When it comes to fences the most natural material to choose has and probably will always be – wood.  Not only does it look attractive, but it is cost effective and easy to maintain.  While metal fences and brick fences may last longer with less maintenance, they do cost a great deal more.

Wood panels used in the construction of fences are generally treated to deal with the elements as well as critters and insects that may wish to make their home in the wood.   Even with treated wood,  the fences will never be as strong or as durable as those manufactured from vinyl and aluminium materials but with wood you have a garden feature that is far more attractive.  The most popular wood choices include those wood varieties that have a natural resistance to pests including cedar.  For a more cost effective wood fencing option you may want to use such wood types as pine or cypress.

Most wood fence panels are pre-styled with various edges for a much more attractive look.  You can find panels with dog eared edges, gothic head, split rail and continental amongst the many others.  You can also have your fence panels pre-painted and drilled so that all you have to do is install them once they get to your home.

There are essentially three different methods of attaching them to each other.  Post and rail is the most commonly used on shorter fences and consists of between two and four cross or horizontal beams which is referred to as the rails and the posts are attached to the rails at regular intervals creating the fence.  Picket attachment is also for short fences of around four feet and the panels are placed a distance from each other allowing for spaces between them.  The final attachment is called privacy and is used on six foot or more fences and the panels run adjacent to each other allowing for more privacy.

Choosing the right type of wood and the right type of fencing arrangement will allow you to achieve the look you want.  With so many great choices available, you will find that there is something to suit your style and your pocket.