Norwalk Wood & Composite Fencing 562-444-1438
Norwalk Fence offers the choice not only of wood fencing but also composite wood fencing! Though many customers are moving more towards vinyl and composite fencing, some of our customers still like the natural, organic look of real wood.
Wood Fencing Options Wood fencing can be as elaborate or as simple as you’d like, depending on your personal taste. The most common wood fence is called a dog-eared cut fence. The top corners of the boards are cut at a angle. The boards tend to be 1”x6” and are usually rough sawn, meaning the face of the board is not smooth. The dog eared fence is usually built with redwood or western red cedar. The boards are nailed to a top and bottom 2”x4” rails. The boards are usually nailed snugly side by side for privacy. However, be aware that there is always board shrinkage of about 7”, and a small gap will eventually appear between the boards. To avoid this gap, some clients prefer a tongue and groove board. One edge of the board slips into a slot at the other end of a board, eliminating any gaps, even when the boards shrink. The tongue and groove boards are usually redwood and have a very smooth finish. Fence Post Options Either type of fencing can use 4”x4” wood posts, but nowadays most clients prefer steel posts to increase the longevity of the fence and decrease termites and dry rot. The posts can be round, but there is now a post called a Postmaster Post that was developed specifically for wood fencing. It is stronger than round posts and can withstand about an 80 mile per hour wind. Good Neighbor Fencing When neighbors are sharing the cost of a fence, one neighbor does not want to get stuck with the “bad” side of the fence, or the side where the posts show. In this case, a good neighbor fence is a great option. 8’ wide panels can be staggered so the rails show for 8’, then the boards show for the next 8’ and so on. Another type of good neighbor fence has the boards separated by about 3-4” on one side, and the boards are installed on the other side to cover those gaps, giving each neighbor the exact same look. If only one neighbor is paying for the fence, that homeowner usually will opt to have the boards facing inward if the fence is in the back yard. You usually don’t want the rails facing outward along the street for aesthetic and security reasons. Norwalk Fence Introduces Composite Fencing The newest type of fencing to hit the market is composite board fencing. The fence material is usually made from recycled products, making it a truly “green” fence. Composite wood fences come in a variety of styles and colors. Like vinyl, composite fencing will not rust, rot, corrode, or splinter. These fences usually come with an extended warranty as well, such as 25 years. Composite fencing also never needs staining or painting. In addition, composite fences usually look the same from both sides, making them a great good neighbor fence choice. One of the great options we carry are Trex Composite fencing. The product uses 95% recycled materials with powder coated top, bottom and side rails. Trex composite fencing also has three colors that fade gracefully into a final rich color. The Pros of Wood and Composite Fencing Wood will initially tend to be slightly less costly than composite fencing or vinyl fencing. Wood is also more customizable than composite fencing ( see pictures in this page). Wood can be painted in a variety of colors, and the material is easily available in case repairs are needed. Composite fencing is a great privacy type fencing, usually equal or less in cost than vinyl fencing. It also doesn’t have the “plastic” look that some people don’t care for with smooth vinyl fencing. Composite fencing is maintenance free, so it will end up costing less than wood in the long run. It also is not yet very common, so your fenced home won’t look like every other home in the neighborhood. Call for more information on Norwalk Composite & Wood Fencing 1(562) 444-1438
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The Downside of Wood and Composite Fencing
Unfortunately, wood will be a heavy maintenance fence if you want to keep it looking good, which is why we actually recommending spending a few dollars more on composite or vinyl fencing. Wood will need to be waterproofed, stained or painted every few years. If you’re using wood posts, you’ll also need to keep an eye on dry rot appearing. All in all, wood ends up being a high maintenance product as well as an expensive one due to the future repairs. Lastly, most wood fencing usually comes with a 1 year warranty only, whereas composite and vinyl fencing come with extended or lifetime warranties. About the only downside to composite fencing is the initial cost. But remember, since it is a no maintenance fence, over the life of the fence you will come out ahead. Also, there are only limited styles, (but they are still quite striking!) |