The most common material for residential customers is the wood privacy fence. There are a number of reasons that wood is the most common material such as Home Owners Association rules, ease of installation, aesthetics and cost. Home owners who live within a HOA regulated neighborhood are advised to check all existing rules and regulation regarding fences before shopping for a privacy fence. Most HOAs limit the materials of such fences to durable woods. Wooden privacy fences offer the quickest and cheapest installation as no special tools or training are required beyond a post hole digger, a nail gun and a level. These types of fences are now commonly available in pre-assembled units that are 8 feet wide. This means that the installer can simply place the units and the home owner does not have to concern themselves with any major defects caused by poor assembly.

As with any wood product placed outdoors the home owner should make all efforts to reduce weather and insect damage. To weather protect a wooden fence there are several important steps to follow. Firstly all posts should be capped. This will prevent water from sitting and seeping into the material. The fence boards themselves should also be weather treated every several years by applying a weather-proofing agent. This can be done easily and quickly using a paint spray gun.

We evaluate several types of lumber when designing a wood fence. The most common are cedar and pressure treated lumber. Cedar is the more extensive product but offers a more visually appealing appearance. It is also naturally resistant to a large number of insect species and offers a natural durability absent in other woods we have tested. While pressure treated lumber is more durable and significantly less expensive.