RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Clive, Iowa

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

A residential wood fence is a widely favored option among homeowners in Iowa for its versatility and charm. Whether you're looking to add privacy, secure your outdoor space, or improve curb appeal, wood fencing provides a natural and customizable solution built for Iowa's changing seasons.

BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING in Clive

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Clive, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

The experienced Project Managers at our fence company are dedicated to keeping your project on track from start to finish. With clear communication, expert scheduling, and attention to detail, they make your fencing experience seamless and professional.

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?

The decline in available old-growth cedar has pushed the wood industry toward species like Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar.

These options come from older trees with richer heartwood content, resulting in stronger and more resilient fencing boards. Douglas fir frequently outperforms cedar in longevity. While the cedar fragrance may be absent, many homeowners find that’s a small tradeoff for added durability.

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

Although treated lumber doesn’t match the natural look of cedar or Douglas fir, stained white and red pine posts are a dependable solution. Pine’s dense composition provides strength, and ACQ or ACQ2 treatments enhance its resistance to decay. These posts can be stained to a darker shade, creating a visually appealing contrast with cedar or fir rails and pickets.

As treated pine dries, it naturally develops "checks", or thin cracks along the grain. This is expected and does not weaken the post. Only cracks that extend through the entire post should be a concern.

Slight twisting is also typical in pine posts due to uneven drying. This natural occurrence does not compromise the quality or longevity of the material.

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

To keep your cedar fence looking fresh in Clive, IA, stain it within six weeks of installation. Make sure the wood is dry after at least a week without rain. Dry summers in Iowa improve stain absorption.

Choose an insured contractor in Clive to minimize overspray risks. Protect surrounding areas and stain on calm days.

Brushing is difficult, rolling can drip, and spraying is the most effective method. Follow spraying with brushing for even coverage.

Apply stain evenly and add additional coats while the first is still wet.

Re-stain every 2 to 3 years. Avoid sprinkler overspray. Both cedar and Douglas fir will weather to gray over time.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Clive?

Forty years ago, cedar fence boards were rich with dark orange, red, and brown hues. The boards also had a very strong, unmistakable strong cedar smell. Back then, cedar fencing came from old growth cedar trees. When the trees were harvested, the trunks were as big around as a car, mostly comprised of heart wood with a few outer sapwood rings.

What is the difference between sap wood and heartwood?

The lighter outer rings of a tree, known as sapwood, serve as the “working” portion, carrying water and nutrients throughout the tree much like a circulatory system. While essential during the tree’s life, sapwood is not ideal for fencing or exterior use. It holds more moisture, shrinks significantly as it dries, and is more vulnerable to fungal decay.

The darker inner core is called heartwood, formed from older sapwood that no longer transports nutrients. This section becomes the structural backbone of the tree. Heartwood is preferred for fencing because it contains less moisture, resists fungi better, and experiences less shrinkage. Many mills producing cedar posts and beams remove sapwood entirely to focus on heartwood.

As sapwood transitions into heartwood, it stops carrying sap and essentially becomes inactive. During this process, the wood’s pores fill with organic compounds, and chemical extractives develop, giving heartwood its rich color, scent, and natural durability.

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?

Each gate is supported by two independent posts positioned on both sides of the opening. Over time, factors like soil settling, frost, temperature changes, and sun exposure can cause these posts to move. A slight shift in the hinge post can greatly affect the latch alignment, often resulting in a gate that won’t properly latch.

What can I do to fix my gates?

Drop fork latches, which operate vertically like a two-pronged fork, are not impacted by post movement and generally remain reliable. On the other hand, latches that depend on a horizontal rod aligning with a receiver may need adjustment over time. Locking mechanisms similar to door hardware can also be affected. In these cases, four-way adjustable hinges provide the flexibility to keep your gate properly 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.