RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN Urbandale, Iowa

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

For homeowners in Iowa, a residential wood fence offers a popular and highly adaptable fencing solution. Whether you want more privacy, better security, or an enhanced appearance, wood fencing brings a natural, customizable design that stands up to Iowa's changing seasons.

BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING in Urbandale

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN Urbandale, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

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

Our fence company prides itself on organization and customer care. From your first consultation, our Project Managers manage estimating, scheduling, and installation with precision to make your fence project easy and worry-free.

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?

Because of increasing restrictions on old-growth cedar harvesting, builders are turning to alternatives such as Douglas fir, white fir, and incense cedar.

These woods are sourced from larger, mature trees, providing dense heartwood that enhances durability. Douglas fir has proven especially reliable, often lasting longer than cedar fencing. Though the iconic cedar smell is less prominent, it’s not something most people miss in the long run.

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

Treated wood may not offer the same aesthetic as cedar or Douglas fir, but treated and stained white and red pine are excellent for fence posts. Pine is dense and strong, and when treated with ACQ or ACQ2, it becomes highly resistant to the elements. Staining allows for deeper tones that contrast nicely with lighter fencing materials.

It’s common for treated pine to develop "checks" as it dries—these are narrow cracks along the grain that don’t impact strength. Only cracks that pass entirely through the post should be considered an issue.

Some twisting may also occur as the posts dry unevenly. This is a natural characteristic and does not affect durability or long-term performance.

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

For a long-lasting cedar look in Urbandale, 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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale?

In the past, cedar fence boards featured deep, vibrant tones and a distinct aroma that was hard to miss. These boards came from old-growth cedar trees with massive trunks, largely composed of heartwood and only a small amount of sapwood near the outer edges.

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?

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?

Standard drop fork latches are largely unaffected by movement in gate posts. These up-and-down, two-prong style latches continue to work even if the posts shift slightly. In contrast, latches that use a horizontal bar to catch in a receiver often require readjustment. Door-style lock latches can also fall out of alignment. For these types, four-way adjustable hinges are recommended, allowing you to fine-tune the gate as conditions change.

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.