What Is The Best Timber For A Fence?
If you’re considering beginning a new fencing project, you’re probably wondering what the best timber option is. There are several choices available when it comes to timber fencing and there’s generally no right or wrong answer.
Often the biggest choice in timber fencing is between hardwood and softwood. Each one has their own pros and cons and both make fantastic building materials for fencing. To make the decision easier, we’re going to compare and contrast the two, and highlight when each would be most suitable for your garden project.
Hardwood Fencing
Hardwood fencing is made from trees that have a dense, heavy grain. This makes hardwood more durable than softwood, and it is also more resistant to rot and insect damage. Because of this, hardwood fencing is a good choice for areas that are prone to harsh weather conditions. This extra durability comes at a cost and hardwood fencing is generally the more expensive option of the two. It is a long-lasting investment however, so if you’re looking for a fence that will last for many years, hardwood is a good option.
Some of the most popular hardwoods for fencing include:
- Oak
- Iroko
- Teak
- Meranti
- Balau
Softwood Fencing
Softwood fencing is made from trees that have a less dense grain than hardwood. This makes softwood less durable than hardwood and is a better choice for areas that do not experience harsh weather conditions. Because it is less durable than hardwood, softwood fencing is a good choice for budget-minded homeowners as it is typically less expensive. Stll, softwood fencing is not without its benefits and it often offers a range of different colours and finishes.
Some of the most popular softwoods for fencing include:
- Pine
- Spruce
- Larch
- Cedar
Environmental Impact of Timber Fencing
Like every timber product, both hardwood and softwood fencing have an environmental impact. Hardwood fencing requires more trees to be harvested and generally trees take longer to grow. The deciduous trees that hardwoods come from also absorb a higher amount of carbon, meaning this is released back into the atmosphere once it is cut down. However, it is a more durable material and will have a longer lifespan than softwood.
Softwoods are generally seen as the more environmentally friendly option of the two. Softwood fencing requires fewer trees to be harvested and takes less time for trees to grow. However, it is less durable and will most likely need to be replaced more frequently.
The best way to reduce the environmental impact of timber fencing is to choose a sustainable source of timber. There are many companies that sell timber that has been harvested from sustainably managed forests or from recycled sources.
Find The Best Timber For Your Fence With Hassett Fencing
If you’re not sure what the best timber for your fence is, Hassett Fencing can help. We have years of experience in the fencing industry, and we will use our expertise to choose the right timber for your needs. We also offer a wide variety of fencing styles and materials, so you can find the perfect fence for your home.
If you are about to carry out any fencing work, and need help with materials or general information, our expert team at Hassett Fencing is happy to answer any questions. Contact us today to find out more about our timber fencing options.