The Downsides And Advantages Of Pressure-Treated Fence Panels

If you have plans to fence off your property to protect your pets and kids, you might be looking for the right backyard fencing material. If you're worried about rot and wear making wood look aged and causing a lot of maintenance and repairs, you may be tempted to go with treated wood for your fence panels. Pressure-treated wood, which commonly consists of pine, spruce, or fir, has chemicals added in the manufacturing process that extend its longevity compared to natural wood. Some treated wood products are specifically made for ground contact — a useful quality for fence posts, which come into direct contact with the ground. Although there are some projects where you shouldn't use treated wood, it's generally a smart choice for outdoor fencing, since the fence panels will have regular exposure to moisture, UV light, and insects.

If you don't want to waste time on repairs and maintenance, treated wood fence panels are definitely worth it. However, pressure-treated wood has a greenish tint that you may not like. This tint is a significant disadvantage that can affect the look of the fence — unless you paint it. If you want natural wood fence panels that have a nicer natural aesthetic, cedar is worth considering. It is a highly durable type of non-treated wood that resists warping and cracking.

The biggest advantage that makes using pressure-treated wood in a fence worth it is that it's made to survive weather exposure. It's a stronger and more durable option when exposed to moisture than untreated wood. So, opting for treated wood will lengthen the lifespan of the fence, meaning you do not have to invest in a new one a few years down the road. If your fence panels will have any contact with concrete or bricks, using treated wood is especially important to help them avoid rot. Masonry and concrete are porous, which means they remain damp for quite a while, exposing the fence panels to moisture.

There are other types of damage you can avoid when you stick with treated fence panels. For example, pressure-treated wood is less likely to fade when exposed to UV light. Not only does regular sunlight cause a fading of the natural color, but it can break down the fibers that make wood strong. Wood treated with the right chemicals will resist this type of damage. If you have concerns over insect damage from termites or beetles eating your fence materials, pressure-treated wood is likewise worth it because it resists this type of damage. However, termites can still eat the pressure-treated wood if it's older, or if it has areas that do not have chemical protection, such as holes or cut ends.

Pressure-treated wood nearly always has a green tint from the copper-based chemicals and preservatives added to it during the manufacturing process. Because of the tint, pressure-treated fence panels simply don't show off the natural beauty of the grain the way untreated ones do. However, you can stain or paint the panels to change their look and hide the greenish tint the chemicals create.

It's also important to understand that pressure-treated wood is not a "forever" type of material. It eventually breaks down as the chemicals added to it dry up and become ineffective. Its typical lifespan of 15 to 20 years gives treated wood an edge over untreated pine fences, which usually succumb to wear after 5 to 12 years. But if longevity is your main concern, it's worth considering an aluminum or a vinyl fence, either of which could last a staggering 50 years.

If you purchase treated wood where the manufacturer did not apply the chemicals correctly during the manufacturing process, the material could shrink or crack prematurely, potentially destroying your fence. Additionally, some people simply don't like the idea of having chemicals infused into the wood because it's not considered eco-friendly, especially when disposing of the material once its service life is over. If you have concerns about the environment, cedar may be a better option, even if means paying a bit more.