By Kelin
Wed, May 27, 2026

7 Best Woods for Fences: A Complete Comparison Guide

Choosing the right wood is the most important decision in any fencing project. The wood you pick determines how long your fence lasts, how much maintenance it needs, and how much you spend over its lifetime.

This guide compares seven popular fence woods across the factors that matter most: durability, pest resistance, maintenance, cost, and climate suitability.

Table of Contents

Quick Comparison Table

Wood	Cost per Linear Foot	Lifespan (with care)	Rot Resistance	Insect Resistance	Maintenance	Best Climate
Cedar	$3–$5	15–25 years	Good (natural oils)	Good	Low	All climates
Pressure-Treated Pine	$2–$5	15–20 years	Good (chemical treatment)	Good (treated)	Medium	Dry to moderate
Redwood	$8–$12	20–30 years	Excellent	Excellent	Low	All climates
Oak	$5–$8	20–30 years	Moderate	Poor	Medium	Dry climates
Black Locust	$6–$10	25–40 years	Excellent	Excellent	Very low	Humid climates
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)	$10–$15	30–50 years	Excellent	Excellent	Low	All climates
Cypress	$3–$5	15–20 years	Good (natural oils)	Good	Low	Humid climates

Prices are approximate 2025 U.S. averages for fence boards. Actual costs vary by region, grade, and market conditions.

Cedar

Cedar is the most popular wood for residential fences. It has a warm reddish-brown color and a distinctive grain pattern that looks good with or without stain.

Cedar contains natural oils that resist rot and repel insects without chemical treatment. A well-maintained cedar fence lasts 15 to 25 years. Left completely untreated, it may still last 15 years in moderate climates.

Cost: At $3 to $5 per linear foot. Cedar offers the best balance of appearance, durability, and value for most homeowners.
Best for: Homeowners who want a natural look with low maintenance across most climates.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated lumber is the most affordable fencing option. It is made by infusing southern yellow pine with chemical preservatives under high pressure. This makes the wood resistant to rot and insects for 15 to 20 years.

The trade-off is maintenance. Pressure-treated pine should be sealed or stained every one to two years. Without treatment, it cracks, warps, and turns gray. The wood is also softer than cedar or hardwoods, making it more prone to dents.

Cost: At $2 to $5 per linear foot. It is the go-to choice for large projects on a tight budget.
Best for: Budget-conscious projects where upfront cost matters most.

Redwood

Redwood is a premium fence wood known for its rich color and exceptional natural durability. Its dense fibers resist water absorption better than most species. Redwood also contains tannins that naturally repel insects and resist decay.

A redwood fence can last 20 to 30 years with minimal care. It handles heavy rain well and does not warp easily. Applying a UV-protective sealant every two to three years preserves the color, but the wood stays structurally sound even without treatment.

Cost: At $8 to $12 per linear foot. Redwood is best for homeowners who want a long-lasting, beautiful fence and are willing to invest in quality.
Sustainability note: Look for FSC-certified redwood to ensure responsible sourcing.
Best for: Premium projects where longevity and natural beauty are the top priorities.

Oak

Oak is one of the hardest and strongest woods available for fencing. Its tight grain and light brown color give it a classic, refined appearance. A coat of natural oil enhances the grain pattern and adds warmth.

With proper installation and maintenance, an oak fence lasts 20 to 30 years. However, oak has two notable weaknesses. First, it has limited natural insect resistance; in termite-active regions, it needs chemical treatment. Second, oak is not ideal for consistently wet environments. It handles dry heat well, but prolonged moisture exposure can cause issues over time.

Cost: Oak costs $5 to $8 per linear foot. It is an excellent choice for dry climates where its hardness and visual appeal can be fully appreciated.
Best for: Dry climates where termite risk is low and a strong, classic look is desired.

Black Locust

Black locust is one of the most naturally durable fence woods available. It resists rot, insects, and mold without any chemical treatment. Black locust fence posts have been documented lasting 50 years or more in direct ground contact.

The wood is extremely hard and dense. It handles heavy rain and high humidity with ease. The drawback is availability. Black locust is native to the Appalachian region. Outside the eastern United States, sourcing it can be difficult.

Cost: Expect $6 to $10 per linear foot where available.
Best for: Humid climates with high pest pressure. A “set it and forget it” natural fence.

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)

Ipe is a tropical hardwood that ranks among the most durable fence materials on earth. It naturally resists rot, insects, mold, and even fire. Ipe fences can last 30 to 50 years with minimal maintenance.

The wood is extremely dense, roughly three times harder than cedar. This makes it virtually impervious to impact damage, but also heavy and difficult to work with. Pre-drilling is required for every fastener. Cutting produces fine dust that requires a mask and eye protection.

Cost: At $10 to $15 per linear foot. Ipe is the most expensive option on this list. It is a premium choice for homeowners who want the longest possible lifespan.
Sustainability note: Ipe is a tropical hardwood. Verify that your supplier provides FSC-certified or legally sourced lumber.
Best for: Homeowners who want the ultimate in natural durability and are willing to pay for it.

Cypress

Cypress is a softwood with hardwood-like durability. It contains cypressene, a natural oil that resists rot and repels insects, similar to cedar but often at a lower price point.

Cypress has an attractive, distinctive grain pattern. It takes stain and paint well. A properly maintained cypress fence lasts 15 to 20 years. The wood is widely available in the southeastern United States, but can be harder to find in other regions.

Cypress is dense for a softwood and can split if not handled carefully during cutting and fastening. Pre-drilling is recommended.

Cost: At $3 to $5 per linear foot. Cypress offers good value for homeowners in humid climates where its natural moisture resistance is most useful.
Best for: Southeastern U.S. homeowners looking for a budget-friendly wood with natural rot resistance.

How to Choose the Right Wood for Your Fence

Match the Wood to Your Climate

Climate is the most important selection factor. In humid, rainy regions, choose woods with strong natural rot resistance, such as redwood, black locust, cypress, or ipe. In dry climates, nearly any wood performs well. Cedar and oak are solid all-around choices for moderate climates.

Posts vs. Panels

Fence posts sit in or near the ground and face the most moisture exposure. Use the most rot-resistant wood you can afford for posts. Cedar, pressure-treated pine, and black locust are the most common post materials. Panels (the visible boards) can use a wider range of woods since they have less ground contact.

Plan Your Maintenance Budget

Low upfront cost does not always mean low total cost. Pressure-treated pine is cheap but needs staining every one to two years. Over 20 years, those costs add up. Cedar and redwood cost more upfront but need far less care. Factor in the full lifetime cost — not just the purchase price.

Consider Composite as a Low-Maintenance Alternative

All wood fences require some level of maintenance. Even the most durable natural woods eventually need sealing, staining, or replacement.

Composite fencing eliminates this. Made from recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers, composite fence panels resist rot, insects, moisture, and UV fading without any painting, staining, or sealing.

EVODEK composite fencing uses capped co-extrusion technology that wraps each panel in a protective polymer shell. This provides the warm appearance of natural wood with a 25-year warranty and virtually zero maintenance. For homeowners who want to stop worrying about fence upkeep, composite is worth considering alongside traditional wood options.

Request free EVODEK samples to compare the look and feel against natural wood before making your decision.

FAQ

What is the best wood for a fence?

Cedar is the best all-around choice. It offers natural beauty, rot resistance, insect resistance, and good value. For maximum durability, redwood, black locust, or ipe are superior but cost more.

How long does a wood fence last?

Most wood fences last 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Pressure-treated pine lasts 15 to 20 years. Cedar lasts 15 to 25 years. Redwood and black locust can exceed 30 years. Ipe can reach 50 years.

What is the cheapest wood for a fence?

Pressure-treated pine costs $2 to $5 per linear foot. It requires more maintenance than cedar or redwood, so the total cost of ownership over 20 years may be similar to pricier woods.

Do wood fences need to be sealed?

Most benefit from sealing every one to three years. Cedar and redwood can go longer between treatments. Ipe and black locust require the least maintenance of all natural woods.

Is composite fencing better than wood?

Composite lasts 25 to 30 years with no painting, staining, or sealing. It costs more upfront but eliminates ongoing maintenance. For homeowners who value low upkeep and long-term savings, composite is often the better investment.