How do I maintain a wood fence?

Wood fences need regular maintenance to stay in great shape. Inspect your fence annually for loose boards, damaged posts, or signs of rot. Clean it with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove dirt and mildew. Apply a quality wood sealant or stain every two to three years to protect against moisture and UV damage. With consistent care, your wood fence will last 15 to 20 years or longer.

Should I stain or paint my wood fence?

Both stain and paint protect wood, but they offer different looks. Stain lets the natural wood grain show through and is easier to maintain long-term. You can reapply stain without stripping the old finish. Paint gives you more color options and a uniform appearance, but it requires more prep work when it is time to repaint. Many homeowners in Montgomery prefer stain for a natural look that complements the landscape.

How long does a wood fence last?

A well-built wood fence with proper maintenance typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Cedar fences can last even longer, sometimes 25 years or more. The lifespan depends on the wood type, installation quality, climate exposure, and how well you maintain it. Regular sealing, prompt repairs, and good drainage around posts all help extend fence life.

Wood Fences

Classic wood fencing that combines natural beauty, privacy, and timeless appeal for your property.

Natural wood fence installation showing quality craftsmanship in Montgomery, AL

The Timeless Appeal of Wood Fencing

Wood fences have been the go-to choice for American homeowners for generations, and for good reason. There is something about natural wood that just looks right. It blends with any landscape, complements any home style, and creates a warm, inviting boundary around your property. Whether you want a classic picket fence in the front yard or a tall privacy fence in the back, wood delivers the look and function you need.

At MGL Montgomery Fencing, we have installed hundreds of wood fences across Montgomery, AL. We work with quality materials like cedar and pine, and we know how to build fences that last. Wood fencing is versatile, affordable, and easy to customize. You can stain it, paint it, or leave it natural. You can choose from dozens of styles. And when properly maintained, a wood fence can protect and beautify your property for 15 to 20 years or more.

The key to a great wood fence is quality installation. Posts must be set deep and straight. Boards need to be properly spaced and securely fastened. And the wood itself should be treated and sealed to resist moisture, insects, and rot. We handle all of this for you, so your fence looks great from day one and stays strong through Alabama summers, storms, and everything else the weather throws at it.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Fence

Not all wood is created equal when it comes to fencing. The type of wood you choose affects how your fence looks, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it needs. Here are the most popular options we work with.

Cedar Fencing

Cedar is the premium choice for wood fences. It naturally resists rot, decay, and insect damage thanks to oils in the wood. Cedar also has a beautiful grain and a pleasant aroma. It weathers to a silver-gray color over time, which many homeowners love. If you want to keep the natural color, you can apply a sealant every few years. Cedar costs more upfront, but it lasts longer and requires less maintenance than other woods.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly option, and it performs well when properly maintained. The treatment process infuses chemicals into the wood that protect against rot and insects. Pine is strong, readily available, and takes paint and stain well. It does require regular sealing to prevent moisture damage, but if you stay on top of maintenance, a pressure-treated pine fence will give you many years of service.

Redwood Fencing

Redwood offers natural beauty and excellent durability. Like cedar, it resists rot and insects naturally. Redwood has a rich, reddish-brown color that ages gracefully. It is less common in our area and tends to be the most expensive option, but if you want a truly high-end wood fence, redwood is hard to beat.

We will help you choose the right wood based on your budget, your aesthetic preferences, and how much maintenance you want to handle. All of our wood is sourced from reliable suppliers, and we inspect every board before installation to ensure you get quality materials throughout.

Popular Wood Fence Styles

Wood fences come in many styles, each with its own advantages. The style you choose depends on your goals. Do you need privacy? Decoration? Security? Here are some of the most popular styles we install.

Privacy Fences: Tall, solid panels with no gaps. Perfect for backyards where you want complete privacy and noise reduction.
Picket Fences: Classic style with evenly spaced vertical boards. Great for front yards and decorative boundaries.
Split Rail Fences: Rustic, open design that marks boundaries without blocking views. Ideal for large properties and rural settings.
Shadowbox Fences: Alternating boards on both sides create a semi-private look that is attractive from any angle.
Board-on-Board Fences: Overlapping vertical boards provide privacy while allowing some airflow. A good middle ground between solid and open styles.

We can also build custom designs to match your vision. Want decorative post caps? Lattice tops? Arched gates? We can do that. Wood is incredibly flexible, which is one reason it remains so popular. During your free consultation, we will show you photos of different styles and discuss what works best for your property and budget.

If you are unsure which style to choose, we can visit your property and make recommendations based on your home architecture, yard layout, and neighborhood character. We want your new fence to look like it belongs there, not like an afterthought. The right style makes all the difference in how your property looks and feels.