RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Spring Hill, 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 Spring Hill

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Spring Hill, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

In Spring Hill, IA, homeowners should be aware that the cedar used in today’s fencing products is very different from what was available decades ago. Due to limited supplies of old-growth cedar and strict forestry regulations across the United States and Canada, most cedar now comes from fast-growing, younger trees. These trees develop very little heartwood—the dense, naturally durable inner portion—and are harvested at smaller sizes, resulting in lumber made primarily from lighter sapwood.

For properties in Spring Hill, this difference matters. Sapwood cedar does not offer the same natural resistance to weather, insects, and decay that traditional heartwood cedar was known for. As a result, modern cedar fencing typically has a shorter lifespan and may require more maintenance to perform well through Iowa's seasonal weather conditions compared to the long-lasting reputation cedar once held.

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?

Limited availability of old-growth cedar has led the wood industry to adopt alternatives such as Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar.

These species are typically sourced from mature trees, providing more heartwood and improved strength for fence construction. Douglas fir stands out for its long-lasting performance compared to cedar. Although you won’t get that classic cedar aroma, the extended durability is a worthwhile tradeoff.

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 fence looking fresh with its natural reddish and blonde cedar hues in Spring Hill, IA, staining within the first six weeks is recommended. Ensure the wood is fully dry before staining—typically after a rain-free week. The dry summers in Iowa create ideal conditions for proper stain absorption.

Always hire an insured staining professional in Spring Hill. The process can be messy, and overspray may affect nearby homes, cars, or neighboring fences. Plan your project during calm weather and take precautions by covering nearby surfaces with tape and drop cloths to protect landscaping and structures.

Brushing stain onto rough wood surfaces can be time-consuming. Rolling is simpler but can leave streaks or drips. Spraying is often the best method if done carefully. For a more even finish, spray the stain first and follow up with a brush to work it into the wood.

For best results, apply stain in long, even strokes. If a second coat is needed, apply it before the first coat dries. Waiting too long can prevent adhesion and lead to peeling.

Most fences will need re-staining every 2 to 3 years. Be cautious with sprinkler placement, as excessive water exposure can lead to blotchy discoloration. Douglas fir holds its color longer than cedar, but both will fade to gray within a year if not maintained.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in Spring Hill?

Back then, cedar fencing had deep, warm tones and a noticeable, lasting aroma. The wood came from old-growth cedar trees, whose large trunks—sometimes as wide as a vehicle—contained mostly heartwood and only a thin layer of sapwood.

What is the difference between sap wood and heartwood?

These outer, lighter colored rings, sapwood, is the "working" part of the tree, as water and sap will flow through the sapwood much like blood through your arteries, veins and capillaries. While this part of the trunk is vital to the tree when it is living, it doesn’t make for very good stock for fencing and exterior applications. Sapwood contains a lot of moisture, will shrink considerably when dried, and is much more susceptible to fungus.

The inner, darker section of the trunk is the heartwood. Heartwood is formed from old, "retired" sapwood, and becomes the strong spine of the tree. Heartwood is preferred for fencing, as it is far less susceptible to fungus and doesn’t contain nearly as much moisture as sapwood, which means it will shrink less when dried. Many mills that specialize in cedar decorative exterior cedar posts and beams will actually remove the sapwood and use only heartwood.

Once the tree has "promoted" some of its sapwood to heartwood status, the sap will stop flowing through that part of the wood and the converting material essentially dies. As part of the conversion process, the pores will begin to plug up with organic matter which causes the cell walls to change color due to the presence of chemicals called extractives. The extractives are responsible for the rich character, odor and colors found in heartwoods.

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?

Two individual posts are used to support a gate on both sides of the opening. These posts can shift due to environmental factors such as soil movement, frost, temperature fluctuations, and sun exposure. Even a small change in the hinge post’s position can lead to a larger misalignment at the latch, causing the gate to no longer latch properly.

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.