RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Scranton, 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 Scranton

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Scranton, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

At Amerian Fence Company Company, our dedicated Project Managers guide you through every step of your fencing project. From the initial consultation and estimate to scheduling and construction, we make the entire process seamless, transparent, and efficient.

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?

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?

For a long-lasting cedar look in Scranton, IA, stain your fence within six weeks. Ensure the wood is fully dry—usually after a rain-free week. Dry conditions in Iowa help the stain absorb properly.

Hire an insured staining professional in Scranton to avoid overspray problems. Protect nearby areas and stain during calm, dry weather.

Brushing can be tough, and rolling may leave streaks. Spraying works best when done carefully. Back-brush after spraying for best results.

Apply stain in smooth strokes. Apply additional coats while the first is still wet.

Re-staining is needed every 2 to 3 years. Avoid sprinkler exposure. Both cedar and Douglas fir will gray without maintenance.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Scranton?

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?

Sapwood, the lighter outer layer of a tree, carries water and nutrients much like a network of vessels. Although vital for growth, it is not well-suited for fencing because it contains more moisture, shrinks significantly, and is vulnerable to fungi.

Heartwood, found at the center of the trunk, develops from older sapwood that has ceased functioning. This dense inner core provides strength and is more resistant to decay, making it ideal for exterior uses. Many cedar products are made exclusively from heartwood for this reason.

When sapwood converts to heartwood, it stops transporting sap and becomes filled with organic compounds. These extractives change the wood’s color and give heartwood its signature durability and aroma.

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 built with two independent posts, one on each side of the opening. These posts are affected by soil settling, frost heave, and temperature changes, which can cause them to shift over time. A slight movement in the hinge post can result in a significant misalignment at the latch, preventing the gate from closing correctly.

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.