FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

pressure treated fence

bob55 | Posted in General Discussion on April 17, 2009 08:38am

need help with fencing- trying to decide between cedar and pressure treated fence-trying to get a fence that will last the best – the fence will be stained using a solid stain . Almost all of the fence companies around here don’t sell p/t fence they claim that its not that good @ checking / splitting. The only p/t fence was was HD – there stockade fence looked cheesy but there gothic ( board fence) didn’t look that bad -this is a replacement fence – the posts are good. Any suggestions- thanks in advance

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    Dam_inspector | Apr 17, 2009 08:47pm | #1

    PT fences can get warped, and do split a lot. They usually have a lot of knots. They have to weather quite a while before staining. Use SS fasteners or the fasteners won't outlast the lumber. I like Cedar, but if you want a lower cost, I might use plain white pine fence, kept stained to extend its life.

    1. User avater
      Jimma | Apr 18, 2009 12:18am | #4

      You don't need stainless fasteners. Buy screws that are made for pressure treated lumber. I live in Florida and we use PT all the time. Nothing else works. I just replaced a deck that was made of PT YP. Lasted 28 years, but probably should have only been 25. Cedar, redwood or cypress would only have made it three or four (termites just love the stuff). Jim

      1. User avater
        Dam_inspector | Apr 18, 2009 12:20am | #5

        The new stuff AIN'T the 28 year old stuff. Use stainless.

        1. User avater
          Jimma | Apr 18, 2009 12:36am | #6

          Well, I guess the 45 pounds of Phillips DuraFast screws in my deck will make a helluva neat pattern.

          1. User avater
            Dam_inspector | Apr 18, 2009 12:49am | #8

            ACQ eats fasteners in a year or so.

          2. Shoemaker1 | Apr 18, 2009 02:11am | #9

            ACQ is a PITA. I see it all the time after a year them screws are nothing. And if you ever get a bit of saw dust in you eye It will blind you for a day, ask me.
            What are the posts made of? if there good maybe a good choice?
            If you have access to tamarack (Hackmatack) it is better than cedar.I try to avoid and new PT lumber, but I can see a lot of decks getting re screwed soon!!!

  2. YesMaam27577 | Apr 17, 2009 09:48pm | #2

    Pressure treated wood will continue to move a lot, even years after you build a fence. Cedar, in general, will "settle in" once its dry.

    Either wood will weather, and check and crack, with exposure to the sun. You can mitigate this by using a UV-blocking stain.

    And if you can find cypress for the fence boards, it will last decades (70 to 100 years is not uncommon) with no coatings or coverings.

    Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
    1. ANDYSZ2 | Apr 18, 2009 12:40am | #7

      Cypress fences will and do rot at about the same pace as cedar.

      On average 6' privacy fences last about 15 years.

      Staining every 3 years will extend the life considerably but 5 rounds of staining would near equal the cost of new fencing.

      I think putting a board on flat across top and waterproofing it every 2 years and pressure washing it every year will stretch your fence life as economically as possible.

      A painted fence will probably give you the longest life, but I would paint every 2 years.

      ANDYSZ2

       WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

      REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

       

  3. husbandman | Apr 17, 2009 11:45pm | #3

    Where are you?

    Where I live it's very dry and lots of people use rough 1x4 pine/fir and it lasts a long time. Again, it's very dry here.

    Cedar looks and lasts better, IMO, but be careful what fasteners you use either way. Galv streaks cedar badly.

  4. john7g | Apr 18, 2009 02:48am | #10

    I've used PT for fence for quite a while now.  What works for me is to order good grades and then stack, sticker and then band with webbing tie downs to let dry thoroughly with fans blowing from both sides until dry.  Re-tighten the tie-down banding regularly.  The banding will prevent the boards form moving during unequal MC as they dry. 

    I prefer paint over stain just as a matter of personal preference though. 

    1. brownbagg | Apr 18, 2009 04:04am | #11

      a wooden fence around here last about three years.

      1. john7g | Apr 18, 2009 04:22am | #12

        what eats them up so fast down there?  They last a lot longer than 3 years here which is ~250 miles north and a little east. 

        1. brownbagg | Apr 18, 2009 04:33am | #13

          hurricanes

          1. john7g | Apr 18, 2009 05:31am | #14

            that'll 'splain it.  Ought to just use untreated wood at that rate

      2. Boats234 | Apr 18, 2009 06:13am | #15

        PT lasts about 25% longer then cedar for me.

        It matters where you are and what quality of material you get.

        I doubt the cedar we get down here is comparable to the cedar supply in the PNW.

        Someone claimed cypress would last forever........... That might of been true 25 years ago when 1st growth red/ sinker cypress was available.

        The white/ Grobeck cypress we get now won't last 2 seasons.

        I always thought the NW was the hardest area on exposed wood, but as you know our climate kills exposed wood faster then anywhere in the country--probably the world.

        As far as hurricanes go. Any privacy fence is a goner when the wind starts blowing. Pickets or shadow box hold up a little better.

  5. darrel | Apr 18, 2009 07:07am | #16

    I put up a cedar fence with PT posts 2 summers ago.

    The posts were a huge mistake. They're STILL drying out and warping and twisting and splitting every which way.

    Plus you have to deal with all the special PT hardware.

    I'd go Cedar all the way.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper

Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in