When it comes to commercial wood fences in Madison, WI, is cedar the best choice?

Because of tighter forestry restrictions and the limited amount of old growth cedar trees, the majority of todays commercial cedar fencing comes from new growth. This particular type of growth comes from fast-growing cedar trees that feature very little in the way of heartwood. These trees are also much smaller when harvested, which further limits the dark inner rings. These days, sapwood is primarily used when harvesting cedar fence materials in Madison.

What are my Madison wood fence options versus cedar fence options?

The limitations on harvesting old growth cedar has made it necessary for the commercial wood industry to resort to Douglas fir, incense cedar, and white fir, all of which are more abundant species of tree. Because these species, such as the Douglas fir, derive from heartwood, they outperform the cedar fence industry. And while it does not not provide that rich cedar small, the materials from this fence contractor in Madison possesses a great lifespan.

Treated and stained white and red pine have a proven track record as excellent choices for commercial wood fence posts. Pine, a very dense wood, is strong and when treated with an ACQ or ACQ2, is practically impenetrable. As for treated fence materials, they might be easily stained than cedar or Douglas fir. However, red and white pine posts will form long, thin cracks as the drying out process after treatment begins. However, there’s no need to be concerned about these cracks unless they go completely through the post and you can see what’s on the other side. Red and white pine posts are also prone to slight twisting, a natural part of the maturation process for this particular kind of wood – though it doesn’t compromise the quality or longevity of the post.

Do I need to stain Douglas fir or cedar wood fence in Madison?

In the interest of maintaining in Madison wood fence’s reddish, blonde cedar collar, you might want to consider staining. If so, start within six weeks from the time the fence was installed. Before starting, verify that the wood is dry. Wait at least a week since the last rain. And when staining your wood fence (including fence posts, fence caps, and picket posts), only consult an insured professional staining contractor. After all, fence staining tends to be a messy affair, one that can easily produce overspray that’ll find its way onto your house or your neighbor’s house, or your automobile or theirs! For this reason, staining should be practiced only on calm days, with little or no wind. Tape off adjoining structures such as houses and sheds. If your neighbor has a fence, talk to them about taping it off, too. It is also a good idea to lay a drop cloth to avoid the overspray ending up on your lawn.

Staining properly can be tricky. Using a brush can be difficult, as it has a course surface, whereas rolling-on staining is easier, though it has shortcomings in that it can result in a greater number of runs and drips. If you have keen eye for determining the right amount, spraying might be the best option. After spraying, follow up quickly with a brush to even out the staining.

When staining your commercial wood fence in Madison, apply evenly in strokes that are large and continuous. If applying more than one coat, apply the second while the first coat is still wet – staining a commercial wood fence is not like painting a commercial wood fence, in this regard. Also, anticipate re-staining every 2-3 years and make sure your sprinklers are not regularly spraying your fence.

What explains the popularity of commercial cedar wood fencing?

About four decades into the past, cedar wood fencing derived from old growth cedar trees, and the boards were rich with hues of orange, brown, and red. When harvested, the trunks of these trees were as big around as a Volkswagen.

What is the difference between sapwood and heartwood?

Sapwood is the “working” part of the tree, as this is the part through which water and sap flow. It is marked with lighter colored rings and, while vital to the tree while alive, doesn’t make for good fencing stock. Thick with moisture, it also tends to shrink when drying out. It is also rather prone to fungal developments.

Heartwood, formed from older layers of sapwood, is essentially the tree’s spin. It forms the darker interior section and is preferable for wood fences in Madison. Less prone to developing fungus, it shrinks less when drying out. For this reason, a number of mills that specialize in cedar decorative posts and beams tend to remove the sapwood and use only the dark heartwood section of the tree.

For my wood fence in Madison, should I use treated pine fence posts or cedar fence posts?

For commercial wood fences where the concrete footing is placed to shed water from the posts, you can use either cedar or treated pine. Here at AmeriFence Corporation of Madison, we use premium cedar post or stained posts treated with ACQ2. Treated pine fence posts tend to form cracks and slight twists, but they have been proven to have greater longevity than cedar fence posts. Cedar is less prone to cracking and twisting, though they’ll occasionally warp and, if not stained, eventually gray out.

Are treated commercial wood fence materials safe for my family and pets?

This fence contractor in Madison recommends only industry approved ACQ treated fence posts. We also recommend you avoid use of materials that are CCA (Cooper Chromate Arsenic). Want an idea of how the materials are coated? You can look for a tag at either end of the post or inquire with your Madison fence contractor.

What should I know about commercial wood fence gates?

A commercial wood fence gate is essential when it comes to providing enclosure around your business property. The gate needs to be strong and have longevity, just like the fence it’s part of. This fence contractor in Madison recommends only using heavy duty 4″ x 6″ posts on the hinge side of your wood fence gate. Three hinges per gate is usually enough, but ensure that your hardware is powder coated. This helps avoid unwanted rusting on your commercial wood fence gate.

What are possible maintenance issues with commercial wood fence gates?

Commercial wood fence gates in Madison are subject to the elements: unsettled soil, frost, changes in temperature, long-term exposure to the sun. The elements have the potential to cause the gate posts to shift, and the slightest movement on the post with the hinges could also move the gate’s latch hasp. This means the gate won’t latch.

How can I fix my commercial wood fence gates in Madison?

Standard drop fork latches resemble two prong pitchforks, and they move up and down. These will not be impacted by the movement of the gate posts. However, latches that use a horizontal rod will need adjustments. Latches resembling standard door locks will similarly need to have t heir positions altered. One way to get around problems such a these is to request four-way adjustment hinges, which adjust up and down as well as in and out. Now you can more easily adjust your commercial wood fence gate to changing conditions.

What nails do I need for my commercial wood fencing in Madison?

We recommend galvanized or aluminized nails that have been counter sunk.