FAQs

This is an important question for homeowners looking for the best wood for fencing at the best possible price. They want to ensure that the fence will last for many years without having to be replaced. Cedar and pine are the two main types of wood used for building fences. So how does one decide which of the two materials would be the best one to use? Cedar is not treated when it is sawed at the mill, but pine is always put through a treatment process before it goes to lumberyards. This statement tells you that cedar has more durable properties than pine, but there are other factors to consider. Cedar or Pine for Fence Posts Pine is the recommended wood for use as fence posts. Cedar will rot when it is encased in cement in the post hole. Treated pine is very...

Dry pack concrete is the name given to the cement that you mix to make repairs to a floor or wall of concrete to fill holes and cracks. You must have three main ingredients: Portland cement Sand or small stones Water You mix this on your own but you don’t need to have a lot of any of the materials nor do you need a cement mixer. You need to have 2.5 times as much sand, also called aggregate, as you have cement. You mix the dry cement with the aggregate and then pour in enough water just to make it moist enough to stir. You can mix this in a container and use a stick to stir the materials together. When you feel that the dry pack is ready then you pack it into the hole or crack that you are trying to fill. Use a trowel to smooth the surface and then let the...

When you live in a home where you have neighbors on both sides then you likely want to have a privacy fence. There are many kinds of privacy fence to choose from and different factors to consider before you finalize your choice. Factors Affecting the Type of Privacy Fence You Build Budget – You need to have a budget in mind when you start looking at the different types of privacy fences you can build. The materials used can include wood, vinyl, brick, cement, chain link and metal. You can even plant hedging to create a privacy fence but it might take several years before it affords you the level of privacy you want. Regulations – Many municipalities have regulations in place regarding the type and size of privacy fences you can build. Check with these...

A shadowbox fence is one that is completely finished on both sides. Sometimes you may see it being referred to as a board on board fence because the unique style in which it is constructed. The style is very convenient because you don’t have to worry about which side is the right one. It enhances your garden as well as that of your neighbor’s which is why some neighbors share the cost of the fence. Both of them benefit. Materials Needed for a Shadowbox Fence In order to have the best looking fence in this design experts recommend the use of either treated pine or red cedar – whichever one you feel will suit the exterior of your home. You will need to use treated posts because cedar is not conducive to insertion in concrete. It rots prematurely when used in...

When you have the wooden fence installed and you sit back to admire it you still have a decision to make. Should you stain it, paint it or leave it alone? Experts recommend staining a fence for many reasons. Some of these are: Stain performs a dual purpose – it provides both sealing and waterproofing. It prevents the wood from becoming susceptible to mold It keeps the UV rays of the sun from damaging the wood Wood that is grey and weathered gains a whole new look It prolongs the life of the wood It adds to the ambiance and the resale value of the property Maintaining the Stain on Your Fence You have a wide choice in colors when choosing the stain for the fence. The best choice is one that matches or compliments the exterior of your home. Whatever color you...

Power washing a fence is the recommended method of cleaning your fence as part of your regular maintenance. You don’t have to perform this task on a new wooden fence if you are staining it soon after it is installed. However, if you wait a year or so before giving it the first coat of stain you really do need to give it a good washing. The same is true when you decide it is time to re-stain your fence because it is starting to show its age. How a Power Wash Improves the Look of a Fence Everything that is exposed to the weather and the UV rays of the sun starts to look old and dirty after a while. This applies to your fence whether it is made from wood or vinyl. The easiest way to perform this chore is by power washing. You won’t realize that the beauty of the...