This breaks down to durability, appearance and cost.
Appearance, surprisingly enough, may be the least important of these. Obviously, if the gate is to be painted, the natural appearance of the wood will be covered. But, if you were considering a natural look, our finishing technicians can give a “faux finish”. As an example, a cedar gate and fence can be finished to appear to be cherry wood.
So, durability and cost are the most important factors.
Redwood and pine make up 80 percent of the wood purchased and used to build gates and fences.
Redwood is a good choice because it can be used in its natural form without any treatment done to the wood. Redwood also warps less than other woods when exposed to the elements. Many people find redwood to have an aesthetically pleasing look and pleasant scent.
Pine wood is another common and good choice when building a gate or fence because it is also very durable as well as cheaper than cedar wood. If treated properly pine can last up to ten times longer than cedar wood. However, one of the disadvantages of treated wood is that it can warp or crack more easily than untreated wood.
Cypress wood is another suitable choice when selecting the wood for your fence. It is a very good substitute for cedar wood because it is very similar. It is insect resistant and can be stained just like cedar. The price should not vary much from the cost of cedar wood.
Prices of these woods varies seasonally and by area. But, none of these are considered “exotic” or rare, and are, generally speaking, at the lower end of the price spectrum.
When we meet with you, we will discuss these things in detail.
Make an appointment to get a free estimate.