How Long Does A Pine Wood Fence Last?

Pine wood is a material used for constructing a fence. Certain aspects affect the lifespan of this wood. If you're considering pine for your fence installation, you probably wonder how long it lasts. We have researched everything you need to know so that your pine wood fence can be longstanding. 

The lifespan of a pine wood fence mainly depends on whether it is pressurized or untreated. Pressure-treated pine will last for 10 to 15 years while its untreated counterpart can only last for 3 to 5 years. 

It is important to understand that different factors contribute to the longevity of pine wood. You must consider the type, location, climate, and purpose. Care and maintenance is also a significant aspect. We are here to provide you with information regarding pine wood fences.

Empty backyard with green grass, wood fence and flowerbed, How Long Does A Pine Wood Fence Last?

What are the types of pine wood?

Before we proceed, let us first share with you information regarding the different kinds of pine wood that are excellent materials for building a fence. 

Yellow Pine

Surface of wood

Yellow pine is the most durable softwood and it is relatively harder and denser than regular pine. It holds nails and other fasteners firmly making it an ideal choice for construction. 

Due to these properties, yellow pine is the principal source of building lumber. Aesthetically, its grain pattern and golden hue create a beautiful finish. It is the preferred wood in framing, decks, pallets, and crates. 

As a fencing material, they make a popular choice as long that it has been treated with preservatives. This pine thrives and withstands tough conditions since it typically grows on acidic red clay soil. 

Red Pine

Timber grain

Red pine is light and moderately hard. The wood grain is straight making it easily treatable with preservatives. As such, it is an excellent choice for outdoor use.

This pine variety is suitable for fence boards, panels, poles, and balconies. If you prefer finished color ranging from light to reddish-brown, red pine is the material of choice for you.

White Pine

White wooden background

White pine comes from large trees, is light in color with uniform grain, and is nonporous by nature. Generally, it is sawn into different sized lumber to be used in windows and doors, and crate boxes.

As a high-grade or treated material, white pine is suitable for interior and exterior woodwork. As fencing material, you may consider it as an option primarily due to the durability and cost. 

How long does a pine wood fence last?

Newly installed wood fence in in Charlestown

To address the main issue at hand, a comparison between regular or untreated pine and pressure-treated pine will shed light on their respective longevity and other characteristics. 

Regular Pine

Pine is categorized as softwood, meaning it is less compact than a hardwood like oak. Pine has numerous species, the best varieties for construction purposes are mentioned above. It has a characteristic white or yellow shade with different and attractive grain patterns.

Despite being lightweight, it has adequate structural strength and durability. Pine is versatile in that it can be utilized for different construction needs and purposes. Wall paneling, cabinet or closet material, and basic furniture making are among its popular uses.

To prolong its use you can waterproof pine with sealants, paint or apply wood stain.  Regular or untreated pine however may only be used indoors.

Exposure to the elements and weather extremes can cause warping and eventual wood decay. When pine is used as a fencing material, it could only last for 3 to 5 years. 

Pressure or Chemically Treated Pine

Treated pine, as the name implies, was subjected to a procedure wherein chemicals or preservatives were introduced into the wood. It has all the features and characteristics of the regular variety but is more durable and weather-resistant.

Treated pine can be used outdoors, and as a fence, this material can last 10 to 15 years.

What is pressure treatment?

Pressure treatment is a process of wood preservation and the best method to extend the lifespan of any wood. Chemicals are introduced within the cellular structure of the timber. This preservative substance acts as a barrier that protects the wood against decay, and insects specifically termites.

It is important to be informed that pressurized woods contain Alkaline Copper Quat (ACQ) that are not harmful to humans, unlike arsenic which was utilized before. 

During this undertaking, the wood's surface is pierced with small slits before being treated, in order to allow more preservatives to penetrate the interior lining of the wood. Moisture in the wood has to be removed before the procedure. 

After this preparation, the lumber is sealed in a tank where the air is extracted. The chemical preservative is then added to the wood.

Pressure-treated pine lasts longer, typically 10 to 15 years, and is a great material for your fence because they are conditioned to withstand harsh conditions, insect infestation, and rotting. 

What is Wood Grain?

Nature wooden pattern

Woods contain fibers within them which are also known as grains. These parallel linings are extraordinarily strong. They determine the strength of the wood because these grains are able to resist stress and load capacity.

It is an important consideration because the grain directly affects the quality of your fencing material. Generally, wood with straight grain makes the most durable lumber material.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using pine?

Pros

Highly-available

They are highly-available wood types since they have become the preferred material for lumber use. Due to its versatility, pine is one of the most sought construction materials. Most manufacturers and lumber yards offer pine.

Affordable 

Depending on which specific type of pine you eventually choose, costs may vary. For instance, eastern white pine wood is the least expensive of all the kinds of timber on the market. Compared to hardwood, metal, and prefabricated materials, pine is the most affordable.

Climate resistant

Certain types of pine grow in adverse weather conditions, and as such, are more resistant to humidity. Soil resistance and durability are among its other features. Pine is a good choice for fence posts, more so if it is embedded in concrete.

Variety 

Depending on your specific needs, there are different types of pine woods to suit the purpose. Because of this, you may opt to pick the most affordable kind. You may also choose based on the design of the natural grain of the finished woodwork.

Cons

Easily damaged

Due to its lightweight nature, pine is not as dense as other woods, making it more susceptible to damage. When used for furniture work, thinner wood portions may tear up, dent or scratch.

Shorter lifespan 

Compared to metal and custom materials pine has a shorter lifespan, you may have to repair or replace it after several years. 

Maintenance requirements 

Pine, like most lumber, requires regular painting or staining, sealing, repair, and general care. It also needs more coats of paint and wood stain because the material absorbs most of it. If you intend to use pine outdoors, it has to be treated chemically.

Environmental issue 

As mentioned, pine has to be treated when used outdoors, the chemicals seep into the ground and can impact the immediate environment and affect the ecosystem.

In Summary

Your pine wood fence lasts depending on two main factors, the specific type of species you chose, and whether it was untreated or pressurized.

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