RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING IN West Des Moines, Iowa

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

A residential wood fence is one of the most popular and versatile fencing options for homeowners in Iowa. Whether you’re looking to increase privacy, secure your yard, or enhance your home’s appearance, wood fencing offers a natural, customizable solution built to handle Iowa's changing seasons.

BENEFITS OF RESIDENTIAL WOOD FENCING in West Des Moines

BEST WOOD TYPES FOR FENCES IN West Des Moines, Iowa

Wood Fence FAQ

Is cedar still my best choice for wood fencing in West Des Moines, IA?

From your first meeting to final installation, our fence company’s Project Managers are by your side. They coordinate every stage — Estimating, Quoting, Scheduling, and Building — to deliver a stress-free fencing experience with clear communication throughout.

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?

Even though treated wood can’t rival the appearance of cedar or Douglas fir, treated and stained white and red pine make excellent fence posts. Pine’s density provides reliable strength, and ACQ or ACQ2 treatments enhance its resistance to moisture and decay. Staining adds a deeper tone, offering an attractive contrast with lighter fencing materials.

"Checks" often appear in treated pine as it dries—these are thin cracks that follow the grain. They are a normal occurrence and don’t weaken the wood. Only when cracks extend fully through the post should there be concern.

Slight twisting is another natural characteristic of pine posts. Caused by uneven drying, this movement does not impact the structural integrity or longevity of the material.

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

Keeping your cedar fence looking vibrant in West Des Moines, IA, starts with staining within six weeks. Ensure the wood is dry, ideally after a full week without rain. Dry summer weather in Iowa helps improve stain absorption.

Work with an insured staining contractor in West Des Moines to prevent overspray issues. Protect nearby structures and landscaping, and choose calm, dry days for application.

Applying stain by brush is difficult on rough wood, while rolling may lead to uneven coverage. Spraying is typically the most effective method. Follow up with a brush for even results.

Use consistent strokes when applying stain. If applying multiple coats, do so while the first coat is still wet to avoid peeling.

Re-stain every 2 to 3 years. Avoid frequent sprinkler contact to prevent discoloration. Douglas fir retains color longer, but both woods will gray without upkeep.

Why is cedar fencing so popular in West Des Moines?

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 portion of the tree, acts as the transport system for water and nutrients. Although necessary for the tree’s life, it is less suitable for fencing because it retains moisture, shrinks as it dries, and is prone to fungal issues.

The darker inner core, known as heartwood, develops from older sapwood that has stopped functioning. This part of the tree is stronger and more durable, making it ideal for exterior use. Many cedar mills prioritize heartwood and remove sapwood entirely.

When sapwood becomes heartwood, it stops carrying sap and fills with natural compounds. These extractives give heartwood its rich appearance, unique scent, and resistance to decay.

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 is anchored by two separate posts placed on each side of the opening. Environmental factors such as settling soil, frost, and temperature swings can cause these posts to move. Even a small shift in the hinge post can create a larger alignment issue at the latch, resulting in a gate that won’t latch correctly.

What can I do to fix my gates?

A standard drop fork latch will not be impacted by movement in your gate posts. These are the latches that look like two prong pitch forks that move up and down. If you have this type of latch, you should be fine. Latches that use a horizontal rod that strikes or falls into a receiver when the gate is closed will need to be adjusted. Latches that look like a standard door lock assembly will also need adjustment. If you have either of these types of latching or locking mechanisms, you should request four-way adjustable hinges. These are hinges that adjust up and down and in and out. With these hinges, you will be able to adjust your gate to changing conditions.

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.