What Type of Wood Fence Lasts the Longest?

Cedar, redwood, pressure-treated pine, and tropical hardwood are the types of wood fences that last the longest.

Besides longevity, these timber fence materials have other characteristics you should know.

Here’s a more detailed comparison for your reference.

Longest Lasting Types of Wood Fences

Wood Type	Lifespan	Best Feature	Downside
Pressure-Treated Pine	15-20 years	Most cost-effective option	Requires regular maintenance
Cedar	15-30 years	Naturally resistant to rotting and insects	Prone to sun damage
Redwood	20-25 years	Strong, stable, and beautiful material	Slightly expensive
Tropical Hardwood	25-40 years	Extremely durable and resistant against harsh conditions	Very expensive and may have environmental impact

1. Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is not only long-lasting. It’s also one of the few types of wood fences that is affordable and widely available. So, it is the best option if you’re going for a budget-friendly fencing project.

On top of its low cost, the treatment process also makes softwood pine more resistant to decay, weathering, and insect damage. You can also stain or paint it for a custom look.

There are a few things to consider when choosing treated pine for your fence. For instance, treating pine wood has chemicals, which can be a risk.

Also, compared to other timber options, treated pine fences require more frequent maintenance, like staining and sealing every 3 to 5 years. Without proper and regular care, pressure-treated pine can warp and shrink.

So, even if the upfront cost is low, long-term maintenance requirements can be expensive in the long run.

2. Cedar

Cedar is an affordable softwood. When used for fencing, it can last for 15 to 30 years.

Aside from its attractive appearance, cedar has natural oils that drive insects away, like termites. This feature, however, can give off a distinct scent some homeowners may not like. So, keep that in mind.

Nonetheless, cedar is low maintenance compared with other timber options because of its resistance to rotting. Fence installers typically add a concrete layer underneath it to minimise soil contact and avoid decay.

Outdoor cedar fences still need regular care, especially when exposed to the Australian sun. Be sure to maintain it to avoid warping, splitting, or discolouration.

Western red cedar is a great-looking wood with a striking colour. However, you can also choose the white cedar type, so it’s easy to stain or paint your fence.

3. Redwood

Like cedar, redwood is another example of softwood. However, it is also pricier because redwood trees are harder to grow.

Despite its cost, redwood is one of the most popular choices for fencing. Aside from having a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, this option has high resistance to rot and decay.

Redwood is stronger than cedar, too. You can even strengthen it further by good staining. Its beautiful reddish brown colour is also one of its selling points.

Redwood fences are ideal for homes in cooler Australian regions but not so much in coastal or arid areas.

4. Tropical Hardwood

Tropical hardwood like Ipe and mahogany offers exceptional durability and a lifespan of 25 to 40 years.

This wood type is very dense and contains natural compounds that make it highly resistant to rot, decay, insects, and mould. Because of these qualities, tropical hardwoods are low maintenance, too.

Many tropical hardwoods are Class A fire-rated or have a low flame spread rating. Timber fence enthusiasts also pick this option for their grain patterns and rich colour, which can develop into a beautiful grey patina.

However, tropical hardwood fences are about twice the cost of pine wood. They are also heavier, which makes installation more challenging and expensive.

Also, check your supplier first and ensure they source tropical hardwoods responsibly.

Complement Long-Lasting Wood Fences with Expert Installation

Being familiar with the different types of timber can help you choose the right fence for your home. However, that is only one part of the equation.

You also need proper installation and regular maintenance to make your fence last longer.

Don’t hesitate to contact us on 0452 280 559 for advice or help.