If you’re looking for an affordable, sturdy, and smart-looking wooden fence for your yard, you may have already considered purchasing a stockade fence. Stockade fences are extremely popular because they provide that classic, homey look that so many homeowners desire.
A stockade fence is a type of wooden fence made of tightly-packed wooden boards. Unlike some other varieties of wooden fences, there are no gaps between the boards of a stockade fence. Apart from being highly durable and budget-friendly, they offer excellent privacy and come in many different wood varieties including treated and nontreated wood.
Stockade fences are one of the most convenient fence options as they are easy to maintain, can be installed on your own, and are multipurpose. Stockade fences can serve many purposes, from handsome front-yard privacy fences to sturdy backyard pet enclosures.
A Durable Stockade Fence
Stockade fences are among the most durable fences found on the market. Stockades are composed of sturdy wooden boards that are packed tightly without any gaps. Treated wood fences– fences which are infused with chemicals to support longevity– are particularly durable, often lasting years longer than an untreated wood fence. Longterm homeowners may prefer a treated wooden fence that can last up to 20 years.
If you are a homeowner who wants to assemble a strong, durable fence for years to come, you might find just what you’re looking for in a stockade fence.
Stockade Fences Come in Many Varieties
Stockade fences are available in many varieties of wood:
- Spruce- classic look, more economic than cedar
- Cedar- good at repelling bugs; durable, resists rot
- Pine- classic look, but comparatively less durable
- Redwood- high-grade fencing, naturally resistant to bugs and weathering, offers insulation from sound
- Pressure-treated– highly durable, most affordable option, treated with chemicals to extend the life of the wood
Stockade fences can be 4, 6, or 8 feet in height. Stockade fences are made of wood, which may be treated or untreated. Treated wood is wood that has been treated with chemicals (pesticides) to extend the life of the wood and prevent decay from bugs. Untreated wood is natural wood with no added chemicals; for this reason, untreated wood fences are prone to decay more quickly.
Stockade Fences are Affordable
Stockade fences are a great option for homeowners on a budget. Depending on the type of wood used and the size of the property you want to contain, purchasing a stockade fence will cost you anywhere from $14 per linear foot to $17 per linear foot.
Treated wood fencing will come with a higher price tag than untreated wood. If you are on a tight budget, lower-grade woods like spruce might be the way to go. If you are willing to splurge a bit more, cedar is a reliable mid-range wooden fence material. Redwood is a high-grade fence and will be among the most expensive options.
Easy Installation for Stockade Fences
Stockade fences are simple and easy to install and require no expertise to put together. When you purchase stockade fencing equipment, you will receive pre-assembled panels to put together. These panels make it easier to install than erecting wooden boards from scratch.
Use the instructions provided to install your stockade fence. Installation can take anywhere from 8-10 hours, depending on the type of fence and the length.
Before installing any fence, make sure to check local codes and ordinances to ensure that you are not violating any local laws or zoning restrictions.
Stockade Fences are Easy to Maintain
Stockade fences are easier to maintain than other fence varieties, only requiring maintenance once every 1-2 years.
For initial maintenance to avoid decay from weather conditions, clean your fence with a cleaner or brightener when your fence is new. Then, you may apply a topical sealant that protects the fence’s surface.
Check the instructions that come with your fence for more maintenance tips.
A Stockade Fence Offers Privacy
Because the wooden boards in stockade fences are built tightly together, there are no gaps in the fence. If you want a completely closed-off, private space in your backyard so that your neighbors can’t see through, a stockade fence might be the perfect choice.
Many homeowners prefer wooden stockade fences over metal or chainlink fences as it provides a more polished, elegant look to encircle the lawn with.
Stockade fences are also a popular option for pet owners looking to create a small, sealed pet area in their yard.
Types of Wood
Stockade fences come in many different varieties of wood and treatments. When purchasing a new fence, you should consider the quality of the wood you choose.
The most common types of wood that stockade fences come in are spruce, cedar, pine, redwood, and pressure-treated.
Spruce fences are affordable, simple wooden fences that offer a classic, homey look. Spruce is a lower-grade wooden fence, making it ideal for those on a tight budget. If not treated or painted over, spruce can deteriorate quickly.
Cedar fences are mid-grade wooden fences that don’t break the bank. Cedar stockade fences are available in red or white and provide great durability. Cedar stockade fences are made to last for years and do not need to be treated. When installing a cedar fence, do not erect the posts onto concrete, and instead place them directly into the ground. Western red cedar is among the most popular fencing options.
Pinewood fences are another popular option for classic-looking, mid-grade fencing. Pressure-treated pine, especially Southern yellow pine, is one of the most popular wooden fences in the United States.
Redwood fences are high-grade fences that can last up to 20 years if treated. Redwood fencing is naturally resistant to sources of decay like weathering and pests. Redwood fencing is very popular on the West Coast.
Treated wood fences are fencing structures that have been treated with chemicals to improve the wood’s durability and resist rot over time. Treated wood repels water, insects, and resists natural wear over time for extra longevity. Wood can be preserved by treating it with natural oils mixed with a solvent or a synthetic treatment product.