Types of Wood for Fencing

Best for: Homeowners who want long-term performance, natural durability, and a high-end appearance.

Cedar is widely considered the top choice for residential wood fencing because it performs well without chemical treatment. Western red cedar contains natural oils that help resist moisture absorption, rot, and insect damage — all of which are common issues in Missouri’s wet-dry seasonal cycles.

That natural resistance translates into more stable performance over time, especially in areas where fences are exposed to repeated moisture changes throughout the year.

Appearance: Warm reddish-brown when new, gradually weathering to a silver-gray tone if left untreated. It accepts stain and paint well, making it a strong option if you want to maintain a consistent color over time.

Longevity: With periodic maintenance such as sealing or staining, a cedar fence can perform well for 20+ years in the Westplex area. Even without maintenance, it significantly outlasts untreated wood.

Cost: More expensive than pressure-treated pine, typically with a noticeable premium per linear foot. That premium reflects both the material quality and long-term performance.

Best for: Homeowners looking for a durable, budget-conscious option with manageable maintenance.

Pressure-treated pine is the most widely used fencing material in the United States. The treatment process forces preservative chemicals — typically micronized copper compounds in modern formulations — deep into the wood, improving resistance to rot, fungal growth, and insect damage.

This makes it a practical option for many homeowners, especially when the up-front cost is a major consideration.

Appearance: Initially has a greenish tint from the treatment chemicals, which fades over time to a gray-brown. It can be stained or painted, but the wood needs time to dry after installation, usually 6 to 12 months, before finishes adhere properly.

Longevity: With proper maintenance, pressure-treated pine fencing typically performs well for 10–15 years in Missouri’s climate. Without maintenance, visible wear such as cracking, warping, and checking can appear earlier.

Important note on posts: Even with treatment, posts in direct ground contact are the most vulnerable part of a wood fence. Setting posts in concrete significantly reduces moisture exposure at the base and extends the overall lifespan of the structure.

Best for: Homeowners looking for a premium appearance and natural durability, similar to cedar.

Redwood is a high-end fencing material with natural resistance to rot and insects, making it well-suited for outdoor use. It performs similarly to cedar in terms of durability and stability, but availability in the Midwest is limited, and costs are typically higher.

Appearance: Rich reddish-brown tones with a straight, uniform grain. Like cedar, it can weather to a gray patina over time if left untreated, or it can be stained to maintain its original color.

Longevity: Comparable to cedar. With proper maintenance, redwood fencing can last 20+ years. Without maintenance, it still performs well due to its natural resistance, though weathering will affect its appearance.

Best for: Budget-conscious projects or short-term fencing where a lower upfront cost is the priority.

Spruce and Douglas fir are used in some fencing applications, but are less common for residential installations in Missouri. Neither material has the natural rot resistance of cedar, and unless pressure-treated, they are more vulnerable to moisture-related damage.

Appearance: Typically lighter in color — pale yellow to light brown — with a more uniform but less distinctive grain than cedar or redwood. Often selected in pre-fabricated fence panels.

Longevity: Generally shorter than cedar or pressure-treated pine, especially in Missouri’s moisture-heavy climate. Performance depends heavily on whether the wood is treated and how well it’s maintained.