  classic  flat-top  pickets,   you  may   choose  a  rounded, pointed,   scalloped,   gothic,   or   Windsor  style.   Check  out  these wooden fence design ideas to get inspired. 

Paint  your  wooden fence in any color or varnish that best matches your  home’s  exterior  style.   Every color portrays its own message, but natural stained wood and white are still the classiest.

4. Consider Maintenance

It is easy to forget about maintenance when choosing a wooden fence for your backyard. 

Building  a  wooden  fence  in  your  backyard  can  be  a  low-cost  project.   However,  wood  requires  continual  maintenance. You can expect to have to stain or paint your fence every 2 to 3 years. 

Wood  will  also  succumb  to outdoor elements with time. Luckily, wood is readily available, and changing rotten posts with an exact match shouldn't be an issue. 

To minimize upkeep, we recommend you treat your wooden fence with a waterproofing solution that includes UV protection.

5. Select The Best Wood

Wooden  fences  can  last  anywhere  from  10  to 30 years. The lifespan  of your fence mostly depends on the type of wood it is made  of,  such  as  pressure-treated lumber, which is known to last the longest. 

To ensure your wooden fence lasts you at least a decade, make sure it is:

1. Resistant to local weather 

2. Resistant to insects

Here are the most common types of wood used in making fences and some of their properties:

• Pine is popular because of its longevity and low cost. It resists shrinkage and is easy to work with because it is soft.

• Cedar naturally repels insects and is low maintenance, but it’s on the pricier side.

• Cypress is similar in nature and price to cedar. It is naturally insect-resistant and has few knots. 

• Redwood is long-lasting with insect-resistant properties. Still, it is not as strong as pine.

A  new  wooden  fence  will  instantly  improve  your curb appeal and make your home look more put-together. A well-designed and installed fence will instantly transform your property and increase its value. 

Did  you  find  our  tips  for  choosing  a wooden fence helpful? If so, share our list with your friends and family! They might be in the process of building a fence in their backyard too!