Wood Fence

Wood Fence: Classic Aesthetics with Natural Durability

Wood fencing remains one of the most popular choices for residential and light commercial applications. The natural grain, warmth, and versatility of wood create an aesthetic that synthetic materials work hard to replicate. At NMI Fence Supply, we stock cedar and spruce fence boards, pre-assembled panels, posts, and rails for every wood fence style.

Cedar vs. Spruce vs. Pressure-Treated

Choosing the right wood species is the most important decision in a wood fence project:

• Cedar — Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage thanks to its oils and tannins. Cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray if left untreated, or can be stained to maintain its original color. Expected lifespan: 15-25 years.
• Spruce — A budget-friendly softwood that machines well and accepts stain readily. Spruce requires pressure treatment or topical treatment for rot resistance. Untreated spruce fencing lasts 5-10 years; treated spruce extends to 12-15 years.
• Pressure-treated pine — Chemical treatment forces preservatives deep into the wood fibers, providing excellent rot and insect resistance at a moderate price. Requires 3-6 months of drying time before staining. Expected lifespan: 15-20 years.

Fence Styles

We supply wood fencing in the most popular configurations:

• Stockade — Tightly spaced pointed-top pickets for full privacy. The most common wood privacy fence style.
• Board-on-board — Overlapping boards on alternating sides of the rail, creating a fence that looks the same from both sides with no gaps.
• Shadowbox — Boards attached to alternating sides of the rail with gaps between, allowing airflow while maintaining partial privacy.
• Picket — Spaced boards in 3-foot to 4-foot heights. Classic front-yard fencing available in dog-ear, pointed, and flat-top profiles.
• Split rail — Rustic 2-rail or 3-rail fence for rural properties, horse farms, and boundary marking. Typically cedar or locust.

Treatment and Staining

All wood fences benefit from treatment or staining to extend their lifespan. Semi-transparent stains allow the wood grain to show through while providing UV and moisture protection. Solid stains offer more color options but hide the natural grain. Re-application is typically needed every 2-4 years depending on climate and sun exposure.

Rail Configurations and Hardware

Standard wood fences use 2x4 or 2x3 rails in 2-rail (fences under 5 feet) or 3-rail (fences 5 feet and taller) configurations. Metal post brackets, rail brackets, and structural screws create stronger connections than nails alone. For post layout and spacing recommendations, consult our fence post spacing guide.

Looking for fence installation tools? Browse our tools collection for post hole diggers, levels, and fastening equipment.