RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Fontanelle, Iowa

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

For those in Iowa, a residential wood fence is a popular option that combines versatility with natural beauty. Whether your goal is privacy, security, or improving your home's aesthetic, wood fencing offers a customizable solution built to handle Iowa's changing seasons.

BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING in Fontanelle

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Fontanelle, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

Our fence company assigns experienced Project Managers to oversee each phase of your installation. They manage Estimating, Quoting, Scheduling, and the Build process to ensure your project runs smoothly and meets your 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?

With the restrictions and limitations on harvesting old growth cedar, the wood industry has moved on to more abundant species such as Douglas fir, white fir and incense cedar.

These species are in great abundance in older growth trees, providing more options for fencing boards. Because these species like Douglas fir are being harvested from heartwood, these are proving to outperform cedar the fencing industry. Though you may not get to enjoy that rich cedar smell, you will get several years of longevity from these species. Besides, after a while, the smell of cedar is just too much to handle.

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?

Keeping your cedar fence looking vibrant in Fontanelle, IA, starts with staining within six weeks. Ensure the wood is dry, ideally after a full week without rain. Dry summer weather in Iowa helps improve stain absorption.

Work with an insured staining contractor in Fontanelle to prevent overspray issues. Protect nearby structures and landscaping, and choose calm, dry days for application.

Applying stain by brush is difficult on rough wood, while rolling may lead to uneven coverage. Spraying is typically the most effective method. Follow up with a brush for even results.

Use consistent strokes when applying stain. If applying multiple coats, do so while the first coat is still wet to avoid peeling.

Re-stain every 2 to 3 years. Avoid frequent sprinkler contact to prevent discoloration. Douglas fir retains color longer, but both woods will gray without upkeep.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Fontanelle?

Years ago, cedar fencing stood out for its vibrant orange, red, and brown hues, along with its signature strong smell. The wood was harvested from old-growth trees with thick trunks—often the size of a car—consisting largely of heartwood and very little sapwood.

What is the difference between sap wood and heartwood?

Sapwood, the pale outer layer of a tree, acts as the active channel for water and nutrients, similar to how blood flows through the body. Although it plays a crucial role in a living tree, it is not well-suited for fencing. Its high moisture content leads to more shrinkage during drying, and it is more prone to fungal growth.

Heartwood, the darker interior portion, forms as older sapwood ages and becomes inactive. This dense core provides strength and stability, making it the preferred choice for fencing materials. With less moisture and greater resistance to decay, heartwood performs far better outdoors. Many cedar mills remove sapwood and rely solely on heartwood for their products.

When sapwood becomes heartwood, the flow of sap stops, and the cells begin to fill with natural compounds. These extractives alter the wood’s color and give heartwood its distinct appearance, aroma, and 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?

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?

Because they operate vertically, drop fork latches are not impacted by shifting gate posts. Their simple two-prong design allows them to function even when alignment changes slightly. Latches that rely on a horizontal rod or resemble door locks are more susceptible to misalignment and may need adjustment. Four-way adjustable hinges provide the flexibility to keep these systems working properly.

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.