How Long Does a Wood Fence Last?

How to Extend the Life of Your Wooden Fence

A wooden fence is an aesthetically pleasing finishing touch to your landscaping that also adds an element of privacy and security to your home. However, their natural appeal does come with a downside: wood fences slowly break down over time due to factors like weather and sun. 

Whether you’re considering a new wood fence or already have one to maintain, you’re probably wondering—just how long does a wood fence last?

The lifespan of wood fencing depends on the type of wood, how it’s installed, and how it’s cared for. In general, a fence made from properly treated wood like redwood or cedar should last 20 years or more. To make sure you get as many years of beauty and security out of your fence as possible, you’ll need to follow a few practical tips for care and maintenance. 

How to Prolong the Lifespan of a Wood Fence

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to maximize the lifespan of your wood fence installation. Here are 6 tips for keeping your fence in excellent condition:

1. Clean and inspect regularly – Regularly remove dirt, debris, and moisture-harboring growths like mold, moss, and mildew. While cleaning, check for spongy areas, holes, and discoloration. 
   
   
2. Stain or seal every few years – While fading is a natural feature of wood fencing, you should apply a clear finish every 3 to 5 years for protection from UV damage, insects, and moisture.
   
   
3. Address minor damage promptly – Repair any loose slats, nails, or boards that are splintered, cracked, or soft. This will prevent further deterioration down the line. 
   
   
4. Avoid direct ground contact – A quality wood fence installation should not come into contact with the ground except at the posts. However, ground level can shift over time due to frost heave, gopher mounds, tree root activity, and so on. Once a year, check the perimeter of your fence and remove any earth that’s in contact with your fence panels.
   
   
5. Trim vegetation – Plants and shrubs that come into contact with wooden fences can hold moisture and prevent air circulation. Prune back vegetation regularly to maintain a few inches of space.
   
   
6. Consider professional maintenance – Fence services from a professional company like EverFence can help keep all types of fences in excellent condition to prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future. EverFence’s fence experts can quickly assess the condition of your wood fence, check for dry rot and termite damage, and even perform any necessary repairs to preserve and protect your investment.

When to Replace a Wood Fence

Even with regular fence maintenance, wooden fences need to be replaced eventually. Posts are typically the first part of a wood fence to fail since they come into direct contact with the ground. 

Signs that your fence is nearing the end of its usable lifespan include:

• Severe weathering – If multiple posts are rotting or tilting, or if a majority of fencing panels are loose, warped, or splitting, replacing the entire fence will most likely be a better investment than replacing only the damaged areas. 
  
  
• Structural damage – Extreme weather, damage from falling trees, or general wear-and-tear can result in a fence that’s too extensively damaged to be worth repairing. 
  
  
• Unstable posts – If your fence is leaning or sagging, examine each post where it goes into the earth. Look for splintered, soft, or cracked wood—these are signs of rot. Push on the posts—if they move, they need to be replaced.

If more than a few posts or panels are damaged, calculate the fence installation cost of replacing it entirely and weigh it against the time and expense of repairs. Oftentimes, fence repair services can be more costly and time-consuming than replacing it.

Longer-Lasting Fence Options

Wood fences are considered to be one of the most attractive fence types. However, if you’re looking for an option with a longer lifespan, there are several to consider:

• Wood fences with metal posts – Although somewhat more expensive than wood posts, this option combines the visual appeal of a wooden fence with sturdy posts that won’t rot from contact with the earth.

• Vinyl fences – When comparing a vinyl vs wood fence, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fences offer maximum durability with almost no maintenance required—that includes staining and sealing. Vinyl fencing also is weather-resistant, moisture-proof, and impervious to insects.
  
  
• Ornamental iron fences – Aluminum or wrought iron fences are known for strength and longevity. If you’re seeking a privacy fence, metal isn’t the best option because it doesn’t typically come in solid panels. However, this iron fence type is an excellent choice for durability and low maintenance.