RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Runnells, 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 Runnells

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Runnells, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

From the very first consultation, Amerian Fence Company Company’s Project Managers are your dedicated partners in success. They coordinate every detail — Estimating, Quoting, Scheduling, and Building — so your fence project is completed smoothly and to the highest standard.

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?

Due to tight restrictions on harvesting old-growth cedar, the lumber industry has shifted toward more readily available species like Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar.

These woods are commonly sourced from mature trees with substantial heartwood, making them strong options for fencing. Materials like Douglas fir, in particular, tend to outperform cedar in durability. While they may lack cedar’s signature aroma, they make up for it with longer-lasting performance—and for some, that strong cedar scent isn’t missed.

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

Although treated materials don’t offer the same visual appeal as cedar or Douglas fir, treated and stained red and white pine are proven performers for fence posts. Pine is naturally dense, delivering dependable strength, and ACQ or ACQ2 treatments make it highly resistant to wear and decay. Staining allows these posts to achieve deeper tones, creating a pleasing contrast with cedar or fir fencing.

As the wood dries after treatment, you may notice "checks" forming—long, narrow splits along the grain. This is completely normal and does not reduce strength or durability. Only deep cracks that extend through the post are cause for concern.

Minor twisting is also typical in pine posts. This is due to uneven drying and is part of the wood’s natural behavior, without impacting its long-term performance.

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

To preserve the natural cedar appearance of your fence in Runnells, IA, stain it within six weeks after installation. Make sure the wood has dried thoroughly—usually after a rain-free week. Dry conditions in Iowa help the stain soak in properly.

Hire an insured contractor in Runnells to avoid overspray issues that can affect nearby surfaces. Always stain during calm weather and protect surrounding structures and landscaping with tape and drop cloths.

Brushing can be challenging on rough wood, while rolling may cause drips. Spraying is often the most efficient method. For best results, spray and then back-brush to even out the application.

Apply stain in smooth strokes. If applying more than one coat, the second should be applied before the first dries to ensure proper adhesion.

Plan to re-stain every 2 to 3 years. Keep sprinklers from hitting the fence regularly to avoid uneven fading. Both cedar and Douglas fir will gray over time without maintenance.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Runnells?

Historically, cedar fence boards offered bold orange, red, and brown coloring along with a powerful cedar smell. These materials were cut from old-growth trees with very large trunks, made up mostly of dense heartwood and only a few rings of 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 installed using two separate posts on either side of the opening. These posts can shift over time due to settling soil, freeze-thaw cycles, temperature swings, and sun exposure. Even a small movement in the hinge post can cause a much larger misalignment at the latch, preventing it from lining up with the receiver and keeping the gate from closing properly.

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.