The Unique Wood Fence Type To Add Color To Your Yard

Choosing backyard fencing material is a complicated decision, depending heavily on personal preference, geographic location, terrain, project size, and — importantly — budget. Many projects will call for an understated fencing material choice that doesn't draw attention from the surroundings. Others may default to the most wallet-friendly option. All of these choices are valid, but some backyard renovators may be seeking something unique from a newly installed fence: a choice that brings a pop of color to their yard. And one fencing material that ticks this box is the redwood fence.

As you work through the list of easy tips to build the perfect fence, it's possible you'll land on redwood as your material of choice. Redwood, as a fencing material, will evoke the natural backdrop of coastal redwood forests. When grown in sustainably managed young forests, it is an eco-friendly material choice because the wood actually sequesters carbon. It's best to ensure you're not accidentally purchasing old-growth redwood, which is much more fragile, by making sure any redwood planks come with a third-party certification, such as from the Forest Stewardship Council.

Redwood is a great fencing material choice because of its inherent qualities. First, redwood is rot resistant. This is due to the fact that redwood contains tannins, naturally occurring compounds that act to protect the tree. Redwood's tannins also naturally repel many insects, which is obviously very important in outdoor environments like backyards. Those helpful tannins are also responsible for giving the redwoods their distinctive color. These qualities, so important for fencing, also help redwood rank among the best choices of wood for planter boxes.

And about that special color — choosing redwood as fencing material results in a unique finished product with a warm, reddish hue. Whereas other types of wood fencing may require staining or even paint to be considered finished, a redwood fence can be installed with a minimum amount of extra work to achieve a special burst of color around your yard's perimeter. There may be a little bit of initial maintenance, however; it is recommended that redwood fences are treated with a finish offering UV protection and mildewcide to ensure the longevity of a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind fence.