Nothing looks quite like real wood. It softens a backyard, fits in naturally beside stone and brick, and can be shaped into nearly any style, from a tall board-on-board privacy fence to a simple split rail along a meadow. 76 FENCE Main Line installs cedar and pressure-treated pine fences for homeowners and businesses throughout the Main Line and nearby Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County communities.
Wood asks for a little more care than other materials. In return, you get warmth, flexibility and a fence you can stain, paint or let weather to a natural gray.
Cedar vs. pressure-treated pine
Cedar
Cedar contains natural oils that help it resist rot and insects, and it’s less prone to warping and shrinking than many other woods. It has a rich color and pleasant texture, and it weathers to a soft silver-gray if you leave it untreated. Cedar is our most-requested wood for privacy fences, picket fences and horizontal designs.
Pressure-treated pine
Pressure-treated pine is infused with preservatives that help it resist rot and insects, making it a strong, budget-friendly choice. It’s often used for posts and rails, and for fences that will be painted or stained. It can shrink, check and twist more than cedar as it dries, so board selection and fastening matter.
Many fences combine the two, for example pressure-treated posts with cedar boards. We’ll recommend a combination based on your goals and budget.
Popular wood fence styles
Privacy
Solid board, board-on-board or shadowbox designs, often with a lattice or cap-and-trim top. See privacy fences.
Picket
Classic front-yard charm for colonials, Victorians and cottages. See picket fences.
Horizontal
Clean, modern lines that suit newer homes, updated patios and pool areas. Board spacing can be tight for privacy or open for airflow.
Split rail
Rustic and open, ideal for larger lots and farm properties. See split rail fences.
How wood holds up in Pennsylvania
Our humid summers, heavy spring rains and freeze-thaw winters are hard on any wood product. The biggest threats are moisture and ground contact. Here’s how we build wood fences to last:
- Posts set below the frost line, typically 30″–36″ in our area (local code governs), to resist frost heave.
- Boards kept off the soil so the bottoms can dry out between rains.
- Corrosion-resistant fasteners so you don’t get rust streaks or loose boards.
- Gates built with bracing and heavy-duty hardware so they don’t sag.
- Layouts that direct water away from posts on sloped or poorly draining lots.
Lifespan depends heavily on the species, the installation and your maintenance routine. Cedar generally outlasts untreated softwoods, and any wood fence lasts longer when it’s cleaned and sealed on a regular schedule.
Ready for a fence you'll love?
Book a free, no-pressure estimate. Zero dispatch fees — and we handle permits, HOA paperwork and the 811 call.
Caring for a wood fence
A little attention goes a long way:
- Let new wood settle. Pressure-treated lumber in particular needs time to dry before staining. We’ll tell you when it’s ready.
- Seal or stain periodically. A penetrating stain or sealer slows moisture absorption and UV graying. How often depends on sun exposure and the product used.
- Keep it clear. Pull mulch, soil and leaves away from the bottom, and trim back vines and shrubs.
- Walk the line each spring. Tighten gate hardware and look for loose boards after winter.
If boards or posts do fail down the road, our fence repair team can replace them.
Is wood right for you?
Wood is a great fit if you love a natural look, want lots of style options, or need privacy at a mid-range price. If you’d rather never pick up a stain brush, vinyl or composite may suit you better. Our wood vs. vinyl FAQ compares them in detail, and the materials overview puts every option side by side.
Warranty, permits and payment
We offer and honor manufacturer warranty coverage on every fence we install. We handle permits, HOA approvals and the PA One Call (811) utility locate. Financing is available through our partner Wisetack, and we accept ACH, debit, credit and cryptocurrency. See financing.
Want to see cedar and pine samples side by side? Call or text 484-779-6307 or book a free estimate.