When planning a wood fence in Sacramento, it’s essential to choose the right materials for each part of your fence. Pressure treated wood should not be used for fence pickets or rails (panels), as these materials are prone to warping, curling, and poor appearance—especially when compared to naturally durable redwood. For the best long-term results and appearance, always use redwood pickets and rails. However, pressure treated wood is recommended for fence posts since it resists underground rot and insect damage, but make sure to choose pressure treated Douglas fir rather than lesser-quality hemlock fir. This approach ensures maximum durability and a beautiful fence that stands up to Sacramento’s climate.
Why Is Pressure Treating Wood Used for Fences? Purpose & Benefits
Pressure treating is a process that infuses wood with chemical preservatives under high pressure, helping the wood resist rot, insects, and fungus that would otherwise break it down outdoors. This treatment is most important for wood species that do not naturally withstand the elements.
How Deep Does the Pressure Treatment Go?
It’s important to understand that pressure treatment does not penetrate deeply into fence boards or posts. The preservative chemicals typically soak in only a fraction of an inch from the surface, meaning the inner core of the wood remains untreated. Over time, if the surface is cut, drilled, or split, those exposed interior areas won’t be protected and may be vulnerable to rot and insects. For posts, this is a big reason why proper installation and occasional retreatment of exposed cuts are recommended—and why choosing dense, quality Douglas fir posts is better than using cheaper species. Ultimately, the limited depth of the treatment is why pressure treated lumber is best reserved for posts, not for pickets or rails.
Which Fence Woods Are Pressure Treated?
Pine is the most common species used for pressure treated fencing, because it is naturally less durable outside. Other species—like hemlock fir and Douglas fir—are occasionally pressure treated, with Douglas fir being the better, stronger choice among firs. However, premium woods like redwood and cedar are valued for their natural outdoor durability and are typically not pressure treated.
Should Fence Pickets or Panels Be Pressure Treated Wood?
Generally, fence pickets and panels should not be pressure treated. Pressure treated pickets are often made from pine or fir woods which tend to warp, curl, or bow over time, leading to a substandard fence that can look terrible and fail faster. A better option for your fence pickets and rails are to install redwood or cedar woods which are more durable and last longer and look right for a long time, making them the best choice for Sacramento fences.
Why Should Fence Posts Be Pressure Treated?
Fence posts are the baseline standard for pressure treatment, because they are in direct contact with soil and constant moisture, which accelerates decay. Pressure-treated posts can last decades when installed correctly, especially when set in concrete. Douglas fir is a better option for treated posts than lesser firs or pine due to its superior strength.
Are There Better Options Than Pressure Treated Posts?
Yes—hidden steel fence posts are a modern upgrade that lasts much longer than any treated wood. Galvanized steel is impervious to rot, pests, and warping, and requires far less maintenance. Many Sacramento homeowners now choose hidden steel posts for their new fences, since the small extra cost pays off in added lifespan and durability.
Common Questions About Pressure Treated Wood for Fences
- Is pressure treated wood safe? Modern chemicals used are much safer than in the past, but care should be taken with food gardens or play areas.
- How should pressure treated wood be maintained? Regular sealing or staining is needed to maintain appearance and durability.
- Why not pressure treat redwood or cedar? These species are naturally resistant to decay and look better; hence they are not normally available in a treated.
- Can panels or pickets be pressure treated if requested? Unfortunately, we will not install untreated panels (pickets and rails) because it would require using inferior wood types and we insist on providing a quality product so we only install redwood.
- What’s the ideal fence combination? The best practice is redwood pickets and panels, with either pressure treated Douglas fir posts (at minimum) or hidden steel posts for maximum durability.
If there are specific features or questions you want addressed with your new Fantastic Fence—just ask!