RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Ankeny, Iowa

Custom-built wood fences designed for privacy, durability, and curb appeal.

A residential wood fence remains a top choice for homeowners in Iowa thanks to its versatility and classic appeal. Whether you're aiming to create privacy, protect your property, or upgrade your home's exterior, wood fencing provides a natural, adaptable solution suited for Iowa's changing seasons.

BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING in Ankeny

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Ankeny, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

Is cedar still my best choice for wood fencing in Ankeny, IA?

When you choose Amerian Fence Company Company, you get a team of Project Managers committed to excellence. They oversee every detail, from your estimate to the final build, ensuring your fence project stays on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.

Today’s cedar fencing from sapwood cannot hold up to its reputation as the preferred choice for longevity in exterior applications as its lifespan is considerably shorter compared to yesterday’s heartwood cedar fencing.

What are my options over cedar?

As old-growth cedar becomes harder to source due to harvesting limitations, the industry has shifted toward more abundant woods like Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar.

Harvested from older trees, these materials offer a higher concentration of heartwood, making them more durable for fencing. Douglas fir, in particular, often exceeds cedar in lifespan. While cedar’s scent is reduced, many appreciate a more subtle outdoor environment.

Is treated wood better than western red, incense cedar or Douglas fir?

While treated materials may not have the same natural beauty as cedar or Douglas fir, red and white pine posts are a proven and practical alternative. Their dense structure provides solid strength, and pressure treatments like ACQ or ACQ2 make them highly durable. When stained, these posts can achieve a darker color that pairs nicely with cedar or fir fencing components.

As the posts dry, "checks" may form—long, narrow cracks along the grain. This is a normal part of the process and does not affect strength. Only deep, through-cracks should be a concern.

Red and white pine posts can also twist slightly over time due to uneven drying. This is a natural process and does not compromise the post’s performance or lifespan.

Do I need to stain my Douglas fir or cedar fence?

To maintain cedar’s natural tones in your Ankeny, IA fence, stain within six weeks of installation. Make sure the wood is dry—preferably after a week without rain. Dry summers in Iowa allow for better stain penetration.

Always hire an insured contractor in Ankeny. Staining can create overspray that affects nearby homes and surfaces. Protect surrounding areas and work during calm weather.

Brushing is difficult on textured wood, while rolling can cause drips. Spraying is the most efficient method when done correctly. Follow with a brush for even application.

Apply stain evenly, and if adding a second coat, do so before the first dries.

Expect to re-stain every few years. Avoid sprinkler overspray, as it can cause uneven fading. Both cedar and Douglas fir will gray over time.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Ankeny?

Decades ago, cedar fencing was prized for its rich color variations and strong natural scent. The boards were produced from old-growth cedar trees, where the trunks were extremely large and consisted mainly of heartwood with minimal sapwood.

What is the difference between sap wood and heartwood?

The outer sapwood rings, lighter in color, serve as the tree’s nutrient and water transport system. While essential during growth, sapwood is not ideal for fencing because it holds more moisture, shrinks significantly, and is more vulnerable to decay.

The inner heartwood, darker and denser, forms as older sapwood becomes inactive. This portion provides strength and durability, making it the preferred choice for fencing materials. Many manufacturers remove sapwood and use only heartwood for better performance.

As sapwood transitions into heartwood, the flow of sap stops and organic substances fill the wood’s pores. These extractives create the rich color, aroma, and durability that define heartwood.

Should I use cedar or treated pine fence posts?

If the concrete footing is placed to shed water from the posts, cedar or treated pine is fine. We will use premium cedar post or ACQ2 treated and stained posts. Though the treated pine posts are subject to forming checks and a slight twist, these posts have proven to outlast cedar. Cedar is less prone to form any cracking or twisting but it will occasionally warp. If not stained, cedar posts will eventually “grey out”.

Are treated materials safe for my family and pets?

Only use industry approved ACQ treated posts. Stay clear of using CCA (Cooper Chromate Arsenic) materials. If unsure how the materials are coated, look for a tag at either end of the post or inquire with your fence contractor.

What about Wood Gates?

Only use a heavy duty 4” x 6” posts on the hinge side of your 6’ tall gate. We recommend using three hinges per gate. Make sure all hardware is powder coated to avoid rusting.

Will I have maintenance issues with my wood gates?

Gates are set with two independent gate posts on opposite sides of your gate opening. Gate posts are subject to settling of unsettled soil, frost, extreme changes in temperatures, and exposure to the sun, which can cause gate posts to change or move. Even the slightest change in the position of the hinge post will result in an exponential movement of the latch hasp on the gate. Bottom line, your gate won’t latch because the latch hasp does not align with the latch receiver on the gate post.

What can I do to fix my gates?

A traditional drop fork latch is not affected by shifting gate posts. These latches, shaped like a two-pronged fork, move vertically and continue to function even with slight movement. However, latches that rely on a horizontal rod entering a receiver will likely need adjustment if posts shift. The same goes for latches designed like standard door locks. If your gate uses these styles, it’s best to install four-way adjustable hinges, which allow for vertical and horizontal adjustments to keep everything aligned.

What nails do I need for my wood fence?

A galvanized or aluminized nail that is counter sunk to avoid popping-out is your best bet.