Top 4 Low Maintenance Wood Fences (Pros & Cons)
For a long time, wooden fences have been the favorite of many homeowners because they are affordable, easy to maintain, very attractive, and available in different varieties.
If you are thinking of erecting a fence on your property and you are looking for different alternatives to wooden fences, then today you have come to the right place.
We have researched on your behalf and compiled a list of different alternatives to wooden fences that are easy to maintain.
1. Cedar fence
On top of our list of the best alternative to wooden fences is the cedar fence. Cedar is a type of softwood that is native to America and Canada. Being a soft wood, one would imagine that it will not last for long but that is not true.
Cedar wood is considered one of the most durable types of wood with an incredible lifespan of more than 30 years. This wood can easily outlive other wood varieties even when left untreated and that is why it is widely used in fencing.
Cedar fences are naturally resistant to insects and decay, a feature that makes them durable and easy to maintain. Besides its durability, it is also very attractive and inviting and definitely adds warmth to your property.
Cedar fence is a great wooden fence choice because they are very attractive, environmentally friendly, easy to maintain, and unique. They are also available in different designs and colors meaning you can choose one that will enhance the look of your property.
For example, you can erect a cedar fence with a classic design to give your home a unique and inviting look.
There is a perception that maintaining a cedar fence is difficult and expensive but that is not true. In fact, maintaining a cedar fence is cheaper compared to maintaining other types of wooden fences.
When you install this type of fence, then you are guaranteed that it will not catch rust or decompose. So if you are looking for a durable wooden fence that is easy to maintain, you won’t go wrong if you choose the cedar fence.
Pros
- They are easy to maintain
- Can last for a long time
- Available in different varieties
- More functional and appealing
- They cost less to install
 Cons
- They are quite expensive
2. Bamboo fence
Another great alternative to wooden fences is the bamboo fence. Bamboos are not only fast-growing but are also renewable, making them a great option for homeowners who are looking for an eco-friendly wooden fence for their property.
Bamboo is also one of the strongest and most durable types of wood, making it a great option for individuals who are looking for an alternative wooden fence that is durable. They are extremely tough and thus difficult for termites to infest or rodents to chew at the bottom.
Bamboo fences are also available in different varieties, meaning you can choose a type that is ideal for your property. They also don’t require a lot of maintenance as is the case with other wooden fences.
The only thing the fence may require is occasional tying and rebinding. You can use bamboo sticks to create a neat fence. You can also plant bamboo depending on the region where you live.
 Pros
- Very easy to install
- Environmental friendly
- Easy to maintain
- Very durable
- Inexpensive
 Cons
- They can quickly overrun your yard if they are not kept In check
3. Pinewood fence
If you are looking for a different alternative to wooden fences for your property that is long-lasting, unique, and attractive, then the Pinewood fence is a great option for you. Pinewood is a type of softwood that is found in different parts of the United States.
Although it is a softwood, it is super strong and resistant to shock, a feature that makes it one of the best woods for a fence. Pinewood wood is also easy to work with because of its soft texture.
Pinewood fences are a great alternative to wooden fences because they are incredibly easy to build and also very durable. Besides lasting for long, Pinewood fences also look great on almost any property thanks to their unique appearance.
Their strength and resilience will keep intruders, small animals, and rodents out of your property, thus guaranteeing your safety.
Another reason why you should choose a Pinewood fence over other types of wooden fences is that they can be constructed in different designs. For example, you can construct a gray Pinewood fence wall that blends with your house design.
Although it is more costly to construct a Pinewood fence compared to other types of wooden fence, it is a good investment in the long run because it can last for a lifetime with minimal maintenance.
Pros
- Easy to maintain
- Incredibly strong and durable
- very affordable
- Protects your property from intruders
- They look great on almost any property
 Cons
They usually fade over time
4. Oak fence
Oak fences are very popular nowadays, thanks to their durability and great looks. Oak fence is made from Oakwood, a type of hardwood that is native to the northern hemisphere.
This type of wood is incredibly strong and durable. Oak Fences feature visible grain knots which makes them stand out. In fact, Oak fences are best identified by their wavy grains rather than their color.
They are incredibly durable and easy to maintain. While Oak fences are more expensive to install compared to other types of wooden fences, they are cheaper in the long run because of their durability and ease of maintenance.
Oak fences are also available in a wide range of designs and colors, meaning you can choose one that suits your needs. You can even have your Oak fence custom-made for you.
This fence is also insect-proof and very difficult to break. It is a great alternative to wooden fences for people who are looking for a durable, easy-to-maintain fence for their property.
 Pros
- Low maintenance costs
- Super durable
- Fast and easy to install
- Available in various designs options
 Cons
- The initial installation cost is quite high
Conclusion
If you are looking for different alternatives to wooden fences that are easy to maintain, we recommend that you choose from the list given above.
They are durable and very easy to maintain. But out of all the wooden fences listed above, cedar fences are the easiest to maintain because they are durable and resistant to termites. They are also widely available, meaning replacing one that is broken will not give you a hard time.
Resources:
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/fences/21017711/all-about-wood-fences