Garden Fence Guide: Materials, Styles, and Rot Prevention

Fences serve as trellises (open) or screens (closed—for wind, sun, privacy). Material choice follows function.

Wood: Classic and Popular

• Best rot-resistant: California redwood, Southern cypress, white/red cedar, chestnut, locust, arborvitae
• Preservatives: Machine-creosoted posts > hand-applied. Clean, dry, unpainted wood + 2–3 coats of pentachlorophenol, copper naphthenate (green), or zinc naphthenate (clear) works well
• Treat joints before assembly—end grain rots fastest

Modern Alternatives

• Asbestos-cement, corrugated metal: colorful, rot-proof, heavier (zigzag erection for wind stability)

Installation Essentials

• Posts 2+ ft deep (deeper in wind zones); heavy posts in concrete
• Galvanized hardware
• Tamp firmly—no wiggle

Popular Styles

• Picket (traditional white, 8–12' post spacing, pointed tops)
• Post-and-rail (10' posts, 11' tapered rails)
• Hurdle (split rails in braced frames)
• Spindle (round spindles through rails)
• Louvered/lattice (privacy + air/light)
• Basket-weave (total screen, beautiful backdrop—pro build recommended)

Design Variations

Alternate wide/narrow boards, vertical palings, staggered boards, slatted louvers—customize for aesthetics and function.

Build it right once—enjoy for decades.