RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Johnston, Iowa

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

Homeowners in Iowa often choose residential wood fencing for its versatility and natural appeal. Whether your priority is privacy, security, or enhancing your home's look, wood fencing offers a customizable solution designed to endure Iowa's changing seasons.

BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING in Johnston

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Johnston, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

At Amerian Fence Company Company, our Project Managers take the lead in guiding you through a smooth installation process. From estimates to scheduling and final construction, we ensure every step of your fencing project is handled with care and precision.

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 tighter regulations limiting old-growth cedar harvesting, more abundant species such as Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar have become the go-to choice.

These woods are typically harvested from mature trees, offering greater heartwood and improved structural integrity. Douglas fir stands out as a durable alternative that often surpasses cedar in performance. The lack of cedar scent may even be a welcome change over time.

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

While treated materials may fall short in appearance compared to cedar or Douglas fir, treated and stained red and white pine remain a top choice for fence posts. Pine is a dense wood that offers excellent strength, and ACQ or ACQ2 pressure treatments make it highly durable. Staining can provide a darker tone, adding contrast and visual interest alongside cedar or fir fencing.

"Checks" are a normal part of the drying process in treated pine, appearing as long, thin cracks along the grain. These do not affect the post’s strength unless they run completely through the wood.

Red and white pine posts may also twist slightly as they dry, caused by uneven moisture loss. This natural behavior does not reduce their durability or lifespan.

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

If you want to maintain that reddish and blonde cedar color in your Johnston, IA fence, consider staining it within six weeks of installation. Make sure the wood is completely dry before applying stain—ideally after at least a week without rain. Dry conditions common during Iowa summers help the wood absorb stain more effectively.

When hiring a staining contractor in Johnston, always choose an insured professional. Fence staining can be messy and may lead to overspray on nearby homes, neighboring properties, vehicles, or patios. Plan to stain on calm, dry days, and take the time to protect surrounding areas like houses, sheds, and adjacent fences with tape and drop cloths to avoid damage to landscaping and lawns.

Applying stain with a brush can be challenging due to the rough texture of most wood fencing. Rolling is easier but may lead to drips and uneven coverage. Spraying is typically the most efficient method if done carefully. For best results, spray the fence first and then follow up quickly with a brush to ensure even distribution and proper penetration.

Stain should be applied in smooth, continuous strokes for consistent coverage. Unlike paint, if you plan to apply more than one coat, the second coat must go on while the first is still wet. Waiting too long between coats can prevent proper adhesion and may lead to peeling over time.

In most climates, you can expect to re-stain your fence every 2 to 3 years. Be mindful of sprinkler systems, as frequent water exposure can cause uneven fading or discoloration. While Douglas fir tends to hold its natural color longer than cedar, both will begin to weather to a gray tone within six to twelve months without maintenance.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Johnston?

Decades ago, cedar fence boards displayed deep tones of orange, red, and brown, along with a bold, unmistakable cedar aroma. At that time, fencing materials were sourced from old-growth cedar trees, whose massive trunks—often as wide as a car—were made up mostly of dense heartwood with only a thin layer of 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?

A gate relies on two separate posts installed on either side of the entry. These posts are exposed to conditions like shifting soil, freezing and thawing, and changing temperatures, all of which can cause movement. Even minor movement in the hinge post can throw off the latch alignment, making it difficult or impossible for the gate to close securely.

What can I do to fix my gates?

A drop fork latch is designed to handle minor post movement without issue. These latches move up and down and don’t rely on precise horizontal alignment. However, latches with horizontal rods or door-style locking systems are more sensitive to shifting and may need adjustments. Installing four-way adjustable hinges allows you to compensate for these changes and maintain proper gate function.

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.